As we have a short break in the company sales conference I look out of the window on rain and have mixed emotion about not being on my bike. I have shared a bedroom with her, we've been in the back of a minibus together and we have been literally up hill and down dale together. Now she is in the shed with a puncture. This week we have covered 357 km and burnt through some 12000 calories. We've taken energy gels, fruit bars and in some cases had chips for pudding just to keep the engine stoked. Why did we do it? I think two reasons, firstly the Benevolent is an outstanding cause, it is still not too late to sponsor; www.justgiving etc etc. Secondly because it was a personal challenge. What did we get out of it? Some money for the Benevolent yes, but also it was a great experience. Seeing Bomber's legs grinding out the hills; Neal, the man who put the term Mountain into bike pick himself up and go on, Alan burn up the final hill, Eddie smoking a Marlborough Red while cycling and Andrew in his tights are all great and treasured memories. Would I do it again? Yes definitely as Bollinger were such excellent hosts and the team at Mentzendorff made it all go like clockwork - well almost.

Thank you

Andrew R