Tour de Vin – Stage One: Done!

I pass on this neat summary from Anne Linder who drove the Mother Van around after the riders and managed to get them there safely.

Well, what a week that was. Nine riders set off from Gloucester (core crew, support team from Gloucester and a couple of customers as well) and were met by the team in Solihull early evening on Wednesday (slightly later than planned due to a pizza stop part way).

Day 2 dawned dry and clear ... but was very hilly indeed. I wonder who else has sampled the delights of Stokenchurch on two wheels? Tony, Henry and Tom very kindly offered respite in the form of a local brew in Marlow before hard-earned fish and chips from the chaps in Beaconsfield.

Day 3 looked to be the hardest start ... over halfway but still two hard days to go. First stop Hersham (a little later than planned due to roundabout confusion) then Surbiton. Central London on a bike proved to be a near death trap and much slower going than the open road but on arrival at The Savoy for a photo call Andy, Jim and Marein took a few minutes respite in 'the lounge' (at the invitation of our hosts).

Backpack of corks loaded and cheque in hand they set off for Locksbottom before finishing at Croydon. They have my undying admiration for having completed day 3. A well-earned pint in The Purley Arms (with bike) was downed very rapidly.

And so to Day 4 (final UK leg) and stocking up on gels, energy bars, liquids. At least it was a downhill start to get on the road to Windsor. Steve, our Prince's Trust Young Ambassador, joined the trio in Windsor and they set off for Virginia Water. Binfield provided much needed sustenance and catch up on the news.

And then it was the home stretch to Theale. Shortly after 4 o'clock Marein called in to say they were crossing the M4. Tony made the announcement to the guests at the Theale Food and Wine Show and in cycled the bikes ...right into the tent to cheers and applause from the admiring onlookers.

Unsaddled and helmets off they each sank a rather large glass of Will's Abingdon brew before going home clutching their Radox Muscle Soak and StarBars.

A huge well done guys for a mammoth effort and great result. And a heartfelt thank you to all of you who helped bring this all together and who provided support along the way. We were supported by Rabbits Vehicle Hire, Berkshire Cycles, Blue Door Cycle company, Cavaliers printers and Farnese Vini.

We are most grateful to them all. And now, it's over to Anna and Phil for the second leg. Do come and wave them off on Friday this week in Theale if you can … 12.30 departure. Over and out for now.