Not all men (and women) were equal on Friday morning. Some had partied and had heads to prove it.
One had yet to find out that he'd broken his foot!
Breakfast was a quiet affair, but with only 38 miles to do by lunchtime, we could afford to take it easy.
Soon after departure the rain returned, and it was getting cold.
As we approached Harrogate it started to get very cold, and by the time we were negotiating the streets of this beautiful town, it started to sleet.
The group which had stuck together for 200 miles became strung out.
Mobile phones buzzed, and for the first time on the ride, in trouble.
Those at the front stopped and were getting cold waiting, those behind were having to deal with the worst weather.
Decisions were made and the group split into two. The front stronger party would fulfill our planned appearance at the Arlington site whilst the others took it more slowly and we would all meet for our arrival together at Stourton.
Leeds city centre at lunchtime on a pushbike is not for the faint hearted! We zoomed through the city streets and made our planned appearance at Arlington.
Back across Leeds and we regrouped in the Punch Clock car park. Cleaned off the worst of the grime, and rode triumphant into Stourton.
There were loads of people out on the steps to greet us and champagne to celebrate - an excellent end to an exciting adventure.
In all we covered around 240 miles in a total time of 18 hours and 18 minutes in the saddle,
Some £5,000 was raised for our charities, and it was a befitting way to celebrate the 10th birthday of First Direct.
Anyone for next year?
...do I really want breakfast?
The
arrival at Arlington
champagne and flowers
keeping warm in the van
re-group at the Punch Clock