Incredibly, its 12 months since the last UK Police Unity Tour and today was the first day of the 2ndUK event.
Its somewhat ironic that at the end of the first day of an event to remember the fallen, I received several texts from friends to tell me of the sad death of 2 fellow Newcastle fans yesterday on the Malaysian plane shot down over the Ukraine. RIP John (aka the Undertaker) and Liam.
The event started last night with a pretty ride briefing at New Scotland Yard followed by a quick pint and a chat. I got home and as it was such a nice night and forecast to be warm and dry overnight, I put some washing on the line intending to get it in before I set off for the ride. Big mistake. There were 2 I credible thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain. These meant I got very little sleep before getting up at 0430. My clothes on the line were wetter than before I had hung them out. A problem for when I get home.
So up at 0430 to start packing my bags for the ride. All packed and I set off at 0600 for the station, forgetting my camera and my sunscreen. Down to the station only to find my train is now running 20 mins late,which is interesting as trains are supposed to run every 10 mins! Panic as I was going to be late. Not a good start for a member of the board!
Eventually I got to NSY where we had a send off ceremony and then wreath laying at the Police Memorial on the Mall. We (75 riders) then set off down The Mall passed Buckingham Palace and up Constitution Hill escorted by the Met Police Mounted section and motorbike outriders.
The first stop of the day was due at the Police Social Club in Bushey. This was only 16 miles into the ride, but was preceded by what was the worst hill last year. Sadly this year the hill seemed steeper and longer. It almost broke me, but those who know me will agree I am stubborn. Nil illegitimae carborundum. I made it to Bushey.
After a quick pitstop we headed of via more hills to St Albans and then to Luton where watched by the family of the deceased officer we laid a rose at the memorial to his death in the High Street.
Off again and we rode to our lunchspot at Sainsbury’s in Biggleswade (after a brief stop and cakes provided by Sainsbury’s in Luton. We reached lunch at 3pm! The going was very slow partly because of the need for liquid refreshment stops as temperatures in the sun were being recorded of 95+Fahrenheit.
We eventually reached Milton Keynes after 6pm tired, dehydrated and suffering hear exhaustion.
Today I have drank well in excess of 10 litres of water and was despite this unable to pass urine whilst at rest stops. Normally I rarely take on board any fluids when riding.
The 85.5 miles ridden were gruelling and it was one of the hardest days riding I have ever done. We rode lots of hills, some very steep. The Sag wagon was full most of the day.
2 bananas and a couple of pieces of cake was not enough fuel for this ride! I will remember to have breakfast tomorrow before our 75 or so miles to Tamworth. We will be having lunch with the survivors on Saturday. This will be a special event for everyone involved.
Then on Sunday I get to meet the widow and sisters of PC Joe Carroll, and present them with the band of honour I am carrying to the National Memorial Arboretum.
Cycling Around Slowly 