London to Peterborough, Saturday 4th June

After weeks of planning and training the day had finally arrived - the RHide for Stuart London to Peterborough edition: 102 miles through the East of England. Easy...?.

The day started early with a rendez-vous at Peterborough station at 6:25am. Two hours later and Central London (Part One) negotiated we had all arrived at Dean's Yard.

As well as our London based RHiders we were joined by Eric, Frank and Henry from the Board of Management together with Craig, Anne, Trudi and Ruth for Le Grand Depart. A prompt departure assisted by a countdown from the supporters meant the challenge was on.

We successfully negotiated Central London with a couple of minor detours to the Lea Valley.

It was at this point the head wind became apparent. Unperturbed we carried on eager for our first sighting of Mark, the support van, and endless supplies of flapjacks, shortbread and that well known isotonic beverage.

After a short break we were back on track heading into the Hertfordshire suburbs. The gradients were bigger than expected but we all managed to get by. We nearly lost Josh at Hertford as he focused his energies with some music.

A quick stop soon followed and a phone call to cyclists meeting us en route and base camp (Rightwell House) to let everyone know we were on track. This statement was a little premature as we made our way into Bedfordshire and the head wind became very noticeable.

The 2:30pm meeting point for Alec and Mick soon became 3:30pm as the challenge started to take its toll on many of us. Jovial breaks became silent moments of reflection to ready ourselves for the next stint.

The support group remained steadfast throughout the day giving words of support, well, saying what they would be eating during our next stint on the road. By 4pm it was clear the wind was dominating the group. The pelaton had long since disbanded to form groups of cyclists, each group with their own map.

At St Neots Jaap unfortunately had to drop out after an altercation with a car. An ambulance was on the scene in minutes to check everything was ok . The timing was regrettable as this was where we were meeting the remaining RHiders for the big push back to Peterborough.

After a pep talk from Jamie, reminding us of the need to be vigilant for cars, we were back on the road heading for home. It was great to have new energy into the group and some new faces, particularly for those who had begun the day in London.

Whether the wind was up or not, the mental battle with the elements was at its fiercest on the final leg. Words of encouragement from the support van and supporters who met us at St Neots were really crucial to keep the group going. The final break brought further cheer when we heard from Jaap that he was not seriously hurt, sustaining only scrapes and a few bruises. The sense of relief among the group was palpable.
The fading light and imminent darkness as the evening wore on only served to galvanise the group. With rolling field after rolling field and flat stretches feeling like uphill in the wind, it seemed like the bright lights of Peterborough had disappeared.

That was until finally we crossed into the city limits. Pure adrenaline drove us back to the office where remarkably Linda and the gang were still there to greet every single RHider (by 9pm the majority of the group were still to arrive).

Each arrival was greeted with applause hugs and handshakes. Although the head wind proved a significant challenge, everyone who took part can be proud of their achievements, including the invaluable support teams. A fantastic way to raise much needed money for our friend and colleague, Stuart.

One final word: Chapeau!

Alastair McMillan, Peterborough Office