Over and Out

So, I’m drowning under a growing pile of Xmas cards itching to be written and sent. As the temperature continues to plummet, the constant 30 degrees, fresh air and blue skies of the French Auvergne and the Spanish Sierra Nevada seem a distant memory.

I’ve been meaning to write this final post for several weeks, but just haven’t managed to commit to it.  Much like shaving off the ‘Bellamyesque’ beard, dragging myself to a barbers for the first time in months and weaning myself off daily applications of Chamois cream, I’ve put these tasks off for as long as possible, savouring every moment of the ‘just back from my travels’ appearance. Even if the look had a certain trampishness about it, it felt bloody wonderful. Bellamy, Captain Birds Eye and Ben Fogle all wrapped into one.  Nice.

Did we really get back over 6 weeks ago? Amazing how time flies. Honestly, what with the Wire and Homeland to catch up on, press interviews to give, photo albums to organise and endless requests for public appearances, I’ve been flat out. Exhausted.  In fact, I need a holiday.

But before I disappear off in search of warmer climes, I do just want to say a few final thank yous.

As you all know the idea for this ride developed after my father passed away in January. And while the ride was undoubtedly a lot of fun, full of terrific memories and experiences, the poignancy of the driving factors for me doing this were never far away throughout the 10 weeks. It was about the incredible Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice that cared for Dad, the Help For Heroes charity that my father supported, but first and foremost it was about Dad and taking on a ride he did 50 years ago and finishing it in his memory.

I doubt my English GSCE ‘A’ equips me sufficiently to convey the level of gratitude I feel. I really can’t thank everyone enough who has supported the journey, either by donations, messages of encouragement, offers of support etc. We’ve raised a staggering £12,000 to date, which is truly incredible when you think I wasn’t sure if I’d get to £3,000 when I first started out. To put it into context, the CEO of the Hospice told me that this is one of the biggest amounts raised by fundraising – they just don’t have people going out and doing what we’ve done for them very often.  It really means a huge amount to them all the staff there. So a huge, sincere and if Dad had anything to do with it, probably teary thank you from me to everyone who has donated and got behind us. Times are tough, and you have been incredible, some of you ridiculously so.

To wrap up this memorable adventure, a couple of individual thank yous that need special mention:

Karen , Henri and Mike – my wonderful cousins, thank you for making the effort to join us in Argentiere and again for your hospitality in Geneva. Delighted to have involved you in the journey. And Karen & Henri – I am so happy for you both!

Annie and Paddy – for putting us up in Anzere and treating us to possibly the best meal of the 10 weeks! Your generosity was and is incredible.

Dave, Jan and Stewart – Sedella, wow, please find me a mountain top too. I’m serious. A truly fantastic couple of days chilling out before the big finale. One day, I will cycle up that dam mountain though!

Jason, the ‘Armenian Bullet’ who joined us for 10 days, buried himself in the mountains on that first day, is the only person to have ‘really had to push it up the hills’ and currently holds the record for crashes involving only himself.  Thanks mate.

Lulu, Olivia and Rick – Tour Director, Tour Support Coordinator and Accoutrement Design Director respectively.  Thanks for your ongoing support, schlepping out to join us on those various weekends, replenishing Dioralyte supplies, giving Cheeks and I someone else to chat to after weeks of our own banal banter and for arranging a flawless and magnificent welcome to Gibraltar. You are stars.

Cheeks/Humph - bearded partner in crime, thank you for putting off your return to the world of work (whenever that might be!) and choosing to be part of the whole journey, even if you did take 2 weeks off in the middle… It was a real blast and will live very long in the memory.  Thank you.

And finally, to Dad. The inspiration. It’s been a pleasure following in your footsteps. I hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I have.

That’s all folks, save for a final shot of the beard!  Happy Christmas.

Charlie