The Final Total For Big C

Just to let everybody know. Big C Norwich are now in receipt of all the funds collected to date on the Cycling Music Tour. The total is £3,109.00  a great contribution from all who came to concerts or who just donated to the cause. Both Richard and I are delighted to have amassed that sum from touring on the bikes. Best wishes and much love to everybody. I am currently out in my house in France with family. Been out a few times on the bike attacking a few big hills. Big for me anyway!!  

The Last One

Norco Cycling and Music! 

Bike Percussion

Stage Set

Bach Cycling Music 

Tubular Bells 

Cycling Music 

We Made It!

We is everybody involved in the Cycling Music Tour.  All the hosts and the organisers at the various venues we have visited over the last few weeks, family and friends who have supported the long ride, fellow cyclists and various cycling mechanics, sponsors of cycles and equipment for the shows. Those who have attended the concerts and others who have donated to the Big C charity based in Norwich. One big team!   The last day of the tour involved perhaps the very shortest ride, just  two miles to the venue. This was a good job as a mysterious swelling has developed on the maestro's backside. Too much detail could perhaps be a little off putting.  Could this possibly be the much discussed infected hair follicle.  We will never know.  There would be no sitting down on the short ride to the Ropetackle Arts Centre.   Luckily my bottom has been very well behaved and has put up with all the pressure put upon it. A miracle in itself.     A special concert was planned for the last gig of the tour.  Instead of the backing tracks coming off the computer Richard had invited Stephen Hiscock,the percussionist, used on the  cd recording to join him on stage for full live renditions of Cycle Music and much much more. It would take longer than usual to set the stage and rehearse for the show.   Incident free transfer to the Ropetackle with more gear than the bikes could carry so Louise brought the larger sound system and bike parts for Stephen to use in the show.    The rest of the day was fully taken up with ensuring that the stage was set and no technical problems could bite us in the backside. That thought is awful. All looked stunning on a jam packed stage with the two bikes and the bike bits and pieces and in addition a full light show to enhance the tour lights.   A photo call at 15.00 and then on with rehearsing the cycling music. Before we knew it the home audience were arriving and the auditorium was bussing with expectation.  I say home audience, what a surprise when Chris and Jane Dunkley, dear friends from the world of Hot Air Ballooning, arrived for the concert all the way from Wendwover in Buckinghamshire. A four hour drive, including the deaded M25, on a Friday night.  What an great effort and so kind of them to support us like that.  Another blast from the past was meeting up with Mark Burke who was the playing partner to RD in the late 1980's when they first visited Eccles in Norfolk as The Two Fattest Boys In The Class.    Jeff Haynes riding friend on the early dates of the tour was there too.   You cannot beat a home crowd and the warm welome for Richard was just reward for the effort he has made on this musical endurance tour; physical, mental and artistic.   A great achievement not only for today but for each and every one of the thirty odd concerts played. The Cycling Music is usually performed in the first half of the concert but for tonight it was being saved for the finale.    The breadth of the concert was enjoyed by everybody. Stephen stepped up to the stage for the JS Bach arrangements which concluded the first part of the show. Truly the first composer of the cycling style of music.  With RD's arrangements joined by the sensitive playing from Stephen they left us all wanting more at the interval.    The second part of the show was opened with the artiste's rendition of Tubular Bells followed by the much anticipated  Cycling Music. A real one off performance with Richard and Stephen together.  Two encores and it was all over.  They left them wanting more!  Thanks to all who came to make it such a great homecoming for the tour. Stage cleared and gear packed it was time to say our goodbyes. I left Shoreham a little before 23.00 and headed home to  Norfolk with my head full of music, tour tales and tall tales along with great memories of new friends and kind people who had kept us all safe and sound, peddling and spinning. Thanks and love  to everybody for allowing me to be part of it all, particularly Louise and Richard, my great friends John and Anne who encouraged me so much, to my dear family Naomi, Joseph and Thomas who all played an active part in the tour.   My brother Michael who first passed the good old Norco and set me off riding four years ago. A great follower of the blog. What can I say?    All that and over £3,000 raised for the Big C charity in Norwich.   If you came to the concerts you helped raise that figure  as 20% of the ticket proceeds went to the charity along with individual donations.   The final figure raised will be posted on this blog as soon as possible.   Bon chance! 

Getting Set

Stephen's Bicycle Percussion Set Up.

Cycling and Music

Over Hill and Dale.

Holy Trinity Pics

Guided to Guildford

The last long ride of the tour.  A lunchtime concert in the church of the Holy Trinity in the centre of Guildford.   An early start was required.  On the road just after 07.00   The plan was to take the Downs Link cycle path which runs the whole way from Shoreham to Guildford. As we were cycling in Richard's stomping ground he assumed navigational responsibilities.   We avoided the track for the first hour staying on the road north to Partridge Green.  Progress was excellent for two fully fit cyclists. Once on the path we slowed a little as the surface was more uneven and of variable quality.  That is my excuse.  Weather was set fair and ideal for our purposes.   The country scenery on the path was stunning. Just over an hour out from our destination and we were met by Roy and Herbie, experienced local cyclists who had  arranged to meet up with us on the route and guide us to the church  in addition to attending the recital.    They were well read and knew of our liking for the odd slice or cake.  Roy was loaded up with a cornflake treacle delicacy.  The days of eating cakes and chocolate regardless was coming to an end. Well that is if we wished to keep our smaller figures.     No major issues as we approached our destination.   Just to keep me on my toes through to the end my chain came off and jammed in the cogs.   A five minute struggle, man against bike and it was released. This had not happened for a few weeks.  Our morning coffee was taken at Shalford along with Roy's treats.   A very short spin to complete the morning ride.   The church of the Holy Trinity is an ideal venue with a broad nave and wonderful acoustic.   With just over an hour to set the biking  scene up for the show we got down to work.   The truncated show was to be without an interval,  a slightly distilled version of the full performance. A tidy number arrived to enjoy Cycling Music.   As with all the other concerts the programme  was very warmly received.    The tour delivered.  A rush back to home base and one or two tasks to get on with.  Richard was close to launching another in the series of video blogs using the tour footage we had taken.  We had some catching up to do. In addition there was the last concert at the Ropetackle to prepare for.     Dinner with a toast to the success of the Cycling Music Tour.  To making it through to the end without missing a concert or appointment. Not bad though I say it myself for a tour of 1420 miles.    A disappointing end to a successful day after England lost their match.  Surprise, surprise. 

Herbie and Roy

We were accompanied on the ride to Guildford by Roy and Herbie. Keen cyclists and followers of quality music. They brought cakes too!!!  Thank you both for your kindness and friendship. 

Copycat

My brother Michael in British Columbia Canada has just completed a short expedition with bike and trailer!  The original rider of the Norco which has been my partner on all the long distance trips I have completed.   Very tidy and well packed combination I must say. 

Brighton Pics

On the Beach 

In Concert 

London to Brighton 

What a pair!  The welcome team!

Norco at Brighton Station 

Stripped down! 

London to Brighton Cycle Ride for Cycling Music.

Back in Reigate by 10.00 I would like to say fresh as a daisy but we were feeling the effects of the record ride from yesterday.   We are not ones to complain.   The good news was everything was working; bodies and bikes. This was a big day on the tour for the artiste.  If the ride into home territory was not enough there  was all the detail of the concert which would be given on Brighton Beach.    Dealing with the details and last minute hitches. Once we were riding there was little we could do. The Downs managed to throw up a few hills to contend with but nothing that two experienced riders could not cope with.   Our route dropped down through Leigh, Hookwood, Lambs Green, Faygate and onwards south to Brighton.   I made a slight navigational error, unusual on this tour,  which cost us four miles in distance and the precious time!   No bonus points today.   Soon back on the right lanes and in good time. Stopped to  refuel; coffee and cakes! The end of the ride was in sight and so was the Devils's Dyke hill.   We had been up this little challenge on our last major training ride before the tour commenced. It would need a big effort.   The artiste was in a keen mood and set the pace. The sight and thought was in fact worse than the effort required and before long we were both delighted to be rolling down the long  hill into Brighton.  Traffic congestion due to the closed roads of the L to B ride.   We met with Louise to pick up more gear for the concert. I had a couple of calls as we came down the hill from Naomi. I could not speak as we were moving too fast.   Eventually we spoke and she sent a picture to me of her and Lisa at the pier.  What a surprise for Father's Day Naomi and Lisa had come down to meet and greet and welcome me back to the sea which we had left nearly seven weeks ago and nearly 1,400 miles.  What a fantastic effort.  It felt so good to have them both at the end of the day's ride and more special  for Father's Day.  There was still a concert to prepare for. An unknown quantity! The big screen on the beach was the venue.    Cyclists were pouring in from the marathon ride.   Strangely though,  close in terms of distance, the event seemed detached from the big screen area.    The stage show needed to be adapted in terms of performance and set up. The former more tricky and masterminded by the artiste.  The plan was to play between two World Cup matches being shown on the big screen.   Sound check was completed in time and then we had a few moments to rest and chat.   Cards from Naomi Lisa and the little ones. So kind. Naomi disappeared to get food including a delicious vegan meal for the axeman!    Not only that she treated the ride team to hoody tops for the L to B ride.  Very smart indeed.  We attempted to bridge the event distance between the screen and the ride and get bikers to attend the Cycling Music Show.  Sadly the audience was pretty sparce on the pebbles. That did not prevent our man from Shoreham delevering a great show. The projections were on huge big screen and the sound through the more powerful venue PA.  Quality conditions but sadly the wrong slot.   The next match was on the screen whilst the bikes were repacked with gear. With a lull in the tour until Thursday I was going home to Norfolk.  I planned to return to London with Naomi and stay the night with them and head on to Eccles on Monday morning.   Along with my bike we went up the hill to the station at Brighton. Good plan.  Not a plan which fitted in with Southern Railways. No bikes on trains because of the London To Brighton ride.    Surely that is a good reason to have bikes on trains. Lay on more trains and carry the bikes.  That would require Southern Rail giving service to customers and planning the logistics. This event was not suddenly sprung on them.  More trains,  more carriages. Even charge to carry the bikes. Make a donation to charity? Not difficult in 2014 surely.  No, not Southern Railway, take the easy option and simply ban the bikes.  The managers need the boot, big time.  I made my feelings known to the staff. I did not kill the messenger but I asked them to pass it up the management line. Fat chance. Wasted time I think.   Typical in England to have such negative attitudes. Not one to whinge but this is ridiculous beyond belief.    We chained the Norco to the railings at the station and texted the boss.  Richard agreed to pick the Norco up in the morning.  Before catching our train we took everything off the bike including the front wheel.  My partner in crime looked sorry for itself as we left. Back in business on Thursday all being well.   Next problem came up. Poor Naomi had started to feel unwell and this developed as we got on the train and headed for the capital.     We arrived in Victoria and poor Naomi needed to hunt for the loo.   Our taxi was waiting to take us to Chigwell.   Lovely attitude from Addison Lee Taxis.  Don't  be sick in the taxi.  £100 fine if you are. No sympathy no assistance and a negative attitude.  Good old English service again.   Back home and straight to bed for the poorly patient.  Beans on toast for yours truly. Thanks Lisa.   Bon nuit.   A great day on many fronts despite the problems.    Tour mileage 1,378        Richard rode 7 extra miles to get home.   Glutton for punishment. What a feeling. 

Giant St. Paul's

London Calling

06.00 and we are up and getting ready. Josh tells me the party finished 04.00 

We heard nothing. Great breakfast was enjoyed before anybody else. We avoided the surge of grockles around the  self service breakfast bar. So off putting! What a snob I am.   On the road and heading for the Metropolis. The route on on A12 was not an option. Josh had advised of a cycle path alongside the dual carriageway if we could find it. Studying the map and looking and checking.   It became clear that early morning rides are not suited to some.  All things considered the route proved more than adequate. That is my opinion. Three cheers for Boris. The blue cycle routes into the city were  clear and fluid.   We beat some of the cars and buses. Arrived at the venue, Giant Bike Shop St. Paul's  bang on time. Like a well oiled machine we were up and running in under 30 minutes.   Sadly the audience were thin on the ground. Those who were there had a treat.   Kindly Giant attended to RD's bike and set it up for the evening ride to Reigate through the Saturday evening traffic.   Good job it was not midweek.  Quickly we found our way across the Thames and on towards Brixton and the south. Peddling hard and  with the benefit if our three hour break we made steady progress. Friendly bikers on the same route. Good chats. I am sure a young rider to a shine to me. No time to check my hair! The ride was enormous fun as we travelled through various districts; the smells, the shops and the people. Arrived for meeting at Reigate with Louise just after 20.00.  Home in time for the match. Great supper. Fell asleep. England lost. How strange is that? 85 miles. As predicted, a tour record and fully loaded too, plus a concert on top of all that for the Maestro. All in a normal day's work on the Cycling Music Tour. Not bad. Tour total miles 1,330    One wheel on my wagon and I'm Still Rolling Along. 

Ipswich Town Hall

Please note the lights! 

Which Switch is the Ipswich Switch.

Never leave the blog undone for more than a day.  My memory always fails to go back further than twenty four hours. Catching up is a challenge. Friday morning Ed gave us another lift,this time back to Halesworth to return to the bikes and the route south to Ipswich.   We were going to return to the Bicycle Shop to pick up the front bike spot light.  Time was not on our side.  We arranged that I would pick it up next week.  Richard had arranged to meet with a friend at The Cut for a chat before the ride. This was just the start of what is our longest weekend of the tour.  Distance matched by variety of concerts. At 11.00 Stuart arrived in time for the off.  He was accompanying us for ten miles of the ride before making his way back to Nottingham.  What a determination he has and at his age! Stuart had spent the night wild camping. I do not do wild and I certainly do not do camping in tents. I prefer the luxury of country house hotels with good service and fine dining.  It has happened on this tour but more by luck and chance than judgement.  I have have been able to put my Speedos on twice so far! Not a pretty site and best done in private. I do not like to scare the other guests.  Whilst the legs are perfectly formed and swelling by the day there is no sign of a six pack developing sometime soon no matter how far we peddle. Too many cakes perhaps. That reminds me, it has been a while since I have sniffed out a caramel slice. We need to remedy that.   Ipswich from Halesworth was around the thirty mile mark. Well within our ride capacity.    Weather was grand and progress in the undulating environs of Suffolk was rapid along the peaceful undulating  byways.  As usual we were up against a deadline.  We were visiting the BBC studios in Ipswich for a recorded interview with Steve Foster. This would be the second with this most generous of presenters.  This would be followed by an ISDN interview in the same studios with Jo from BBC Radio London.   We dropped down through Peasenhall to Cransford and thence to Wickham Market and through to Grundisburgh and on the Tuddenham road into Ipswich, home of the Tractor Boys!   We found the studios with ease and just for once we had plenty of time.  Our speed was  certainly picking up. No thanks to the weight more like the muscle power in the legs, especially Richard's.  The trailer has become the cross he has to bear. I have suggested he offers it all up as a penance.   He was not impressed with that concept.  I have had better.  It does not reduce the pain. We freewheeled down to the Town Hall for the set up in the Council Chamber in the old Town Hall.   A strange building now as it is used for various activities, some of which have nothing to do with municipal administration.    A new town hall was built leaving this a white elephant.  A great welcome though with a piece of cake and a drink handy.   The old council chamber is a wonderful space and would have been grander if sometime ago the person who covered it in a dusty purple paint had resisted  the temptation.  A crime.  Jay the technician for the evening was so helpful and having discussed our requirements for the show they were in place without fuss before you could say Jack Robinson.   The best yet and I am speaking as an experienced lighting and stage engineer now. I know about these things!   My opinion is valid and reliable.    Really? I have to say this was to be the best looking show of the tour. Pillars either side of the stage were lit up and washed with the colours of our basic lighting rig to great effect. I was most impressed with myself!!    Please excuse me blowing my own trumpet! A good crowd in. Walk up was encouraging and a few more chairs were required. We don't mind dealing with that problem.   I think the artiste was pleased with the evening and as usual the performance was well received.   The challenge was on for a quick pack up. We had a fifteen to twenty mile ride to complete before we got anywhere near a drink or a bed.  By 11.45 we were on the right road heading out of the town on back roads which run parallel to the main A12 heading towards Colchester.   Bike trailer and rider were not in harmony tonight and the chain was coming off at regular intervals.  The moon was out and the air was cool. Conditions were ideal in many ways.   The missing headlight was not making things easy and picking out the smallest of cross country lanes was difficult  for yours truly, now operating in Navigation Officer capacity.  Captain T. Kirk was not a happy bunny.   We passed La Tolboothe restaurant and up a tricky little hill when a blue episode rang out across the peaceful night spoiling this idyllic country scene. A passing drunken stranger got the  shock of his life The bike was not his favourite toy at that point.  I was not the favourite guide.    With grim determination and strength we made it to the Holiday Inn Express three miles north of Colchester at 0.45  fifteen minutes before the bar closed.  In time for a drink and a bag of Nobby's Nuts.    Josh the duty manager was a star and locked the bikes in the conference room.  All this to the sounds of a riotous party being held in an adjacent room. Or was it prayer meeting? We will never know.    We got to bed for a short sleep, in no more than five hours and we would be on the road again. Willie Nelson comes to mind. 1,245 miles. 

Collage

With Naomi at Norwich concert

Richard in concert at Bicycle Shop

The supporters club!!

Richard at The Cut. Halesworth

Bikes and Biker well lit!!

Norwich Photographs

My main supporters club!

All together!!

What a great daughter, Mother and supporter she truly is! 

Fully loaded  Norco at Big. C