group was sixty-year-old Ian
the most emotional, Fegen. “Somebody I knew said
Age hill fort on the northern edge ensure that all exhausting and exhilarating they were doing the challenge and
of the Marlborough Downs. challengers will arrive at the finish Wooden Spoon Challenge I foolishly agreed to do it with him
To take part, challengers must site by 10.00pm when darkness Not only is this a formidable – not fully understanding what I
pledge to raise a minimum of £300 falls. Challengers will be required to challenge but the cyclists also get was letting myself in for, but it has
in support of Wooden Spoon’s carry a minimum amount of kit to see Britain as never before. From been an amazing experience.”
work with mentally, socially and including front and rear lights and the inspiring mountains of “I didn’t do too much training for
physically disadvantaged cycle repair kits and all must wear a Scotland, the Lakelands of northern the challenge as I cycle two or
youngsters, but can choose how helmet. England, through the outstanding three times a week from my home
tough their own challenge will be There will be a celebration scenery of the Wye Valley, up and in Drumoak to my work in Dyce.
by selecting their start point from barbecue, bar and entertainment in down the Devon hills to the rugged “I did do a training run of 90
the grounds of one of the many a tented village at the Barbury Cornish coast. miles but we were doing 130 miles
rugby clubs taking part. Bath (50 Castle finish site to which family All 13 cyclists completed the on some of the days. That isn’t too
miles), Bristol (50 miles), Cardiff (98 and friends are welcome with a gruelling 874 mile journey from bad to do on its own but when you
miles), Gloucester (45 miles), special solstice breakfast served at John O’Groats to Lands End in are cycling that sort of distance day
London Irish () and Worcester (70 sunrise. Overnight camping facilities seven and a half days, averaging a after day it does become quite
miles) have all signed up to support will be available on-site, with phenomenal 110 miles per day. draining.”
the event by providing their additional accommodation available (Well done guys!) The Drumoak man said it was an
grounds as start points, entering nearby for those not willing to In reality most of the hard work incredible feeling to reach Land’s
players and staff members in the rough-it! Return transportation to had been done before leaving John End after pedalling over 850 miles
event, and promoting the event to the start points will be available for O’Groats, not only had hundreds of across the United Kingdom: “It was
their fan base. It is hoped that those who require it and their bikes miles of training been completed in a very hard challenge but it felt
several more Premiership Clubs will on Sunday morning. the preceding months, but great to complete it in the end.”
also lend their support, details of herculean fundraising and Going forward the End2End will
which will be posted on the End2End - 2008 Event Report sponsorship efforts had been made be run every two years providing
website. The End2End Challenge was by each of the challengers, with as much time as possible for
The terrain of the routes will vary inspired by an event in 2000, in each pledging to raise a minimum cyclists to prepare themselves
between start points but most which a group of 10 cyclists, hit the of £2,500 in order to guarantee Registration for the 2010
include a combination of minor road to raise money for Spoon. their place on the start line. End2End Bike Ride is now open!
roads, tow paths, tracks and They completed the route, sore but Special congratulations go to the Please contact the Challenge Office
Sustrans routes, so mountain bikes exhilarated. For Spoon’s 25th Challenge Bowl winner Charles on 01889 582889, email
or road bikes with cyclo cross tyres Anniversary the event was revived Buckley, who not only completed challenge@eventsunlimited.co.uk or
are recommended. There will be a and in 2008 another group of 13 the 874 mile journey but managed log onto spoonchallenges.com
staggered start from each start inspired cyclists, of varying to raise a staggering £11,531.41
point and pit stops en route with experience took to the roads and for Spoon!
marshals and support riders. Routes pledged over £55,000. What a The oldest challenger in the
and start times will be designed to fantastic total to mark the end of
Spoonews Winter 2009 35
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