Day Five – Ross-on-Wye to Bristol
Wales weather lets rip on the riders
Day Five was the hardest day for weather, Wales didn’t disappoint with mist, fog, rain and so much more.
Sadly, Day Five was the first and hopefully last time that a stretch of the challenge had to be skipped. The weather created dangers as roads were waterlogged, and there was a real danger that the bikes could get damaged or more concerningly injuries could occur.
After a quick recovery from the support team van, the team arrived at the Cardiff office where the team had laid on a spread and more importantly hot tea and coffee too.
Well done to Andy Topp, Sales and Marketing Director who joined as a guest rider. More from Rob, below.
VLOG:
Here is Rob Hill about to set off on Day Six with an update on Day Five…
Day Four – Stafford to Ross-on-Wye
Bike issues meant Dale Johnson had to pull out….
Day Four threw a few challenges at the team, none more so that Dale Johnson, who after many issues with his bike has had to make the extremely tough decision to pull out of the challenge. We want to take this opportunity to praise the amazing effort Dale has put into this challenge and for pacing through hundreds of miles despite equipment issues. Thank you, Dale! We appreciate every mile and minute.
You may have noticed if you were watching live that the team struggled to get out of Stafford. After a few laps the team were on route to Birmingham – albeit hitting traffic and roadworks on the way.
The team were surprised to see Neil Shanks join them (in a vehicle, not on a bike), taking some amazing photos (some of these are below) and dropping off a hamper of amazing goodies for the team. The riders soon reached the Birmingham office where they were also greeted by the Corps team.
Sadly, we have had some tracking device issues so apologies that we cannot see the whole route today. But, Rob fills you in below.
VLOG:
Here is Rob Hill about to set off on Day Five with an update on Day Four…
Pictures courtesy of Neil Shanks
Day Three – Leeds to Stafford via Manchester
The weather gave the team a boost
Day Three took the team from Leeds in the heart of Yorkshire, via the Manchester office to the lovely town of Stafford.
Unlike Day Two, the team had less issues, in fact – the weather held up for the day and the team were able to pick up pace as they trekked down the west side of the UK. Rob – he was waiting for the hotel receptionist to dry his clothes. Don’t know how he smooth talked his way into that one!
The team are in good spirits. They are tired, but they know how important these vital funds are to Combat Stress and the UK veterans they support. So, if you can, please give generously. Thank you!
Day Three: Results
Climbing to an altitude of over 6,652ft, and averaging a speed of 38 mph, covering 93 miles the day three team smashed it.
You can now watch the journey with 3d landscape modelling, check out this link…
VLOG:
Here is Jon Cox, the team’s Support Driver with an update as the team set off on Day Four.
Here is Corps’ Chief Executive, Mike Bullock showing support for our amazing cyclists as they stop by the Manchester office:
Day Two – Carlisle to Leeds
Freezing falls and fords
Following an incredible feat on day one, the team set off at 8:30am on one of the hardest days of the 7-day challenge. Day two also saw the arrival of Carly Bedford from the Leeds office, fresh and unfazed by the challenge, Carly began to set the pace for the lads as they felt the pain of day two.
Day two threw some challenges at the team too. Riding at over 7,800ft, the team faces severely cold weather, battling snow at the high altitude, not quite what you expect in early April. The pace and pressure of the challenge began to show, as Scott misses a turn and when trying to correct himself on the winding back road, had a little tumble. After a couple of mins in the support van, he was once again off with the team.
If anyone has experienced a countryside Ford, you will know you do all you can to avoid it. As Rob and Carly make use of the foot bridge as they were now a few minutes ahead of the other two, the boys didn’t think so quickly on their feet and as such decided to have a little swim in the freezing cold water. Ouch! But again, once stripped (yes naked) and reclothed, off they went to the finish line.
The team would like to give a massive shout out to Andy Bedford, Carly’s husband, who joined Rob for the last 40km of the cycle as the team took on the cycle route made famous by the Tour de France. Thank you, Andy.
Day Two: Results
Climbing to an altitude of over 7,800ft, the team cycled over 119 miles in 8.5 hours. What an
VLOG:
Here is Scott with an update as the team set off on Day Three.
The Tour de Corps riders have set off on the 700-mile challenge for Combat Stress. The team set off from Glasgow at 8:30am on Sunday 23rd April 2023, on the 7-day challenge raising essential funds for Combat Stress.
We will keep you updated daily on the team’s progress, right here. If you would like to show your support, and fund essential mental health support for UK veterans, you can donate here: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/tourdecorps2023
Day One – Glasgow to Carlisle
On day one, Rob Hill, Scott Hudson and Dale Johnson set off from the Corps Monitoring office in Glasgow. Day one was not kind, as the team faced wind and rain as they faced the steep inclines of the Scottish landscape.
The team battled the elements to complete the 116 miles to Carlisle, passing Douglas, Lockerbie and Gretna Green before reaching Carlisle around 7pm.
Distance Covered on Day One:
Here’s is the team heading to the finish line of their first day, for a well-earned shower, dry clothes, hot meal, and rest.
Here is Rob Hill with his Day One Vlog:
And the team approaching the finish at the end of Day One:
Join us daily for further updates on the journey.
