Phuket Gazette

Thanks to the Phuket Gazette and Chris for this great article, its really appreciated!

http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11294.html

Phuket News

Thank you to the Phuket News for your fantastic article and been at the end of our amazing journey!

Read the article by clicking this link http://www.thephuketnews.com/news-local-the-big-push-into-phuket-27414.php

Day Eight: Mission Accomplished.

As the old proverb states: “There is an end to everything, to good things as well.” While the riders may not have felt each single rotation of a peddle, or struggle up a hill may have been “good”, and especially not “enjoyable”, I’m certain with no equivocation that each and every one of them is extremely sad this adventure has come to an end. Come to an end it must sometime though, and today was that day.

The final day began, as days tend to, with breakfast, where John Murphy was treated to a surprise. His bike had been improved during the night by some thoughtful well wishers, who wished to build on the DIY improvements John had already made with the Mud Flap Mark III. Sometimes a picture speaks a thousand words, so I’ll grant you the opportunity to judge the bike for yourself, pictured below.

John admires the improvements.

The considerate individuals attempted to capture John’s personality with this “pimping up” of his ride, and some would say that they nailed it fairly accurately. It must be said, John took the outfitting of his bike with pink accessories with a dignified grace and humour we’ve all come to appreciate in him, and he’s clearly a man with a wonderful sense of humour. Of course, there is the chance that he never actually noticed, but we’ll give him the credit he deserves, as he rode the bike at least a few km’s before safety became a worry and it was insisted he removed the ribbons.

John sees the funny side.

The ride itself began with a few daunting mounds that some might call hills (some being those who’ve just ridden 800ish km’s in 6 days), but after a while the mounds ended, and the cruising flats began, and we made good time to the bridge that joins the mainland to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island.

A welcome sight for the riders.

For the riders, this was perhaps the biggest moment of the day, truth be told. The symbolism behind crossing the bridge itself, and setting foot on the island, is the moment they made it. Many began their training over 9 months ago, with time spent in gyms or hitting the road, building up to this moment, and for sure it was a happy one. We stopped (perhaps slightly unsafely) right next to the “Welcome To Phuket” sign, and snapped away. We then went down and took a break by the bridge to savour the moment, and of course, get some more shots.

A welcome welcome indeed.

Mission Accomplished!

As we passed through the checkpoint (which seemingly exists for no reason whatsoever), we were also greeted by our first cheerleaders of the day, Shirley’s two young boys. Again, at that point in began to sink in just how close it was to being over. While physically I’m sure it was of great relief, there was an unspoken understanding of the importance to soak it in.

Shirley's cheer squad.

One thing that was quickly noticed, in fact even at breakfast, was the difference in humidity and heat in this part of Thailand. Especially as we crossed over the bridge, the heat began to hinder our riders far worse than on previous days. As a result, our progress down the spine of Phuket was ponderous, perhaps also because our riders wanted to savour every last metre.

The road was straight and true, until we hit the outskirts of Phuket Town where we were diverted left by hotel signs, and were once last time asked to tackle hills. The ups rarely seemed to come down here and not even a dog attack for poor Dave would question his, nor or any of our riders resolve.

As if by a cruel twist of fate the ultimate corner leading up into the hotel grounds is also a hill, but our hardened riders had come this far. The adrenaline kicked in and our brave, intrepid riders conquered one last hill to ride triumphantly to their Journey’s End.

One last hill...a cruel twist of fate!

It was done. Approximately 855km (the final, absolute tally yet to be counted), 7 days, umpteen hours in the saddle, all climaxing at The Westin Siray Bay Resort, where journalists, hotel staff and British Consul for Phuket Martin Carpenter MBE was there to applaud them home.

The welcome was fantastic, yet no matter how many people had been there, how many cheers, how many fans, the moment seemed an anti climax. For so long this moment has been considered by all these determined individuals, no matter what had been waiting the fact that it was over set in a morose feeling of finality.

The strong bonds, kinship and camaraderie from that moment will always grow weaker, this was the absolute high point for this one group of individuals from all different walks of life, this was “it”. Of course, the friendships that have developed will always be strong because of the bond created, but this was the absolute moment of relief and elation that will forever define this group.

Clear on all faces was a feeling of achievement and unbridled joy. Emotions ran high and perhaps a tear or two shed, but who can begrudge that after the scale of victory is measured. They’ve been through hell and back (a figure of speech, I’m not talking about Kao Lak!) and come out as winners.

The photos and hugs lasted some time, as the moment was held for as long as absolutely possible and then people began to dissipate and refresh themselves for the evening’s festivities. A lovely drinks reception was laid on where drinks, speeches and emotions once again flowed. The nurses and Khun An were presented with flower bouquets for their tireless efforts and going above and beyond what anyone could have possibly asked for with their help and support.

After that, and more photos (of course) we ascended to the dining room and reflected on the riders’ achievement. Moments were reminisced, stories told and more laughs were had. A wonderful round-off to an amazing week of blood, sweat and tears….but mostly, of joy.

I am absolutely elated to say “Mission Accomplished”.

Tony sums it up.

I’ll sign off this blog with quotes from the riders themselves, high in the moment of victory.

Shirley: “I’m high as a kite right now! I feel exhilarated and I really, really enjoyed spending this time with these guys. I feel like we’ve achieved something great and I can’t wait for the next one! Oh, and – I’m knackered.”

Duncan: “It’s a shame to be over. You build up camaraderie with your team mates and it’s just so sad the trip has to come to an end.”

John M: “**** off Adam, I’m knackered. No seriously, don’t put that in. It’ll be strange waking up and not getting on a bike again. Really strange.”

Tony M: (After some quiet, ponderous contemplation) “I’ll have a think, and tell you tomorrow.”

Terry: (Holding a small can of Chang beer) “Never in the field of cycling, has so little tasted so good.”

Pete: “I’d love to say it was easy. I’d love to, but I can’t.”

Tony Bell: “I’m slightly disappointed it’s all over, I had a great time and I’m happy it went so well. Thank you to everyone! When’s the next one?!?”

Adam

Rider Profile: Antony Bell

Name: Antony Bell (aka Tony 1)
Age: 38
Rank: Sergeant, Royal Air Force, 16yrs service
Born & Raised: Hull, UK
RBL Member: Joined in October 1990

As the instigator of this whole operation, how did you dream up this sadistic challenge?

Well the RBL in Bangkok is a completely different animal to all the other branches around the World, mainly because almost all ex-pats that live in Bangkok are there to work. It’s not a place people go to retire generally – retirees tend to plump for beachside locations or more relaxing places so our membership is somewhat more mixed.

To raise the amount of money we wanted, we had to think of something special – just having a party isn’t enough. In the UK, the RBL do a London to Paris ride and we had the option to copy that in the gym and ride every mile that way, but there’s nothing special about that and it would be impossible to generate sponsors that way. To raise £10,000 for a British charity in a foreign country is very difficult and without doing something special it’s nigh on impossible.

When did you start your training?

I started from February and I’ve lost 2 stone throughout the training!

And what is the biggest challenge you personally face on this task?

Squeezing into my kit every morning! But as one of the main organisers I’ve had to work hard making sure everything goes to plan. It’s a very hard thing to arrange! It all seems to be going well so far though, so right now I’m happy.

Last time you rode a bike, before accepting the challenge?

I hadn’t been on a bike since, as a 12yr old, I had my bike stolen! I was devastated, and my mum told me she’d never buy me another one. She wasn’t lying!

Do you ride to tunes and if so, which ones?

Sometimes, yes. I listen to The Verve, The Who, some classical composer I can’t pronounce doing a rendition of The Rolling Stones song “Paint It Black”. I also used the Star Wars theme tune to help me get up “The Bitch”.

How do you keep yourself motivated for this task?

I’ve really been looking forward to it for so long through all the hard work and arrangements that had to be made, I’ve just been excited to get started. That’s what kept me going through training and the months leading up to it. Out here on the ride, I’ve been able to keep my morale high because I’ve actually really surprised myself with how well I’ve coped…because I was absolutely bricking it!

How will you celebrate completing the task?

Thursday night will be great. When we arrive at The Westin we’re having a nice, civilised meal where we can congratulate ourselves on our brilliant achievement with a few bottles of wine and some beers.

And, most importantly, how’s your bum?

Yes, it hurts. Its ok when I’m not riding, but when I’m in the saddle, it hurts.

Rider Profile: Peter Werby

Name: Peter Werby
Age: 44
Rank: I wasn’t in the army I was a PC in the Merseyside Police
Occupation: General Manager at X-Cream Thailand
Born & Raised: Liverpool
Religion: Liverpool FC
RBL Member: 14 months

Why join this challenge?

I love a challenge. At 44 I was sort of edging my way back in to the gym to keep fit anyway and when the idea came up, I thought I was someone that could do this. I have the time and used to have the fitness, so I felt confident going into it. I then got involved in the organisational side and got fully committed and although it’s taken up a lot of time, it’s been great fun.

When did you start your training?

I started in February. I go through stages where I train, and at my age either tiredness kicks in or I get bored and lose interest. In January I was back in the gym anyway because of an indulgent Christmas and then when the Big Push came up I thought it was a great chance for me to have some focus for my training. By joining the mission I had motivation to go to the gym and train hard.

Last time you rode a bike, before accepting the challenge?

I rode a bike one morning at 6am, around the grounds of Lord Derby’s estate in Liverpool while the dog handlers had gone off duty while the Duchess of Kent was staying there. I think I was about 20 at the time! That was the last time, as far as I can remember.

And what is the biggest challenge you personally face on this task?

Being one of the organisers, I worried about everything coming together, everything working and most importantly that everyone is safe, and that everyone finishes.

Do you ride to tunes and if so, which ones?

I have an iPod when I ride but I like to have full use of all my senses when I ride. Because I’m in constant contact with the support vehicles too, it’s impractical. I do however like to sing as I’m riding along, I sing Beatles songs. I also gave Chang a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone and the Fields of Anfield Road the other day. He had a smile on his face, but I’m not sure if that was wind or not.

How do you keep yourself motivated for this task?

At no stage do I want to be the person who doesn’t do it. My aim is to ride every cm of every km, and that’s what drives me on.

How will you celebrate completing the task?

I’m just going to celebrate, safe in the knowledge that I won’t have to sit in a saddle the next day. I may have a beer as well.

And, most importantly, how’s your bum?

I actually don’t feel it anymore. When I started cycling it was awful. But now I’ve been cycling so much I don’t even feel it anymore. Sometimes when you stand up and the blood rushes back, you feel it, but generally I’m ok.

Support Team Profile: Angus & An McKernan

Name(s): Angus & An McKernan
Age: Angus 61, An is a lady, therefore we don’t ask.
Rank: Angus served in the South African Air Force (10yrs) and Drums & Pipes in the Irish Regiment, Cape Town (10yrs)
Occupation: Angus is a Contracts Manager at Vichitbhan Construction, An a Housewife
Born & Raised: An – Thailand, Angus – Johannesburg, then moved to Durban and Cape Town later on
RBL Member: Approximately 10 months

Why did you volunteer for this challenge?

When I (Angus) was young in South Africa, the BESL (British Empire Service Legion) took very good care of my family and I. My father was in the Royal Artillery and my mum was in the Royal Army Nursing Corps. They (BESL) took such good care of us back then I wanted the opportunity to give something back.

What challenges do you face in the driver’s seat?

My main concerns are not for me but the riders. The distance to be covered is vast and through some very hilly topography and high volumes of traffic. The locals are infamous for their lack of regard for the rules of the road too, which adds the worry.

How do you keep yourself motivated to get back in the car every morning?

Our motivation is to see the guys up and ready to go every morning…and to make sure they actually do get off their backsides and out the door! Also we take care of all their bags and personal belongings to ease their minds and they can relax and get on with the task.

What are your favourite tunes as you drive?

Pipes and drums, of course!

Anything to say about how the riders have fared?

It’s remarkable actually, especially given the condition of the guys – they’re not all sportsman or athletes, so the grit and determination to survive and succeed has shown through. Also, all the guys are working people you know; (almost) everyone has a full-time job, so there’s been a lot of personal sacrifice to do this challenge. Also, the psychological hardships of what’s been going on back in Bangkok must be terrible because they all have a tremendous will to get home to their families.

How will you celebrate completing the task?

Ann and I will have a bottle of Champagne and a good dinner.

And, most importantly, how’s your sanity?

No problem at all for me. I’m used to going long distances – as a professional hunter I used to travel all over Southern Africa, so I’m very used to it.

Support Team Profile: Masha Zhigunova and Ae Pornmanee

Name(s): Masha Zhigunova and Ae Pornmanee
Age: Masha 25 & Ae 30
Occupation: Masha – Marketing Executive & ER Nurse, Ae – ER Nurse, both at Vejthani Hospital
Born & Raised: Masha – Moscow, Russia, raised in Thailand since the age of 2. Ae – Sara Buri, Thailand

Why did you volunteer for this challenge?

When we heard where the money this charity was raising was going, we were happy to get involved. We know it’s for a good cause and our hospital do many events like this anyway so getting involved in this was good for us too as it’s something new that we’ve never done before.

What challenges do you face as a nurse on this trip?

Ordering food! The tough part isn’t the medical side of it, it’s the meal times! It’s like having 10 children!

How do you keep yourself motivated to get back in the car every morning, and follow the bikes?

We like it so we don’t need motivation! We love the people we’re riding with, the places we’re going, the things we’re seeing – and all the animals we see! The goats! And the cow that tripped me (Masha) up!

What are your favourite tunes as you drive?

Thai music, “Sek Lo So” actually we keep listening to the same CD over and over. It’s about the Thai countryside so it really fits with what we’re seeing as we go!

Anything to say about how the riders have fared?

Really well! We didn’t expect people to be so fit, especially considering the age range of the people that are on this ride. We thought there would be a lot more medical problems than we encountered – I mean even the injuries we’ve been treating weren’t inflicted by the ride, more accidents have been at hotels or pre-existing conditions.

We want to also say thank you to everyone for letting us come along, it’s the most fun trip we’ve been on. It was nice to meet so many good people, so thank you for that!

How will you celebrate completing the task?

Actually, in Phuket they have one of the best hair salons, so we’re going there to get our hair done! And we get to dress up nice and pretty for the dinner, so we’re excited about that too!

And, most importantly, how’s your sanity?

Fine, it’s a nice view, there are lots of animals…and no, I don’t mean the riders!

Rider Profile: Les Weaver

Name: Les Weaver
Age: 44
Rank: Wasn’t in the army no, I preferred to go backpacking, but in hindsight it was the biggest mistake I ever made.
Occupation: International Business Development Manager, Asia Forestry Management
Born & Raised: Warrington, Lancashire, UK
RBL Member: 1 year

Why did you agree to do the challenge?

I heard about it at the start, back in February and I’d always respected and honoured the Poppy Appeal since I was a kid, so I wanted to get involved. Also, when I went to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and saw the graves with young soliders – kids basically, that opened my eyes. Kids died fighting, and didn’t get the chance to have a life and here’s me at 44 having lived a full life. So for me, it was a chance to do something to give to others less fortunate. Plus it’s a good physical challenge and keeps me fit.

When did you start your training?

Probably back in February, from the first practice ride.

And what is the biggest challenge you personally face on this task?

My knees holding out. That’s why it’s been both a physical and mental challenge. I’ve had four operations on my right knee and two on my left. My cruciate ligament has been giving me such pain over the last few days of the ride its unreal. My injuries come from all the martial arts training I’ve done for the last 17yrs. So for me it was physical and mental, worrying about if I’d make it through.

Last time you rode a bike, before accepting the challenge?

1991 in Australia, basically just me and my mate riding down the coast near Adelaide.

Do you ride to tunes and if so, which ones?

Yeah I do, but I forgot to bring it! Instead, I either go into meditation mode or curse a lot to get through it!

How do you keep yourself motivated for this task?

Cursing and bitching! No problem getting up in the morning. I’ve never had a morning that I’ve not been buzzing to get up and on the bike. Even the morning after I had food poisoning I was bursting to get back on the bike.

And my sponsorship kept me going too – I want to say thanks to all my sponsors – just a big thank you to all those who put their faith and confidence in me to finish this.

How will you celebrate completing the task?

Burn my trainers – they stink! It will be a ceremonial burn, they absolutely reek!

And, most importantly, how’s your bum?

It looks, and feels, like a baboon’s, I’m walking like John Wayne, so the gap between the top of my legs would not stop a bolting pig from a farmyard gate.

Day Seven: Easy Riders?

After yesterday, everyone was hoping for an easy ride today. It turned out that it was by no means painless, but actually they made it look so. This could only be put down to the unbelievable progress that every single rider has made on this trip. Had the first few days of the ride been like yesterday and today, we may have had some serious troubles. Thankfully, each rider has now become a superhuman peddle machine and they have exceeded every expectation.

Today’s ride would take us all the way to the touristic haven that is Kao Lak on the South West coast, within reach of our goal. To get there, once again there were hills and some 90 kilometres – another long ride for sure.

Dave sets the pace.

News was still filtering through to us from Bangkok about the worsening situation, once again weighing heavily on everybody’s mind. News received last night indicated that our airline (one of the cheap ones I refuse to mention) had cancelled all flights into Dom Mueng, the airport we were due to fly home to on Saturday. Speculation was rife as to whether they would redirect to the other airport in Bangkok, but this morning we had little clue as to our destiny for the next few days.

It’s very hard not to be angry at those in power for the way it’s all been handled and in particular the misinformation given at all junctures. I admit I was quick to castigate and criticise those who horded and panic bought, but actually it seems they just knew they couldn’t trust those in power. I put my (blind) faith in the system, and I’ve well and truly learnt my lesson.

Hopefully, she was praying for those who need it, in Bangkok.

With the flooding reported to only be getting worse over the next few weeks, problems the government had assured everyone wouldn’t arise now seem unavoidable. Helpless to do anything but push on now though, the whole team just tried to concentrate on the job at hand, and we set off early again, destined for Kao Lak. It was somewhat ironic that we were approaching an area of Thailand that had suffered unimaginable damage by the tsunami back in 2004, the most destructive natural disaster ever inflicted upon The Land Of Smiles. At least we can be thankful that what’s going on back in Bangkok doesn’t even get near comparison with the devastation they felt here. Sometimes we all need a bit of perspective.

More gorgeous, misty scenery to inspire tired legs.

Again the weather was on our side, as was our luck when we stopped in at restaurants along the way. It’s always a bit of pot luck as to whether you hit upon a quality place with good food on a journey like this and along our way there have been many hits but just as many misses. Once more we were incredibly thankful to have the wonderful nurses Ae and Masha on hand to assist us with our menu selection, ordering and payment – they’ve been amazing all along the way and I’m sure they never thought they’d be needed to help so much like this. It was hardly in the job description! We have some Thai speakers amongst us, Duncan especially is very fluent and of course Chang, but Ae and Masha have been amazing. Without them, we might well have all starved!

No matter how remote, some people can't live without Sky Sports and America's Got Talent.

Out of Muslim country now, Back To Buddhism.

The ride, as I mentioned, was no easy feat but there were some nice flat areas for our riders today so it wasn’t absolute punishment. Pete managed to make it through a day without getting a puncture (about time!) but as that’s one of the most significant things that happened today I think we can surmise that today was fairly smooth sailing.

Terry shows how it's done.

Spot the difference!

Really the day was dominated by Bangkok, and our projected return. Flight timetables are being analyzed and contingency plans formed. Some might say that there are far worse plights than being stranded on a holiday island, but the problem is we have homes (waterlogged homes in some cases) and loved ones to get back to. Guilt is playing on some people’s minds, and certainly a feeling of helplessness.

We are now so close to our journey’s end though, we would achieve nothing by changing our plans now – we’ve already come so far past the point of no return. If we gave up now, our sacrifice so far would be for nothing. Both the physical sacrifice and the personal. All that seems logical is to make it to Phuket and then get back as soon as we can, by whatever means.

High spirits as usual.

Chang teaches old dogs new tricks.

Just one day’s riding left, and by mid-afternoon our goal should be complete as we glide into the Westin in Phuket, tired but elated. Our riders began commenting how quickly the time has flown, despite the agony they’ve encountered, finding it hard to believe it will all be over soon. Yes, sentiment is already setting in, but it’s not over yet, we still have one last leg to conquer so at least we can return home victorious in our goal.

The Team roll into town.

Journey's End within reach.

Adam

Twitter: @rbl_bangkok

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/134320569973108/

Support Team Profile: John Hocking

Name: John Hocking
Age: 65
Rank: Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant as Acting Regimental Sergeant Major at 7 Regiment, Army Air Corps. I spent 10yrs in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, and 12yrs in the Army Air Corps.
Occupation: Partner in an trading company, JKC International Thailand Ltd
Born & Raised: Born in Oak Hampton in Devon and lived most of my life in Exford, Somerset.
RBL Member: I joined whilst still in the army, some 30 odd years but I don’t really remember.

Why did you volunteer to get involved with this challenge?

I would have really liked to have joined the ride, and I volunteered. Sadly, being my age and having been disabled by a botched operation while in the Army, Tony wouldn’t let me do it. And he was right to not let me, I’ve seen that now! I was willing, but my body not. So when he mentioned the support team I jumped at the chance to get involved.

What challenges do you face in the driver’s seat?

About 10 of them! I have to keep my 10 riders happy and safe – and that’s no easy feat. The concentration levels required are phenomenal. There’s nothing physical about it, it’s a mental test. I have to be focused on many things at once, the traffic, the riders’ safety, cars hurtling towards us on the wrong side of the road, reaching our destination, the other support car behind, what speed I’m going at…it’s tricky. At my age it’s hard enough to do one thing, let alone 10!

How do you keep yourself motivated to get back in the car every morning?

Actually I can’t sleep so it’s easy to get up! But the military training instils self discipline in you, so that’s fairly easy for me. Every morning I’m shaved, present and correct.

What are your favourite tunes as you drive?

Well Pete supplied the car with some CD’s and we were very thankful for that as we cant always get radio signals in the countryside! We’ve listened to a bit of everything: Oasis, James Blunt, The Who and Hotel California by The Eagles, which is one of my all-time favourites.

Anything to say about how the riders have fared?

I think they’ve done extremely well. They’ve had some unbelievably hard days and they’ve all done so fantastic to get through. Some who you wouldn’t expect to have come through so strongly have really shone. I won’t mention names because it’s a team, but I’m very proud of some people in particular. They have ALL done fantastically well though, every last one of them.

How will you celebrate completing the task?

It’s not over for me until I get the Landrover back to Bangkok. I’ll celebrate then I think. I’ll probably go and have a nice meal, but on Friday I will feel the achievement the riders have accomplished. That’s 10 normal people on the bikes from everyday life, from all walks, some young some old, all with different fitness levels. They’ve surpassed what the average person can do. I’m incredibly proud of everyone, the riders and the support team. Don’t forget, it’s the whole team that makes things like this possible, from the start and organisation done by Tony and Peter, through to what’s happening on the ride.

The nurses have been fantastic, going above and beyond their duties by helping us get fed and watered at every meal break, helping with translation, ordering food and sorting the bill. And I can’t say enough about how amazing Angus and Ann have been. They’ve been absolutely superb, without them we’d have probably not made it! They are always at the hotel when we arrive, have everything ready for us – they’ve spoilt us! We hardly have to lift a finger when we get to our hotels. When there’s no food, Ann has been a real trouper and found us something, she’s always up and doing something – we have to tell her to relax sometimes, she does too much. They’ve really been crucial to this whole operation and I won’t ever stop thanking them for it. And, Adam, my Navigator, I just personally wouldn’t have been able to finish this without his help, though that’s all he’ll let me write about him!

And, most importantly, how’s your sanity?

I’m on the brink! Nah, I’m great, because I’ve got someone “sensible” to talk to, it’s helped me a lot. My mind does wander to the situation in Bangkok and my work which I’ve not really been able to do much of while I was away, but on the whole I’m feeling good. This is a great thing we’re doing and I’m happy I could play my part.