NORTH WEST & ISLE OF MAN

At the ungodly hour of 01.00, 19 assorted cyclists assembled at the port of Heysham to catch the overnight ferry to the Isle of Man. They soon bonded into a very friendly group with a common purpose: to do something unusual to raise money for The Leprosy Mission.

After a welcome coffee in the Sea Terminal, it was a case of heads down wherever possible on the boat to try and get some sleep. Some were more successful than others.

On arrival in the Isle of Man at 06.45, the group had a six mile warm up ride before a delicious breakfast in a reserved room at 'The Caff'' in Douglas. Then we rode up to the TT grandstand to meet our marshals (Derek's wife Jo, daughter Ruth and motorcyclist Graham Randle) and more riders from island. For the first time, three generations of Hartley's would ride the course together; Derek (64), Richard (son 38) and Farren (grandson 13). Not surprisingly they finished in ascending age order!

A cracking pace was set by some - who seemed determined to get round the 38 mile mountain course in the same time as the TT motor cylists each year (16 minutes!). Times actually varied from an amazing 2 hours 45 minutes to a much more leisurely 5 hours 45 minutes! The parishioners of Kirk Michael opened their church as an added stop for the cyclists - and provided home made cakes, scones and tea or coffee. It was a lovely gesture - enhanced by music from the organ!

Everyone completed the course: the weather was very kind considering the forecast. It was pleasantly cool with a lot of sunshine and just the odd light shower to refresh us - God is so good! At the end of the ride, many of the cyclists made their way to Onchan Park for refreshments, crazy golf and even a motor boat ride before assembling at Port Jack chippy for a great evening meal. On the return ferry at 20.00 sleep did not seem to be a problem at all!

Next year perhaps more will be tempted to join us in an similar adventure - See you on Saturday 14 July 2012 - the year of the London Olympics!

Derek's two youngest grandchildren - Luke (6) and Tom (4) both live on the island and were very keen to take part. Mum Ruth was one of the marshals and dad Will rode with Luke on the busy roads right to the first checkpoint at Glen Helen - a full 13 miles! He will raise over £100 for his efforts. Tom also wanted to ride the course, so it was agreed that he would ride with Derek and Luke along the full length of Douglas Promenade at the end of the day. He was offered £5 by his mum to do his for The Leprosy Mission - but insisted on £7 !! Well done Luke and Tom - you have helped to make a difference to the lives of people affected by leprosy.

The cheque presentation ceremony took place before all our cyclists returned to England on the ferry. We expect to raise approx £4,000 in all.