2012 ride
They did it: mission complete
Aug 26th
The Three Men on a Bike Team have finally made it to Lands End, after a gruelling 10 day, 926 mile epic cycle ride raising over £40,000 for Children in Need and Music for All. Day 10 Blog will follow later…..
Day 8 – Gloucester to Taunton (96 Miles with Tandem, 3000ft of climb, 12.2 avg mph)
Aug 25th
Open eyes, open curtains….car park, Beefeater Pub across road, no clues. Get iPhone, GPS tracker, ah, we’re in Gloucester. Bark loudly for a few minutes and get released from my kennel, er sorry, room.
We have a spectacular route today and are joined by the Boyz (Terry and Simon), the tandem (complete with Roland sound system) and Paul McManus, Chief Executive for the MIA and Music for All. Honoured company indeed.
The Boyz started training last week and Paul had a quick zip round the car park last night. Today, we have 96 miles to do and not exactly flat – this is going to be tough. In addition, Myke from Bonners stayed on for another day and we’re joined by Peter’s brother-in-law, Peter James.
As usual we set off at 8:30, the music blaring lifted our spirits – great choice of music too. The first 30 miles took us to Chepstow: undulating would be an understatement. Very pretty, but some tough climbs, especially for the Tandem. Paul impressed everyone immediately, as he flew his slender 10 stone up the hills. No problems there then. Anyone who’d put money on him not completing today was about to lose it.
The road from Gloucester to Chepstow runs alongside the River Severn – beautiful. Just as we got to Broadoak the sun come out, there was blue sky, and I’m not making this up, we had Mr Blue Sky by ELO blaring on the tandem. It was surreal and hugely motivational, all at the same time.
Costa Coffee at Chepstow was a welcome treat for all core riders, but we didn’t have too long to hang around as dark clouds were threatening. 
Next up was crossing the Old Severn Bridge on the cycle path running alongside the M48. Although a little breezy and the rain had started it was an incredible experience. ‘On a sunny day’ it would have been better. Here you can see our group cycling away into the distance.
And this was our view of the second Severn Crossing.
The bridge negotiated we celebrated with the ‘I just did that photo’.
Through Avonmouth docks and then up over the Avonmouth bridge on another cycle path and we’re finally back into more rural territory.
Lunch today was a stop at Roland DG, conveniently situated at the 50 mile mark. We were aiming to get there for 1.30pm and up until a few minutes before, we were right on track. Less than a mile away, the tandem’s rear tyre finally gave up and we spent 20 minutes trying to fix it. Unfortunately Terry and Simon did not have a spare tube on them and we struggled to find a pump that would fit their valve, it was a different fitting to a road bike. Jules sprang into action and masterminded a very temporary fix but it did require all seven of us to have a go at pumping the tyre up.
Limping along we arrived at DG, our welcoming committee had by now gone back to work, having waited outside for ages.
The DG guys had done a special banner for us and laid on a superb buffet lunch. Thank you Jerry and your team, you have no idea just how much of a tonic this was for us. While we all tucked into lunch, Terry fixed the tandem and it wasn’t long before we were due to leave. Here we all are with Jerry and friends.
A short debate ensued as Jerry Davies insisted on joining us for the ride.
As the rain started to get heavier, he suddenly had to take an urgent call in the office. Simon and Terry seized their chance, leapt on the tandem and we were off again.
Just outside Weston-Super-Mare a pretty tough hill awaited us. Just before we attempted it we stopped off for a short prayer, to give us strength.
Weston next with the wind and rain getting up. Here is the stunning view from the back road into Weston. You see a view like this for at least two miles.
Weston was deserted, not surprising considering the wind and rain, and we were able to easily cycle along the front. After a brief stop, we faced the small matter of the last 25 to do and the rain wasn’t giving up.
The last 25 normally feels more like 50 but today, it felt like 75. We were on the A38 all the way and the traffic and rain were not a great combination.
With two miles to go, the tandem developed another puncture, but no one, least of all the Boyz, wanted to stop. They cycled in to the finish line riding on the rear rims and seconds after crossing, the whole of the rear gears collapsed, good timing or what!
Huge thanks to all of the additional riders today for their support. I hope that their weekends are not too painful! For us, we are approaching the finish line with just two days to go. Unfortunately our greatest challenge awaits us tomorrow on the ride from Taunton to Bodmin. 107 miles and by far the biggest climbing of the whole ride, yes, worse than Scotland. Devon is not famous for its flat roads, as we’re about to find out. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, Fish-Griffiths says it’s chucking it down. If there was ever a day to donate to spur us on, Saturday is it – thank you for your support!
ROADSIDE NEWS
- Dramatic Comedy Falls (Fall on the Move) – Paul / Tim (separate incidents)
- Puncture – tandem x 2
- Crashes into tandem – Paul x 1
- Long unprintable list of wild life that haven’t made it to the weekend
- Chain incidents x 5 Jules
Day 6 – Kendal to Crewe (102 miles, 4100ft climb, 12.4 avg mph)
Aug 23rd
Day 6 (feels like 26) and we’re in Kendal. Guest riders today are Sean and David from Roland.
Our mapping software tells us it’s fairly flat today, so 102 miles should be a doddle. As the title above proves, it wasn’t flat and as I sit writing this on my seventh pint in the pub next to the….Premier Inn (oh yes!) I can safely say that I am absolutely shattered.
Nothing to report about the Premier Inn in Kendal, as it’s the same as the one in Dumfries, Dumbarton etc but the staff were particularly helpful. Laundry was the highlight of Rose’s evening (BIG thank you) and ours was an Italian restaurant. Terry spent the evening parking the van: quite brilliantly too, it has to be said.
The following morning, grey clouds greeted us as we looked out of our Premier Inn windows to remind ourselves where we were: only 102 miles to go to the next Premier Inn.
Leaving Kendal was slightly more challenging than necessary, with Lewis doing a spot of shopping as the rest of the group headed south. We managed to meet up again a few miles later, but it was extremely inconvenient balancing Simon’s shopping bags on our handle bars.
The first 20 miles were a little too much up and down for that early in the morning and spirits were a little low at the first 20 mile stop. At least it wasn’t raining, but those of us nursing injuries really would have preferred to be lounging in bed. No such luck. The injury list grows by the day, current highlights include:
- Simon and Peter – bottoms like baboons
- Jules and Tim (that’s me) – various painful knee problems
- James – Double knee crisis
- Peter – very sore hands, clearly missing doing the washing up
The Griffiths brothers amused themselves today with some spectacular ‘drafting’. Neil selected a combine harvester and sped behind it allowing the slipstream to carry him along. Simon selected a muck spreader and cruised along in its wake. I think that I slip-streamed a couple of snails on a day trip to Leyland: it certainly made my day.
We stopped in Leyland for lunch with Ruth’s rolls doing frantic business. The normal high quality fare was topped off with extra cucumber and malt loaf. We also get jelly beans and chocolate. Lunch is the only positive thing about cycling I can currently report. I’m sure I’ll feel better about it next week.
Guest riders Sean and David rode superbly well today. For two guys who had not had much time for training, to pull a 100 miler out of the bag was pretty impressive. Sean made various attempts to join the Bladderettes, but sadly didn’t make the cut.
I also felt a little sorry for David, who after being abandoned by Jules on a long hill (since hooking up with Simon, he’s just not getting this team thing) took the wrong turn and had to be rescued, a broken man, on the side of the road. Jules, how could you?
Riding as a team or in groups requires incredible concentration. Cycling demands not only massive physical exertion, but also huge mental stamina too. In the interests of health and safety there are a considerable number of spoken communications and also hand signals. I’ll have to leave the hand signals as some are unprintable, but here are some of the repeatable spoken words.
The obvious ones like, ’slowing, stopping, gravel and clear right’ probably need no further explanation. Here are some others:
- Car Down – car coming towards you at great speed
- Car Up – driver late for hair appointment very frustrated
- Lorry Up – red or yellow?
- Sh** in road – droppings on road
- Hole on left – large hole that council have not bothered to mend
- Gash – lots of holes in road
- Cyclist ahead – either James or Lewis in the distance
- Man down – comedy fall
- Man off back – Tim’s at least a mile behind
- All on – back on the chain gang
- Coming thru – the Griffiths brothers, normally at speed
- Pit stop – No 1 song for the Bladderettes
Arriving at Crewe was an enormous relief. 100 miles is one heck of a long way and it takes forever. One or two of us had thought we might not make it, so to get everyone home was a real tonic.
Tomorrow Gloucester, I hope!
Roadside News
- Comedy falls: Sean x 2
- Very large flat fox
- Jules puts his foot in it, yes a large pile…
Day 5 – Dumfries to Kendal (in England!) (83 Miles, Climb 3700ft, 12.6 Avg mph)
Aug 22nd
Day 5 dawns with an air of excitement: lots happening today and still in Scotland, but we’re going to England. The Fish-Griffiths forecast gives us changeable weather. Yet another cop out, cover-all-bases type of report. Still, we pack waterproofs and mentally adjust for potential rain. It’s only (!) 83 miles, so we start at 9am after Peter’s done a radio interview for Peavey’s promotion supporting Three Men on a Bike.
The first 30 miles passed quickly, fairly flat, but we had important business en route so a couple of stops had been planned. The first took us to Gretna Green. A stop like no other we’d ever done: Simon finally popped the question to Jules and taking advantage of Scottish law the two were wed. Here we all are, celebrating this joyous moment. I think the rest of us got carried away and held hands too….not sure what Peter was doing?
Moments later we cycled into England, the first stop on the new couple’s honeymoon. Mind you, I think in the intervening five mins they’d had their first row, Peter was definitely feeling the frosty atmosphere. 
After the initial euphoria of seeing the sign and photos etc. reality took a few minutes to sink in, but then the realisation that we’d just cycled the length of Scotland was really quite moving. Our 4+ days in Scotland had been tough but had brought the team together. The wind, weather and mountainous challenges had been immense, something none of us will ever forget. We’ve all learned a lot about Scotland, even picking up a few Scottish words. We would regularly have drivers slow down, open their windows and share all kinds of different Scottish dialect. I’m sure they were encouraging us (?) and that the accompanying hand signals were underlining their passionate support.
As we crossed into England, spirits were high, the sun came out and the road surfaces improved dramatically. We sped through Carlisle and stopped at 50 miles just outside Penrith for lunch. The gastronomic delights (they get better every day – thanks Ruth!) were only topped by the new Olympic sport (to be announced for Rio) of Jelly Bean catching. Here’s Simon in full swing – can you spot the bean?
The real work today came this afternoon with our climb through Shap and Shap Fell. Peter has seen a new lease of life today and has put his new triple to heavy use, typically in the highest gear to make it as hard as possible, ‘cos that’s what Peter does. Here he is racing his way to Gold at the end of a lovely climb in Shap. Even I enjoyed this one. No podium finish for me though!
Writing and talking about hills and climbs has become normal life. It’s quite scary how everything has become routine or ‘normal’. Staying in Premier Inns every night provides a continuity almost like going home every night. Every hotel is the same and as I sit in my room writing this now, I could be in Fort William or Dumfries. Until you look out of the window you can’t tell. Every room is essentially the same; carpets, curtains, pictures and bed are almost identical, or are they? Well, detailed scientific research by seven cycling blokes over the past five days reveals an alternative thesis…
When we arrive at each hotel there’s a set external routine to logistics operations. In short, bike into room (as long as James hasn’t got to reception first), back to van, bags into room. Back to van to pick up equipment crate, agree meeting time for dinner, back to room.
Door to room, three different types of entry systems so far. Enter room, first question: do I have a couch or chair? A couch is essential for laying out a large heavy case. Chair is useless, and means case on floor, not good. How big is the room? Will the bike fit there? If not, only goes at a particular angle to not obscure desk. Sockets, vital for charging phones, Garmins (bike computers), laptops etc, are they accessible above desk or hidden on the floor? We prefer on the desk. Bathroom, always identical, but slight variations in the taps. I know, I know, this is sounding slightly bonkers, but trust me after five nights doing this, it starts to get to you. Some of us are even getting stressed about the position of the waste bin, which has at least two homes. Lastly, lighting – some variety here and depends largely on whether your room had the 2010 refit or 2009.
All in all, Premier Inns are great places to stay but you are probably best advised to not attempt nine stays back to back.
Anyway, back to the ride. When we got to the top of Shap Fell, we knew/thought that the last 12 miles were downhill. Well, they weren’t. There were a couple of sharp surprise ascents, the wind got up and then the heavens opened. We were in a hurry too as Peter had an urgent appointment to gets his eyebrows waxed or something (true – and not a euphemism in sight).
There was a huge sense of relief for all of us as we coasted into Kendal. Relief of many kinds. For me, it was that my knee had held out. Some pain, but it got me here. For the team it was the excitement of knowing that Rose was going to the launderette. Clean clothes at last and relief that Griffiths could finally change his one pair of shorts….
Half way and 452 miles done: all aboard for Crewe.
ROADSIDE NEWS
- Rabbits 3, really not well
- English Hedgehog x 1
- Pheasant, very fresh
- Senior gentleman with bikes – very alive and well
- Bladderettes appoint Manager (Griffiths) and an official photographer (Terry), album to follow
Day 4 – Dumbarton to Dumfries (96 Miles – Climb 3700ft / 12.3 Avg mph)
Aug 21st
Still in Scotland….
Dinner last night saw most of us attack the carvery – it was Sunday after all: roast gammon and beef never tasted so good! Post-dinner debates concluded that time trialling was probably not compatible with a JOGLE ride. As the Olympics are now over and 926 miles is quite a long way, I’m thinking this is probably quite sensible!
So day 4…..
An 8.30 start this morning and changeable weather. Michael Fish-Griffiths normally forecasts this, as a safe option, but today he was right. We kept fairly dry, but the wind today was a killer, and more often than not came straight at you. Combine this with the worst road surfaces of the trip so far, and bleak, desolate landscapes and you get an idea of the scale of today’s challenge.
The first 20 miles were a welcome relief from yesterday’s frenetic pace. Cycle paths running along the old railway line, and then alongside the canal brought us slowly into Glasgow. We then fought our way through the city streets and to the harbour. Constant stopping and starting was frustrating and time consuming, but there was no shortage of sights, particularly around the docks.
Simon kept us amused with a comedy fall at the traffic lights, a bit like the one described yesterday. One minute he was beside me, the next I heard a muffled whimper and watched him crash onto the street. I don’t think much else than pride was hurt but it was very funny and something of a tonic for seven guys seriously beginning to struggle with the stresses and strains of 300-plus miles under the belt.
The fall must have shaken him as later in the day he was clearly exhausted, as this photo shows.
What’s more the local livestock were deeply unimpressed…
Today saw some pretty tough climbs with at least one category 4 and even a 5. The rating of a climb comes from a calculation done relating to steepness and length, but in essence should be used as a warning to sane people to avoid unnecessary physical damage to their bodies. Pro-cyclists (Lewis and Neil) actually go out of their way to find the steepest hills and then race up them…..beats me! Choosing a route for this ride critically involved a large iron and an attempt to minimise the hill climbing. We will however experience category 3, 4 and 5 hills which translate as follows:
- Category 5 – flippin steep, not attempted by normal people
- Category 4 – flippin long and steeper, as above
- Category 3 – flippin longer, steeper and carry a severe health warning
After the stops and starts of Glasgow, we hit open countryside again and picked the pace up. Over 50 or so miles we experienced, once again, the contrasts of beauty and bleakness that sum up the Scottish countryside.
Sorry, did I forget to mention recently that we’re still in Scotland?
So day 4 is done, and it has been one of our hardest: this was a long and tiring section that saw us finish late at 7pm. Everyone is beginning to feel it, even Lewis. Bodies are seriously aching, we’re dealing with cramp and strains and I’m on the hunt for a double knee transplant. For continuity (more tomorrow) we’re staying at the Premier Inn Dumfries tonight, I think we’ll all be in bed early. Forecast is wet tomorrow (joy) and there’s a rumour we might be crossing the border (deep joy!).
ROADSIDE NEWS
- Chain incidents x 1
- Dog severing x 2
- Glass – Glasgow was covered in it – (clearly lots of drinking and fighting goes on here)
- Labrador – asleep or not well?
- Severed rabbit – definitely not well
The calm before the storm
Aug 16th
As our Lear Jet starts its slow descent into Wick, the air stewardess starts to pack up the silver service. An incredible 3 course meal settles slowly on my stomach, topped off with the finest Cloudy Bay and I look forward to the relaxing week ahead in the splendour and luxury of the famous Ackergill Tower in Wick. As I turn to the passenger opposite to remark on the glorious sunshine that awaits us, I hear this voice, distant at first, then getting louder and I feel myself being shaken around. I suddenly awake to see Peter and Simon urging me to buckle up as our duo prop SAAB 340 (didn’t they go bust?) is buffeted around the grey blustery skys of Wick.
There is no week off. The reality of my holiday lies beneath me as we fly over the A99, the first 120 miles of our journey, tomorrow, on a 926 mile epic to Lands End. After 12 months of thinking, planning and training, reality is now only several thousand feet below us and there is no turning back. A 9 o’clock flight out of Cardiff gets you into Wick for lunch. Its an hour to Edinburgh, then a further hour to Wick. Yep, it’s that much further. I’m reminded it will take us 4 days to cycle out of Scotland. A few miles in a taxi and you’re at the best (only) hotel John O’Groats has to offer, the Seaview. And wow, that is some view!
Our journey has passed without major incident, well other than Simon wondering if our plane could fly on just one prop and James proving that you can still travel the UK without your passport. Try that if Scotland gains independence! And notwithstanding my dream, we’re here. It’s the end of the UK as we know it, and I’m about to cycle to the other end.
Terry, Rose and Jules arrive later with our very smart support van and finally we are reunited with our bikes and rather extensive luggage. Just how long is Simon planning to stay? Simon Lewis, for editorial reasons now renamed Lewis, arrives later tonight, having elected to drive it in a day from Chippenham – that’s a lot of driving! Let’s hope he doesn’t want to take the same approach on the bike tomorrow.
We pass the rest of the day as tourists exploring John O’Groats, it doesn’t take long. Peter and James buy postcards and post. Simon takes a photograph of one and emails it. To complete the experience, the three men have their photo taken at the famous John O’Groats signpost. Partially a dry run for tomorrow (it will be very wet) and….. it’s what you do as a tourist up here.
All we can do now is wait, anxiously/eagerly (please delete as appropriate) for the start of the real journey tomorrow. The only thing between that and us is Dinner at the Seaview tonight. Tripadvisor doesn’t mention any food poisoning scares…..damn!!
Approaching the abyss: just over 24 hours to go
Aug 15th
As I start to write on the eve of the eve of the craziest escapade ever undertaken by someone as unfit as me, I am reminded of my commitment two years ago to never do this again. As we celebrated the end of our 430-mile ride from Land’s End to the London Olympic Stadium back in October 2010, there was incredible elation, relief and sheer joy at the £20K+ we had raised with amazing support from across the music industry. It had been such a massive and challenging undertaking it didn’t seem possible that we would even consider doing anything like it again.
As James and I looked across the Olympic Stadium building site back then, no one would have believed that less than two years later, we would all have witnessed the incredible spectacle that was London 2012 and that inside that same stadium, hopes and dreams for so many came together in a global outpouring of physical and emotional achievement. With all of the gloom and doom around us, the world feels a better place as a result of London 2012 and it’s fitting that our story starts here.
Our ‘Olympic’ journey starts this Friday (17th) and we face a 900+ mile endurance ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 10 days. At 90 miles a day, this is more than double our previous achievement and it can only be that inner urge and drive to raise more money for two great causes (Music for All and Children in Need) that has tipped us all over the edge to even consider getting on a bike again. Some of us enjoy the odd short cycle ride ‘on a sunny day’, but ‘this’ is something else.
As I reflect on the last five months in the saddle, I can perhaps get a glimpse of what some Olympians have to endure in their four year quest for achievement. Since April, I’ve managed 3000 training miles in between the rain and….the rain, and sacrificed what little non-work time I have. I’m not complaining (although I did hate quite a lot of it) but it just gives me an insight into what real commitment is. And I guess, as we stood in the Olympic Park almost two years ago, it didn’t seem possible that we could have found that commitment and inspiration again to attempt another fund-raising ride.
But here we are. The same team, back together again, joined by new riders and with new levels of support from across the music industry, topped off with a new and totally mad challenge to attempt to try and raise more money. As I write today, our fund-raising total is well over £20K, but with much more work to do to get us to our target. The bags and bikes are all packed and en route to John O’Groats and we leave for Cardiff airport in the morning, using the slightly more correct and sane method of air travel to Edinburgh, then Wick.
On Friday morning we swap seats for saddles and diesel for electrolyte drinks (and the odd beer, not on the Bike, well not initially…) and attempt 10 days of solid cycling and total climbing (that’s steep hills to you and me) not far short of 26,000ft. To put that into context, Mount Everest is just over 29,000ft.
Putting this together and just getting us to this point has been a herculean task. The team at Roland, led by Janine and Helen have once again performed marketing and administrative miracles. Huge support too from across the industry: Future (thank you Clare), Peavey, PMT and Sinclair’s for the support van, to name but a few from a very long list. Midge Ure, Howard Jones, Razorlight, Al Murray, thank you guys for your incredible generosity and time.
And now it’s our time, to complete this ultimate challenge. The weather is not looking that great (30mph winds and rain) for John O’Groats on Friday…..let’s hope they got the forecast wrong….
Meet our new rider
Jun 28th
Jules Tabberer-Stewart is Roland’s new drums and percussion product manager – he is also the latest member of the Three Men on a Bike team
The Three Men on a Bike have become four! Jules Tabberer-Stewart, Roland’s Drums and Percussion product manager, has stepped up to the plate and volunteered to join the team for the entire ride from John O’ Groats to Land’s End in August.
Jules is new to the Roland team but he hasn’t been shy about donning the standard-issue lycra shorts and getting involved in training. His first official outing as part of the Three Men on a Bike team was the Wales Sportive in Tenby on 9 June, where he clocked up an impressive 72 miles in just a day.
In August, however, Jules will have to cycle a gruelling 93 miles a day if the team are to meet their target. This should not be a problem for Jules though, who as a lifelong drummer and self-confessed outdoors type, has bags of stamina!
Jules is new to the team but he’s like an old friend. Before working as a Product Manager for Roland, he’s been a drummer, edited the successful Drummer Magazine and worked as a drums specialist (so he knows his onions when it comes to drums!). He’s also a keen cyclist with masses of drive and a great sense of humour – all of which will help when the team hit the road in August.
To get to know Jules a bit better, we asked him a few questions about his history, cycling and favourite bands. Click here to see what he had to say.
Three Men On a Bike Tackle Wales Sportive
Jun 15th
Training is hotting up for the Three Men on a Bike. With just a couple of months to go until their 926-mile challenge, Peter Heath and Tim Walter showed what they‘re made of with a day of intense pedalling at the Wales Sportive on Saturday 9 June.
The Wales Sportive takes place on a lapped cycle course in Tenby. Billed as a challenge of mental and physical endurance, contestants can choose to ride 40, 72 or 112 miles. On the day Peter clocked up 72 miles, while Tim hit a whopping 112 miles!
When they cycle from Land’s End to John O Groats in August, the team will need to achieve an average of 92 miles a day – so the Wales Sportive was an exhausting taste of what’s in store for the three men on a bike.
Peter and Tim were joined at the Wales Sprotif by Roland’s new drum and percussion manager, Jules Tabberer-Stewart – who you will hear about soon… Jules, like Peter, cycled a gruelling 72 miles on the day.
Of course, Tim, Peter and Jules aren’t (just) doing this for the good of their health – the aim is to raise £40,000 for charity. To show your support and donate, click on the donate button to the right of this story.
Music for All and Ashton support Mandeville School
May 30th
Music for All and Ashton were delighted to be able to donate guitar amplifiers to this special school in London. Many of the children have cerebral palsy. The Dolphin class are now able to make music using iPads, special music-making apps and the amplifiers.
Music for All and Ashton were delighted to be able to donate guitar amplifiers to this special school in London. Many of the children have cerebral palsy. The Dolphin class are now able to make music using iPads, special music-making apps and the amplifiers.
Back on the road
May 21st
Three Men on a Bike tackle 100 miles in one day
Simon Griffiths and Tim Walter – two of Roland’s Three Men on a Bike charity team – donned their lycra suits once again for Carten 100 on Saturday 12 May.
The Carten 100 is an annual charity event in which hundreds of cyclists tackle the 104-mile journey between Cardiff and Tenby.
For Simon and Tim, the challenge was excellent practice for their real task, which starts in August. Joined by fellow Roland director, Peter Heath, Simon and Tim will have just 10 days to cycle the 926 miles from John O’ Groats to Land’s End – that’s works out at 92 miles a day!
Every mile the team cycles gets them closer to their goal of raising £40,000 for Children in Need and Music for All. They’re training hard so if you’d like to show your support, donate now by clicking on the clicking on the column to the right.
Success: Simon and Tim take the weight off at Tenby after 104 miles on the road.
Carten 100: The First Test
May 11th
Three Men on a Bike get ready to test their mettle with the Carten100
After months of relentless training, the guys are ready for the first test of their abilities.
Tomorrow (Saturday 12 May), Roland Directors Tim and Simon are set to take part in the Carten 100. This is a grueling 100-mile ride along the coast from Cardiff to Tenby – and they only have one day to do it.
With months of training behind them, they’ve got every reason to be confident and if they make it all the way to Tenby, there’s a promise of a well-earned pint with the other riders. If all else fails, that should be enough to keep them going.
Tough as it is, the Carten100 is just a taste of things to come. In August, the team will cycle the 926 miles from John O’ Groats to Lands End. They will have to complete an exhausting 92.6 miles every day. For 10 days!
Of course it’s all for a good cause, and you can sponsor Three Men On a Bike, by clicking on the donate bar to the right. All donations will be split between Music for All and Children in Need.
Find out more about the Carten100, click here www.carten100.co.uk
And if you’re in the area, why not pop out and cheer the Roland boys on?
Three Men on a Bike choose good causes
Mar 30th
Three Men on a Bike choose good causes
Children in Need and Music for All to benefit from Roland fundraising
Roland’s Directors have chosen the charities they will collect for on their 926-mile bike ride as Music for All and Children in Need.
In 2010, Tim Walter (Managing Director), Simon Griffiths (Finance Director) and Peter Heath (Business Development Director) raised £22000 for Charity when they rode from Land’s End to London. This year they’re taking on an even longer journey and hope to raise £40,000 for their chosen causes.
To donate to a great cause go here.
Three Men on a Bike go the extra 100 miles
Mar 30th
Roland’s charity riders get in training with 100-mile session
The directors will take part in the Carten100 ride from Cardiff to Tenby on Saturday 12th May
As the deadline for the Three Men on a Bike challenge approaches, Roland’s Directors have started training in earnest. To prove they’re confidence is growing (as their waistlines shrink), Tim Walter, Simon Griffiths and Peter Heath have signed up to take part in the Carten 100 on 12 May.
The team will have just one day to cycle 100 miles from Cardiff to Tenby. Joining hundreds of fellow cyclists, the challenge should give them a taste of what awaits in August, when they’ll cycle from John O’ Groats to Land’s End – a total of 600 miles.
As they’ve all been putting in plenty of time in the saddle, the scenic ride should reveal a team at the height of the powers – and if it proves thirsty work, the day traditionally ends with a well-earned pint in Tenby.
The team hopes to raise £40,000 for musical instrument charity, Music For All and Children In Need when it hit the road in August.
For more information on the Cartten 100, visit www.carten100.co.uk
Three Men on a Bike – the sequel
Oct 24th
Music Industry Charity Bike Ride Shifts up a Gear
Last year’s inaugural ‘Three Men on a Bike’ fundraiser was a resounding success, raising £22,000 for the Music for All charity and the British Heart Foundation. The Three Men team, led by Roland UK’s Board of Directors, cycled 430 miles from Land’s End to London, supported by some of the music industry’s finest (and fittest) people.
Since then however, things have gone downhill. The glory has faded, the bikes are in storage and Tim, Simon and Peter are far removed from the Lycra-clad vision of days gone by: too much time in meetings, not enough time in the saddle. So, out of a desire to give something back (especially the recently-gained stone or three) the Three Men are announcing their toughest challenge yet.
In August 2012, the team will set off from John O’ Groats to Lands End, aiming to raise an inflation-busting £40,000 on behalf of the Music for All and Children in Need charities. Larger cycling shorts have been ordered and the bikes have been strengthened, ready for training to begin in January 2012.
With 2012 being the year of the Olympics, a ‘Music for All’ torch will be carried throughout the ride, being passed between the guest riders taking part in the various stages. Already confirmed are Si and Tel from PMT and Alex Martin from Red Dog. If you’re a Managing Director within the music industry, we’d love you to join our elite group of torch bearers, so please get in touch.
And so once again, the call to the saddle goes forth. The Three Men are looking for like-minded souls to join the team, and get involved in a brilliant and worthwhile cause. And maybe, just maybe, become more attractive to the opposite sex in the process – it’s all about the glutes apparently.
If you’re interested in getting on your bike, please e-mail Janine@roland.co.uk
