Well, that’s it for another year folks!
The team have successfully crossed the finish line back in Cascais ahead of their projected finish time, completely unscathed.
That’s right, nobody came off, no ones bike decided to shear off a vital piece of metal, there wasn’t even so much as a puncture this year!
Is that a sign that the roads in Portugal are more bike-friendly? That there are less broken bottles and sharp pieces of shrubbery littering the highways than there are over here and in Ireland?
Who can say, but I’m just thankful another absolutely stunning journey has been completed safely, and that we’ve raised a load of cash for charity in the process.
The Totaliser
But just how much cash have we raised? Well, as of right now when I type these words, we’ve raised…
£4,623
Which is a fantastic amount, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I know we can do better!
Yes, we’re in the middle of a cost of living crisis (or a cozzy livs as the kids are saying – I immediately feel disgusted with myself having typed those words) but if you can spare even a couple of quid (and Gift Aid it, if possible!) it would be helping out a fantastic cause that will absolutely save lives through awareness alone.
What’s Next?
The truth is… I have no idea.
Right now the most important thing is for the riders to celebrate yet another amazing feat of endurance and skill, for the rest of us to look on in awe and for someone to fill in one of those massive novelty cheques and present it to Movsaude so they can put the money to good use.
I’m sure Gav’s brain is already ticking on what 2025’s ride will look like. I know what I’m hoping for (and if it comes to fruition you won’t be able to keep me off that plane) but that remains to be seen.
On a personal note, there’s a chance that this may be my last Ride 4 Life, and if that’s the case let me be selfish for a moment and just take this opportunity to say how amazing it has been to be a part of this whole thing for the last 5 years.
I’ve genuinely loved every single minute of it, right down to the stupidly early wake-ups, the hours sat waiting for delayed flights and sprinting (well, more a fast shuffle, I haven’t got a sprint in me) around London trying to get to Leadenhall before the riders did.
Even the ‘Breakfast’ at the Parcel Yard.
Thank you Gav, and the rest of the team, for letting me play a part in something so special and close to your heart. It has meant the world to me every year and if I’m able to, I hope to be involved for years to come.
Podcast?
Gav and Max will attest to the fact that for the past couple of years I’ve been badgering them to do a Ride 4 Life podcast, and I’m determined to make that happen even if I have to drag them into a recording booth and force them.
So hopefully, at some point in the near future, we’ll sit down and talk about this ride, previous rides, and anything else that crops up.
But until then, I shall wish you one final Adeu with a video of the riders arriving at the finish line!
Have a drink for me lads and I’ll see you soon!