Dorking to Edinburgh - Done!

The 2011 Amber Foundation & Aftaid Classic was a huge success with a brave, determined team beating the elements to ride from Dorking to Edinburgh in just 6 days, while raising awareness and donations for their chosen charities.

Here’s the story according to Ride Manager Ollie Kmiecik…

Day 1, Box Hill to Little Horwood

The first day of any big ride is filled with nerves and excitement with the anticipation of what’s to come – those feelings multiplied by the knowledge that you have to lead the team safely through hundreds of miles.

It was a great morning at the top of Box Hill where the team assembled - the team support car was loaded up, press shots taken with the Amber Foundation and Aftaid, the two charities being supported by the ride, and speeches made.

Then at 10am, on the dot, the team set off. We spent the first few miles chatting and warming up the legs skirting around London and heading towards Windsor. Most of the first day was a formality in fact and we had a good day in the saddle, arriving at Horwood House in Milton Keynes. We were surprised to find a very welcoming jacuzzi and spa there which we all indulged in (to limber up for the next day of course!)

Day 2, Little Horwood to Nottingham

We had a good day out on the road, again staying safe and getting to grips with riding as a group together. It's much easier if you ride close on the road, partly to aid communication and to ensure everyone is together, but also to allow slip-streaming, ie allowing the cyclist right behind you to be free from most of the wind, making it easier for them to cycle, preserving energy for their turn on the front.

Day 3, Nottingham to York

This was a long day for the team. There was a strong wind, mainly a cross wind, and open flat roads. In theory it looked like a fairly easy day however it turned out to be problematic. Firstly the new Sat Nav we had suddenly stopped working and the support vehicle had to wait at each turning to guide the team. Then the last mile or so to the hotel, which was just north of York, didn't seem to be on the map and, after taking a very rough road, the team finally managed to make it, a little battered and very tired.

Cycling into the wind is very demoralising and fatiguing so finishing a day like that was a great achievement. Who said it was meant to be an easy day?!

Day 4, York to Newcastle

This morning’s ride was beautiful, taking in the North Yorkshire Moors with some lovely climbs and stunning open roads. All was lush with greenery and real fresh air, not like the sort we get in London, I can assure you.

The second half of that day was a little more demanding taking in faster roads which present a different type of challenge, with fast cars and lorries going past and often the road surface, in the gutter, isn't good. Even though we had taken a lot of beautiful roads to divert us from the faster roads it was a long day, again, on the bikes and the team was starting to feel tired. Having been ordered to keep on drinking and eating, everyone made it to the fantastic welcome Newcastle has to offer, by cycling over the bridge in the city centre overlooking the city almost in it's entirety. A very warm welcome followed at the Holiday Inn Express along with a round of beers on the Manager! Spirits were picking up for sure.

Day 5, Newcastle to Dumfries

We all knew that this was going to be the “big” day. The weather forecast had predicted strong winds pushing from West to East and it certainly wasn't wrong. After taking the incorrect route out of Newcastle (taking in three river crossings!!) we rode out of the city and towards the Pennines.

Usually the Pennines are a place of beauty, few cars and open flat roads. Unfortunately with such strong winds the day turned out to be a real endurance effort. Highlights of the day were taking a lovely switchback downhill road, no traffic and a lovely reward after a very long and relentless uphill part before. We also crossed the border into Scotland and all stopped for a photo by the sign, welcoming us into the country. What a feeling and sense of achievement already - that we had come so far and were all doing it to support such wonderful causes.

That did lift our spirits but there was still the small matter of 30 odd miles to go to Dumfries and it was a very long ride home that day with continuing headwinds and fatigue kicking in. The wind was so bad that one of the local bridges was even closed! It was a great ride that day and helmets off to all for pushing through and keeping together.

Day 6, Dumfries to Edinburgh

That morning, everyone knew it was the final push to the end, but it was still a good 80 miles to slog through the countryside. Points of interest that day included the amazing climb out of Moffatt, a 6-mile ascent with a similar distance descent the other side. The team rode well up the climb taking it at an individual pace and we all regrouped at the top, with the support vehicle waiting for our arrival with food and water, energy drinks etc.

There was then a great descent before a section that took in Peebles. This road was amazing, car free and just beautiful rolling hills for several miles. We rode until we hit an A road which would eventually take us all the way into the city centre. With the last few miles being a cruise into town, arriving at the hotel was a great moment.

Each member of the team had overcome personal challenges during the 6 days and had reached the end. That evening at dinner there really was a sense of celebration from all and reflection on what had been achieved.

Many thanks go out to the support driver, Jules, for being with the team every step of the way, and Stuart, for being professional and always willing to help, even with some of the mucky jobs that come with fixing bikes. And of course, to the 4 riders - Tadgh, Chris, Miles and James. Without them there would be no Amber & Aftaid team and we were so impressed with not only how much they had all raised to help their respective charities, but also at how passionately they spoke of the people they were helping.

Here’s to next year!