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Early start and a short downhill (!!) to Bradford’s stadium

It’s a long time since I was a regular at (the then) Valley Parade. The stadium is now an awful lot more impressive than it was in the 1970s but, of course, I remembered the fire and it reminded me that we are never that far from tragedy.

Highlight of the Tour

One of the absolute highlights of the tour was to meet fellow Ecademist Martin Dewhurst. I have always had great respect for Martin and make no apology for copying an update he added to Ecademy after the meeting. As you see, he is a man of great insight and with a huge knowledge of the refugee issue. I was also extremely keen to catch up with him on his Penny On project which I think is so blindingly obvious it hurts. I am, quite openly, keen to see if I can assist with this. I quote,

Hi Steve,

It was inspiring to meet you on Sunday at Bradford.

We talked about the plight of refugees and how mere mention of the word ‘refugee’ and people can immediately think of problems they associate with immigration.

I’m not sure either if ‘international displaced persons’ quite works either, IDP’s as they’re referred to in development circles are still people like you and me, people who in the majority of cases who have lost everything including a safe place to live and call their home.

In many ways, Steve in taking on this challenge is experiencing what life is like for some of the worlds 45m refugees. He’s constantly on the move, his life’s possessions have been destroyed and what he has left he carries with him as he moves from place to place in search of support. Like any great undertaking done in the spirit of selflessness, the lessons along the way provide insights into the lives of our peers in other countries. The lessons provide empathy, a sense of connection to people who live like this 24/7 and recognition for their situation.

Steve wisely chose not to make this epic journey about raising funds, as a society we’re already at charity overload point with so many people competing for the charity pound. In my partners case, working at head office for a large high street retailer, every day at work she has to run the gauntlet to get to her desk past the growing crowd of charities that now set up base in the reception area, then once at her desk there’s at least 3 requests per day for sponsorship.
One recent “charity challenge” involved 14 members of staff on full pay and during work time, doing the 3 peaks challenge, they raised £440. Multiply this by the UK’s big employers and that’s a lot of effort to do more, shout louder, stand out from the crowd.

And there’s a downside, people who already give generously out of their wages are left to feel guilty for not sponsoring every person that requests support for their fundraiser.

One amazing fundraiser I know jumped off Everest in a parachute to raise funds, massive effort, risk and what next?

Steve, riding to raise awareness for the worlds refugees was guided by the UN’s advice to Bjorn, who did the same, cycled and took with him a message of ‘remember the refugees’.

Steve’s also already planning his next trip, it’s even bigger than this one and involves more clubs, more miles and tons more energy.

I noticed there’s been a few stirling supporters here on Ecademy for Steve, many more from BNI too and if there was one thing we could do to make Steve’s next push that little bit more possible, its by finding a sponsor to provide a tour vehicle and support team to accompany the tour and organize the journey ahead of each stage.

Aside from the breathtaking physical effort of this journey, Steve has also had to cope with much of the logistics, meeting times and places, accommodation, sponsorship en route. Physically, mentally and emotionally a mammoth task.

Steve, I salute your determination, courage and willingness to undertake this on behalf of others, and in spite of all the challenges you’ve faced.

You are an inspiration and I look forward to asisting anyway I can with your efforts going forward.

On behalf of all my refugee friends …
Shukran, shukran, shukran.”

Thanks, Martin. I am sure there is much we can do together.

Then it was TOUGH ride from Bradford to Sheffield. All was going well until I hit Huddersfield and found a slow 4 mile uphill climb! Happy Sunday!

I eventually made Sheffield to be met by Mick Daniels and his family who have kindly offered to feed and water me for two days. Mick is a HUGE Sheffield United fan and it was “the man himself” who organised for Bjørn to be hosted at the United Watford game last season. (See photo) That was a highlight of his 11 month tour and Bjørn still talks about Yorkshire hospitality. After a superb evening meal I can understand why!

Probably the quietest day on the tour so far. Had short journey from Leeds to Ramada Hotel Bradford ……and slept!

Well, I guess I did some catching up, emails and washing but it was pretty much a R&R day. I had had plans for some insightful updates on the first half of the tour and my thoughts for the remaining 45 clubs but I put my head on a pillow …..and 5 hours later I wondered where I had been!

Anyway, there were no appointments, I had let nobody down so I guess it was Nature telling me to slow down for a while. It was also great to be in a super hotel with a single room where I could spread everything out and pack/repack. This is really a great hotel now. The staff were amazing at check-in. They had me down as “Cyclist Steve”, were keen to hear of my journey, had tidied out a space in a shed so that my bike would be secure and generally made me feel like a returning son rather than just one more guest. To cap it all one of the chambermaids showed me direct to my room and wished me a wonderful stay. A great start and some nice touches. The huge bed looked very inviting and as I walked in the room, the TV opened with a welcome to “Cyclist Steve”. As I saw the welcome tray with hot chcocolate and biscuits, the beautiful views over the Pennines and the deep, deep bath I was about to luxuriate in, I compared it with the “welcome” from Leeds United. If you are in doubt, Bradford just got the edge!!

After busy busy day it was great to work from the office of The Vinery in Huddersfield today.

At end of day, two hour trip to Leeds became nearly three because of driving rain and was very happy to arrive at Ramada Leeds Parkway for a one night stay ……and to get dry!

Went to Elland Road on way (ground 47) and was met by rudest reception of any club. Jobsworth steward not happy about me taking photos of the OUTSIDE of the stadium. I explained I was visiting all 92 grounds and had been met with universal hospitality and friendship. I guess there had to be an exception! Steve, ignore it and look forward to Bradford.

Bjørn is correct

Before I started the tour, Bjørn told me, “Steve, you will have higher highs and lower lows than you will be able to cope with easily.” Boy, was he right?

After three days I would in general prefer to forget, days 70 and 71 have been really great days.

I commented on LinkedIN

RESPECT to all at Rock Huddersfield.

1) A superb meeting

2) They organised a room at one of my very favourite hotels in the world. (The George Hotel, Huddersfield. Part hotel, part Rugby League Museum)

3) Got me a room for an extra night in return for 5 hours canvassing tomorrow for The Vinery Hair Salon, Huddersfield and even got me a very smart new short back and sides in return for some leaflet delivering this afternoon.

4) I am now discussing a project with Rock Member Alan Whyke which will run in to 100s of 1000s of pounds sterling. Alan was a superb introduction from one of the most professional and dynamic ADs I have met in the last three months, Jillian Evans

5) Colin McNeill is a famous triathlete who took the trouble to give me great advice re diet and basic cycling techniques

….and last but definitely not least Georgina Oldfield who is a chartered physiotherapist kindly gave me some linament which will take away some of the pain.

BUT there is more!!

Today is a milestone

Yes, I have now officially completed half of the circuit and Huddersfield became number 46 out of the 92 I have to visit.

I was enthusiastically welcomed to “The Yorkshire Club” by their dynamic David Sykes who warmed to my story and who said something that made me feel very humble. “Steve, thank you for visiting us and making us part of your journey.” Now, the reality is that I HAD to visit The Galpharm Stadium but I was very touched by his comment. Huddersfield are a club who for many years have held their social responsibility very proudly and who have always worked on their role in the community and are most definitely a club who I would want to be associated with. For that reason David’s warm and profuse welcome was even more appreciated. He did not have a shirt available as the new 2010/2011 shirt has yet to be launched but he kindly “borrowed” the only prototype model that the club has and we held it aloft to show the world! yes, you saw it here first. It’s a very attractive Mitre design and I think it will sell well as a fashion item as well as in its more sporting role!

As must be becoming clear, I am also a huge Rugby League fan and in one of thos wonderful moments that life throws up just as I was standing at the reception of the new stadium Eorl Crabtree passed by…….and, yes, I had a camera in my hand! In soccer terms and depending on your age it would be the equivalent of Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Tom Finney, George Best, Sir Bobby Moore, Gary Lineker, Beckham or Cantona walking towards you. To be honest and without thinking I asked Eorl if I could take a photo. Absolutely NO problem. He was charm personified, was interested to hear about my travels and my rugby league career and updated me on his amazing career with the Huddersfield Giants and England. He was simply put “the perfect gentleman”.

Eorl, you cannot know how much that 10 minutes meant to me and my trip. I wish you every success in your richly-deserved testimonial season ….and if you want a caddy for your golf pro-am please let me know!

After the disappointments of the two previous days, I was determined to enjoy today…. and I did!

I woke up, shook my head and joy of joys the man flu had gone. So with an obscenely early start I was at Barnsley Football Club at the crack of dawn. Sadly there was nobody to meet and even more sadly I screwed up on the photos but it was good to get club 45 in the book and off I shot to Huddersfield.

As anybody who knows me will admit, I am a huge BNI fan and it was a double joy today to go to a new region (South Pennines) go to a strong chapter (Rock) with a great AD (Jill Evans) AND find that the meetings are held at the George Hotel. The George Hotel is a hugely important building in the history of British sport. It is where the Rugby League was formed when “the original clubs” broke away from the Northern Union in a bitter dispute over broken time payments. The whole building is a working museum and the walls are covered with photos of the games greats. Framed photos of Fox, Boston, Jim, Mick and Sir Clive Sullivan, Stephenson, Ashton, Murphy, Edwards, Karalius, Farrell inter alia are everywhere. As a rugby league fan since the 70s this is a dream location for me and I spent an hour reminiscing on my days following Bradford Northern. Happy Days!

Yes, the hotel is a real “must visit” for anybody interested in rugby or indeed sport in the UK. It is wonderful to stay in a hotel with “style” rather than a characterless triple-decker on some industrial estate or outer city ring road. The staff all seem local and clearly love working here ….. and it shows! Other hotels take note!

As for the meeting, it was a lunchtime event and held in the famous Harold Wilson Suite. As a lunchtime meeting, it has a special “feel” and I was made very welcome by enthusiastic members covering a great member of professions.

The highlight of the day was an evening meal with Jill and her partner Colin. Colin is a triathlete and just hearing what he has to put himself through in one single day made me feel tired! Time permitting we will meet up again and he can show me how to cycle properly! RESPECT!

Huge disappointment of a day.

Had GREAT tour of Doncaster Rovers courtesy of Steve in the media department. Thanks for seeing me at short notice. By amazing coincidence we both saw Gillingham versus Doncaster Rovers as our very first ever game!! We were both smitten – love at first sight and we have both suffered for our decisions over many many years! Steve since 1977 and me since 1964. Unlike the Priestfield the new stadium is something Steve can be proud of!

Then disaster struck. Two miles out of Doncaster I went down with flu symptons and the result was I managed only to do 16 miles in 6 hours! Wow, did I feel rough? Anyway, I pushed for most of the last 6 miles and was sooooo lucky that there was a pub almost as I entered Barnsley. I put a thespian performance on that even Gielgud would have been proud of as the only room spare was not made up and he had no cleaner. I sais I cared not and just needed somehwere to crash and fast. Good guy saw the urgency and let me have a bed. The Black Bull, Barnsley take a bow!

Feel hugely better after 3 hour siesta, shower etc but eyes are swimming so will update later. Some nice photos of both Doncaster Stadiums so we can all reminisce fondly about the dump that was Belle Vue!

Sadly, I did not make Huddersfield the half-way point but I look forward to that tomorrow.

Everybody has one …. move on

Day 68 was not a highlight of the tour. Nice walk through Lincoln Centre and good to visit John, the press officer from Lincoln City and hear of his hopes and fears for the new season but apart from that it was a lot of miles and 3 hours in rain and drizzle. I then arrived at worst accommodation anywhere on trip.

I will wake up tomorrow and Day 69 WILL be a great day. I am sure of that! Thanks for following all of you and I promise I’ll get you some more interesting news later. How can I not?

Always good to do two grounds in one day. Today it was Hull City and Scunthorpe United. Actually I also went to Hull City’s old ground at Boothferry Park …. but that doesn’t count LOL!

Lots more to say about Hull. Hope I have internet access tomorrow

GREAT hotel again. The George It was so good that I made them Sponsor of the Day! Nice to have a bit of elegance once in a while but it reminded me that the world’s refugees do not have this fortune.

“Home” …. I woke up in god’s chosen county AKA Yokshire for the first time in 12 years. Nice feeling in nice B&B in York. Clifton Bridge B&B gets the vote for the best breakfast in a hotel on the trip so far!

Easy day down to Beverley and delighted to find quaint Youth Hostel. Sadly full for next night as I would gladly have rested up but “no room at the inn”.

GLAD THAT I LIVE AM I

Whilst I was in hospital the first few lines of this went through my head. It’s an old school hymn that I had not heard for nearly 40 years. Thanks to Tim Berners-Lee I was able to check the entire lyrics.

Enjoy

GLAD THAT I LIVE AM I

Glad that I live am I,
That the sky is blue;
Glad for the country lanes
And the fall of dew,
After the sun the rain,
After the rain the sun
This is the way of life
Till the work be done.
All that we need to do,
Be we low or high is to
see that we grow nearer the sky.

Yes, life is sweet ….. and I double-checked before I wrote this and confirmed that I am not a Man City or Arsenal fan. It doesn’t get better guys!

This morning I woke at 5am for a short journey to the Harald BNI chapter at Thornaby. I quickly checked my inbox and was delighted to find this update from my brother-in-arms Mark Say. Mark is very involved with BloodRun and we would both be obliged if you would check this out.

“An early start for Mark today to go and meet a very special man. His name is Steve Hall and he is currently on Day 65 of a 3,000 mile cycle ride around the UK. Steve is a 53 year old Ex-Pat who currently lives in Torrevieja, Alicante. He has taken five months out of his life to raise awareness about all the worlds refugees, he isn’t asking for money, just for people to consider the plight of some of the people less fortunate than ourselves.From Steve’s website:

Why am I doing this? My aim is very clear. I want to help to raise awareness for the world’s 45 million refugees. I am not looking to raise money. I am simply focused on raising the level of awareness for this huge global issue.

On his journey around the UK Steve is visiting all 92 football clubs on the way. Mark was put in touch with Steve through his father Mick, both are members of BNI, Business Networking International, and Mick put the two in touch in the hope that, as both are doing charity work, that they may be able to help each other. As Steve neared Hartlepool, Mark offered to be his “fixer” for the day, arranging a visit to Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United Football Club, some press coverage and even a spot of lunch.

Mark met Steve at the end of the local BNI meeting which was held at The Windmill, Dalton Piercy. The two then saddled up for the roughly 5 mile trip into Hartlepool. The weather could have been better, with that fine rain that soaks you through making an appearance. Neither of the pair were suitably dressed for the rain and Steve didn’t even have a jacket, being that it was cut off him by the police after a bad accident recently because they thought he had dislocated his shoulder! But nevertheless they set off towards the 39th club of Steve’s journey.

Steve told Mark before they set off to take it easy as he was still sore from the accident, so Mark set off at a modest pace only to have Steve fly by him on the first hill, so much for frailty!

It didn’t take long to get there and as we were a little early we nipped into Facchinis Cycles on Murray Street where Martin was able to tighten Steve’s mudguard and “lend” him an allen key for his handlebar headset. We then headed to Morrisons, one of the Bloodrun sponsors, for a coffee, and then made the short trip around the corner to Victoria Park. First of all we met Jon and the “Mock up” Bloodbike to show Steve, then inside we went to meet Mark the Press Officer for HUFC, hereby known as “HUFC Mark”.

HUFC Mark and Steve chatted football and as both were like an encyclopaedia of football knowledge they seemed to get on like a house on fire, it turns out one of the Hartlepool players was signed from a club which is 6 miles from where Steve used to live in Sweden! And HUFC Mark even knew of Steve’s friend Bjorn Heidenstrom who recently cycled from Norway to South Africa as part of “The Shirt” project and used to play for Leyton Orient!

The Hartlepool Mail came down and took a few photos of Steve for the paper and then HUFC Mark showed us the stadium, great stuff! Thanks to all at HUFC and The Hartlepool Mail for that.

Hunger began to strike and before Steve saddled up Mark treated him and Jon to some fish and chips from Majestic Fisheries, Lister Street, it certainly filled a hole! Mark and Jon then presented Steve with a signed Bloodrun 2010 T-Shirt as part of his Shirt collection and he rode off into the rain back towards The Windmill.

Thank you Steve and we hope that the rest of your journey goes without a hitch!

Check out Steve’s website at www.theshirt2010.co.uk ”

You can see the full article with some great photos here

After an excellent BNI meeting with Harald at Thornaby, it looked like I had a quick free-wheel to Middlesbrough but sadly an assortment of motorway style roads, cul-de-sacs, appalling directions at a petrol station and my own lack of local knowledge meant I was cycling in circles! Eventually, a friendly local gave me excellent directions and I was at Middlesbrough’s stadium to be met by a tour guide and a shirt. Yes, I had the pleasure of a 1-2-1 tour of the stadium by Barry who was himself an ex pro in the 50s and 60s and was a mine of information about all things ‘Boro. He also gave me superb directions on back-roads out of town to Thirsk. A TOP guy and a real pleasure to have shared something of the tradition of this proud club with him.

Club 40 …. a milestone!