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Day 77 …… five years later

Most of you reading this will know that in 2010 I cycled to all the 92 league grounds in England and Wales. Here I look back on that trip. My last update was after a horror hit-and-run left me unconscious in a ditch 30 miles from Newcastle.

Three weeks pass and the world looks a better place. I left hospital, had my bike re-built and resumed my quest to visit every club. So in late July and into August I cycle down from the North East through my beloved Yorkshire and into the East Midlands. With the notable exception of Leeds (Dis-)United I am met with universal kindness and generosity. Several BNI chapters looked after me well and almost every club rolled out the red carpet. Five years ago today I was near Nottingham and half way through the 92 clubs.

Five years later, I am still involved in The Shirt project and still support whenever I can. As many know I ended up in the UK recently and on my travels I met Sunny Mehta who has owned the Crompton Guest House for over 20 years. He is a huge football fan and immediately was interested to learn more of the project. He read my diary from 2010 and offered to provide a Crompton Guest House shirt. THANKS! The only problem is that he does not have a football shirt. No problem! He introduced me to his son, Rohan who was excited to learn of the trip too. He was actually wearing a Liverpool shirt so I told him about my fantastic day at Anfield. Anyway, Rohan said he would help his dad and designed this unique shirt which I will be happy to wear with pride! Thanks, guys. It would be rude of me not to put a shout out for the Crompton Guest House near Heathrow. I was hugely impressed and I reminded myself of some of the good (and not so good!) places I stayed back in 2010. I can recommend both this Guest House and his second, Bridge House at nearby Osterley if you want a quiet, value-for-money stay in or near Heathrow (15 minutes) or Central London (It took me 30 minutes to Hyde Park Corner). Click here for full details.

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.

Just a little reflection really. It was 5 years ago today that I was knocked off my bike by a hit-and-run driver.
I was left in a ditch near Hexham, Northumberland and was unconscious for four hours. At this very minute back in 2010, I was in A&E at Newcastle General Hospital feeling pretty sorry for myself. I had cycled up from London, via Birmingham and the North West to Carlisle. I set off from Carlisle United about 11 am and was making good time for Sunderland. The next thing I remember was screaming at the ambulance staff, “Why are you talking to me in English? I am fine in Spanish.” I obviously thought I was still in Spain! Just a bit confused.

So, this is really just a thank you to everybody who has made the last five years so special. If you are reading this, YOU are one of those.

The full story is is here

Day 15 …… 5 years later

This was always going to be the most difficult day of 2015 but, boy, I had NO idea just how bad it was going to be!

If you go back to Day 15 in 2010 it was the day when, sitting in Starbucks in Richmond, I got a phone call from friends in Spain to tell me that my entire life’s possessions had gone up in flames. Yes, a storage centre blaze in Fuengirola, Spain had left me with whatever I had on my bike…..basically dirty clothes!

By absolute chance and for the first time in those five years I found out last week that I was going to be in Richmond. I decided to visit Starbucks to remind myself of that dark day. I was not looking to be melancholic. Rather, the opposite. My little way of thanking the gods and my friends for these last few years. Life has been good to me and whilst I may have lost a “few” clothes and a “few” bits of paper, I always remind myself that many, many people never had them in the first place. I have woken up every morning since I got that call to thank my gods for all I have and, especially, that I am not an Arsenal fan!

Strange things were to happen though to change my plans. Yes, one moment I am standing at a bus stop in Twickenham and the next thing I know I am groggy and being resuscitated by a variety of first-responders, police and a passing doctor. It’s all a bit vague but, anyway, the next thing I know I am in the back of an ambulance which is two-toning it through the streets of London to ……. Well, it was not until I was in A&E at some hospital that I found it was Kingston General, in Kingston-upon-Thames. A HUGE shout out to all the staff who looked after me so well. Yes, even to Harry the porter who successfully banged me knee that was just about to be X-rayed. Sorry, if he heard “words I never heard in the bible.” No sweat, 3 days later, I’m on the mend. There’s nothing broken and I’ll be back out to meet the world full on tomorrow again. I have a HUGE respect for all these guys. I wish there was something I can do to repay the numerous times they have patched me up. Let’s send a thought to them all working 24/7 to keep us on this planet!

All this did not stop me going back to Starbucks where I received that fateful call. I had a cappuccino and raised my cup to all of you who have brought so much to my lives. Many of you, Sir Alex Ferguson, Del Bosque etc would not know me. Others like Cornelis and Bjørn have continued to inspire me and others have made me laugh and cry, smile and groan. Thanks all. Here’s to the next 5 years ……..although, on the 10th anniversary, I think I’ll stay in bed! THANKS, GUYS!

Day 12 …..5 years later

So, what I thought I would do is look back week-by-week on my tour of 2010. Yes, FIVE whole years ago. I am delighted I am still in touch with so many of those who helped and supported me back then. Thanks to your friendship over the years. By chance, this morning I saw a car company called Coys Cars. I am sure they are a GREAT company but not as great as Coys Cars from Torrevieja, Spain who supported me all those years ago and recently supported me on a 90 Day Tour of Spain Mike is a HUGE Wolves fan. They had just finished 15th in the Premier League. Chelsea had won it and Hull, Burnley and Portsmouth went down. Some things never change ….and some stay the same!

The first week I was mainly around London making preparations. I was let down by an insurance company that had promised to sponsor me and the company that had promised me a bike also failed to come good. So, BIG thanks to John Coupland who was my mentor, guide, coach and all-round support person that week. I stayed at his house and he introduced me to a huge number of BNI colleagues.

I started to tick the clubs off on a bike borrowed from his daughter and although Crystal Palace was a bit of a disaster (I arrived the very day it went into administration!), there was better to come at Fulham, Brentford, QPR and Chelsea. Then it was on to Barnet and Watford. Whilst I was away, John managed to secure a bike for me the whole journey and after a couple of days at friend’s homes and hostels, I was back with John and his family for the final few days.

I had my first radio interview arranged for the Friday and in many ways I considered that the “real” beginning of my journey. On Day 12 five years ago, I had no idea what was going to happen on the Thursday, of course!

COPA

I can’t hide it, five years later, I am still a football fanatic. I died a thousand deaths with “my” Manchester United, my Gillingham, my Real Madrid etc yet again this season. United made some progress, Real Madrid failed to take silverware and Gillingham finished mid-table after relegation had looked a possibility. I still follow Norwegian football and laugh at the failings of Arsenal. So all my birthdays came at once when I found the COPA Football Store directly opposite the west entrance to Amsterdam Central Station.

It is a veritable Aladin’s Cave of football shirts and I was delighted to meet the charismatic Angelo on my first visit. I explained my love of football shirts and my trips to all the 92 clubs in the UK. Angelo is a massive Napoli fan and we had a great 15 minutes talking about their greats such as Maradona, Cavani, Higuaín (ex Real Madrid) and, of course, Rafa Benítez.

I found that COPA was founded in 1998 when a football addict started with a small collection of traditionally produced heavy weight cotton football shirts and the collection has grown ever since. Nowadays the collection consists of different lines with retro shirts, jackets & pants, football inspired printed T-shirts & sweaters, baby shirts, functional football apparel, recycled bags and footballs.

Another important reason for European production is that COPA is committed to sustainability and cares about the working conditions of its manufacturing employees. Therefore, all COPA garments are produced with the best possible fabrics and production techniques, and are created by motivated workers who are fairly paid for their dedicated work.

COPA products can be found in retail and online shops as well as this their flagship store in Amsterdam.

I was also delighted to learn that COPA sponsors The Dutch Amputee Football Team. Good luck to the team and respect to COPA to reaching out to not so famous! On their website, there are dozens of photos of the “good and the great” of World football weaing COPA shirts. It was great to see their support of this team. I was privileged to attend the Blind World Cup in Hereford, England in 2010 whilst on my Doing The 92. I know how much these still-able players love the game. Let’s support them!

To learn more about COPA, its products and ethos, please visit the Copa Football website and their Facebook page

In all honesty, I could have stayed all day but I was off to the play-off game between FC Volendam and FC Eindhoven at the tiny Kraas Stadion 20 kms away from town. This is to decide promtion/relegation to/from the top Dutch League, Eredivisie. Instead of 60,000 at Wembley, there were 3500 in this compact little ground which would probably have looked good in the English League Two. Nevertheless one of these teams MIGHT play Ajax and PSV next season. The route is to win this home and away tie and then win another two-legged tie next week. So, a big prize on offer.

The football was probably League One standard but the fans were enthusiastic and created a good atmosphere. The away team had probably 500 very noisy followers who sang for the full 90 minutes ……. in English! Dexy’s Midnight Runners have never run so far! Quite bizarre. The game was pretty even but Volendam went ahead in the 67th minute before tragedy happened and Eindhoven equalised in the 91st minute. Football has its own Fat Lady and Volendam sneaked a winner with just about the last touch of the game. So, 2-1 and now we will have to see whether that is enough to carry them through the return.

I wish them well…… all in all a thoroughly enjoyable day!

Five Years Ago Today

Yes, five years ago today my tour started. It was an early (4am!) start too as I had to get to a BNI meeting way across town from where I was staying. Over the next four months, I will do a weekly round-up of that tour with its many highlights and the, inevitable, looooooooows. I’m delighted to say that I am still in touch with many of the people who supported me all those years ago and I’ll try to update you all on how they are doing.

Tomorrow, I am off to FV Volendam play FC Eindhoven in the play-offs from the Juniper League to the Dutch “premiership”, the Eredvisie but today it’s back to my roots as I interview Manon who has a most remarkable project in Amsterdam. Yes, the need for the support of refugees is as great as ever and equally we are still collecting shirts. A recent arrival was from Globexs and I have one promised from Lopoca in Belgium. Please don’t hesitate to shout if you have one to donate.

Five years later

Yes, it’s already five years just about to the day since I set off in May 2010 on my tour of 92 league grounds. It all began at Crystal Palace in a most unfortunate way. It was the day they went into liquidation and there was nobody to welcome me! It finished almost four months later in much happier circumstances at West Ham United where I was given great treatment and even allowed to cycle around the pitch. Some 120 days where I experienced some of the highs of my life and some of the worst moments.

Now five years later I am going to look back on the tour with a week by week overview. I hope that you will follow me just as you did in 2010. Why? Simple. Firstly because I value your friendship and more importantly because the cause of the refugees is still close to my heart and 45 million (and growing) people need your help. THANKS.

So, today’s the day. Back in the saddle in earnest for a three day tour of Lanzarote. My trip is confirmed – a tour of “The Rock”. 25/27 April Starting & finishing at Sun Park, Playa Blanca.

I’m off to Macher, Tías, Playa del Carmen, Playa Honda, San Bartolomé, Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Uga and Yaiza (among other stops!). Shout if you are on the route and want me to say “hi”! Thanks to Mike and Julie at www.lanzaroteinformation.com for their terrific support. Appreciated, amigos.

HUGE HUGE respect and THANKS to Papagayobike who rescued me at the last stroke! They have supplied the perfect bike at minutes’ notice!

You will be hearing a LOT more about www.papagayobike.com in the days to come, I assure you.
!!Nacho, eres la leche!!

Papagayobike

At Papagayo Bike we provide you the best service for bike rental on the island of Lanzarote 365 days a year. Anything you need, we will be there for you. Our experience, bikes and human team make our force, joining quality, assessment, amusement, security and a wide range of bicycles ensure that we can completely fulfil your requirements and wishes. We are dedicated to cycling and we have been operating in Lanzarote since 1998.

We have two centres on the island, one in Playa Blanca and another in Costa Teguise. We invite you to visit this unique island and explore the exceptional sunshine cycle it offers.

Excursions and tours

Our team knows the island like the back of our hand. Let us surprise you and we will show you the very best that Lanzarote has to offer.

Come and meet our experienced staff who will detail the numerous routes for mountain-biking and road-biking. Follow the the famous Iron Man route on one of our high end race bikes or get an off-road experience in the volcanic areas. Lanzarote is well signposted to improve your experience.

Costa Teguise located in the Northeast of the island, is the perfect place to start any road excursion or mountain excursion. You will find major climbs in the Tabayesco where you can do good training and enjoy marvelous sights when approaching the “Mirador del rio”. For the family you will find a beautiful seafront connecting Arrecife, Playa Honda, Puerto de Carmen and Puerto Calero. Papagayo Bike will attend all your cycling requirements whether at our base in Playa Blanca or in Costa Teguise.

From the base of Playa Blanca, situated in the southern tip of the island, the landscape is just extraordinary. You have the nearest access to The National park of Timanfaya, El Golfo, Los Hervideros, Los Ajaches, La Geria and much more. You will be able to make unforgettable trips on mountain bike or road bike …..or simply join us on one of our excursions.

See our website for full details.

I am delighted to confirm that we will be holding a Selfie Day at four bars in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote on Saturday 19th April between 12 noon and 6pm. Come down to Wax, DJ’s, Mollies or a Plaice in the Sun and have your picture taken and raise money for a great charity.

I am asking the customers at DJs, Wax, Mollies and a Plaice in the Sun to wear their team’s shirt and take a selfie. If you haven’t got a camera or a shirt, don’t worry we can help! The photo together with your name and website url/greeting will be displayed on www.theshirt2010.co.uk Please wear your colours with pride!

As a one-off we are supporting the Sir Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research.

I am asking everybody to donate 1 euro. My target is to raise 2000 euros for the charity so I need 2000 photos. After this weekend I will be asking all my friends and family to support me. THANKS in advance

Come down to Wax, DJ’s, Mollies or a Plaice in the Sun and have your picture taken. It’s going to be a fun day with prizes and surprises.

The Bobby Moore Fund is part of Cancer Research UK and raises money to fund life-saving research into bowel cancer, the disease that World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore died from aged just 51 years old.

Funded entirely by the public, your donation will help the Bobby Moore Fund change the odds so that even more people survive bowel cancer in the future.

If you’re a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no cost to you.

One day we’ll make Bobby proud and beat bowel cancer. Please help us make it sooner by clicking here.

All of us involved with the Shirt are delighted to see that on this Friday, April 11th the Sir Booby Moore Fund has organised a Football Shirt Friday where people are urged to wear their team’s shirt and make a donation. This actually is very similar to something I was about to announce but in respect to the great man, I will promote his first.

Visit here for full details.