Rotary Rides 2019 John O'Groats to Canvey Island: Day Twelve - Stansted Mountfitchet to Canvey Island

Today James started off at 06:00 from Chimneys in Stansted Mountfitchet he headed down toward Writtle then Chelmsford Stock and then on to The Barge at Battlesbridge where a break would be taken. I decided that I would get the bike out and go to Battlesbridge to meet James however, because I was early I decided to head off to Rettenden Common. Because we were able to monitor James on Glympse I saw him approaching and greeting him. I know what it is like as I have done John O'Groats to Lands End twice and the highs and lows of the journey means you have to be so committed. From the speed James approached up a steep hill on the old A130 to Rettenden Common showed the might of this man and the determination. Even after 850 miles he was focused on finishing strongly. I take my hat off to James for his timing - we both arrived at 0900 at the Barge where we met Michelle and Bill who also deserve extreme congratulations for their assistance and support throughout the ride. Below are some of the photographs of the final stretch into Thorny Park where the Canvey Island and Canvey Coast Satellite Rotary Clubs met James and the team in.

It was a great privilege to meet up with James and ride from Rettenden to Fairglen roundabout. I left him there and headed back to Rayleigh in order to avoid me deflecting attention from James when he arrived in Canvey. (And I couldn't keep up with him).

WELL DONE JAMES AND THE SUPPORT TEAM - AN EXCELLENT RIDE, AN EXCELLENT CAUSE AND LET US NOT FORGET A CREDIT TO THE CANVEY COAST SATELLITE ROTARY CLUB

James bicycle journey was made possible by Dudbridge Supplies sponsoring the Diesel, Food and Accommodation. We all had a good time. It was good fun. Well done to James for not faltering even when the weather was so against him.

AND I GUESS YOU WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HARRY HAGGIS ON THE FINAL DAY.

He was NOT very good, in fact I heard a comment from James about a little incident at Writtle. James had cycled nearly 870 miles from John O'Groats with no crashes, no injuries and very little in the way of breakdowns with his bike until there was a break for freedom by the little scamp. James had a full blown crash over the handlebars and causing damage to his knee. The comment I heard from James was "that little ***************** is going back to Scotland and I don't mind which carrier for all I care he can walk".

Although you can see why he had a break for freedom can't you Bill. Following mistreatment of Harry he was used as a screen cleaner and was then kept stuffed by the nose in a handle by the windscreen. He made a break and the unfortunate accident happened.