Vincent's charity bike ride diary

Highbury College’s Art & design lecturer Vincent Gray is currently cycling solo from Land’s End to Dover, all in aid of the Arthritis Research Campaign. Every day this week we will be updating this page with the latest news of his progress.

So far Vincent, who suffers from mild arthritis, has already raised over £1,000 for the charity. He can be sponsored online here

The diary

Friday 13 July

Vincent put his superstitions aside to begin his mammoth charity challenge. Highbury College’s Transport Officer Steve Snook kindly drove Vincent to Penzance, where Vincent took refuge in a 24-hour supermarket overnight to check his route one final time and mentally prepare himself for the days ahead.

Saturday 14 July

Vincent cycled from Penzance to Land’s End where he would formally begin his bike ride across the South of the country the following day. “It was bitterly cold and very windy, and it took me an hour to cycle 10 miles – not helped by the steep hills and the fact I had no sleep the night before!” In fact, he was so tired that he accidentally fell asleep on a park bench! He got a proper night’s sleep in a B&B ready for the following day.

Sunday 15 July

The first leg of the journey saw Vincent cycle about 75 miles from Land’s End to the Cornish town of Launceston. “The weather was miserable and the temperature dropped quite low, but I made it to Launceston in about 9 hours.”

Monday 16 July

The next part of the journey saw Vincent cycle around 70 miles from Launceston to Honiton in Devon. “The weather was much better today and I’m feeling really good and strong. In fact, I reached Honiton a lot earlier than I had anticipated, so am definitely on target to reach Dover by the end of the week!” Vincent reached a top speed of 42mph going down a hill today!

Tuesday 17 July

Vincent reported that it was atrocious weather as he set off for Coombe Bissett in Wiltshire this morning. "This has been my hardest leg so far, without a doubt. The route was extremely hilly and was very exhausting, but I have had a tail wind behind be throughout so far so can't really complain!" Luckily for Vincent, there were plenty of reasons to stop for breaks. He was interviewed on BBC Radio Solent and also met up with two friends along the route.

Wednesday 18 July

Setting off from Coombe Bissett this morning it was raining once again, but the sun made a welcome appearance for a quick visit to Highbury College in Cosham. Over 50 of Vincent's friends and colleagues cheered him on as he arrived. "It was a definite high point of the journey so far. I'm still feeling strong and am very confident of completing the challenge. In fact, I'm already contemplating my next challenge - it could be Land's End to John O'Groats next time!"

Thursday 19 July

A tough and draining leg today for Vincent today as he cycled from Chichester to Hastings. "I don't think sleeping in my own bed in Chichester last night helped because I quickly slipped back into my old routines and even ended up doing some chores! The roads today were particularly dangerous with lots of roadworks and busy dual carriageways, but the stunning sea views when I reached Pevensey Bay were worth it."

Friday 20 July
The final leg - and what a wet one! "I got talking to the lady that runs the B&B I stayed in last night and she did a charity bike ride across Brazil a few years ago, so that helped me get in the right frame of mind for today. I got absolutely drenched, but on the upside I managed to shave a few miles off the journey when a lady in Folkestone told me about a shortcut, so I was extremely grateful for that. Transport Officer Steve Snook drove up from a family holday in Weymouth to pick me up in Dover so I will be eternally grateful to him, and funnily enough he actually passed me as I was coming into Dover!"
 
Congratulations Vincent! He has so far raised about £1,200, but is accepting donations until the end of September.

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