Day 15 (7th April) - West Ham United

I didn't sleep last night. I had too much going around in my head. Most of all I was worried about getting to West Ham and after everything I had been through not being allowed into the ground to get my last photos taken.

I was up early getting everything packed into the car and getting my breakfast. I was eager to get going but I didn't need to be at Upton Park until 11am. My colleague Hina had mentioned about possibly getting to the ground to see me as had Ali, Dave and the kids. I didn't want to get there too early. I had my route all planned out. Sean left just before me. I sent a text to some of my closest friends to tell them I was starting the last and shortest leg of the journey. I set off and could feel the emotion getting hold of me. I had the i-pod on full blast (it still didn't drown out the base beat from some of the cars going past). Hina dropped me a line to apologise that she couldn't make it to the ground. I told her it was ok, but I was getting a bit choked up knowing that I was nearly there. Ali dropped me a line soon after to say that the trains were on the blink down in Hampshire and that they wouldn't be able to make it. Yes I was disappointed, but as I cycled down through Walthemstow and Leyton, I was starting to get more and more choked up, so I was a bit relieved that they wouldn't be there. I didn't want to look like a big girl.

Going through Stratford, I decided to drop by my Nan's old flat for one last time. I hadn't been there since 1990 just before she moved up to Northumberland to live close to my mum and dad. She died in January this year. The old woman that died wasn't the same woman that used to take me around London when I was a kid. We didn't speak to each other for the 2 years before she died so I never really got to say goodbye. This seemed like a good way to get closure and say goodbye; remembering her the way she used to be.

Stratford has changed a lot over the years but I knew my surroundings and headed along Romford Road to the top of Green Street. Sean had sent me a text message to say he had arrived. He knew where I was heading first so I didn't respond. I sat at the traffic lights collecting my thoughts and composed myself for one last blast down to the ground. I got to Upton Park tube station and Queens Market and pushed on. I was there. I could see the roof of the Dr Martens Stand ahead of me. I felt such a prat cycling along Green Street singing "Bubbles" to myself. But I had composed myself and was insanely happy.

I cycled on past the ground and headed to the crossroads next to the Boleyn Pub and went straight to the 1966 statue. Sean was there with the camera. We must have looked a bit odd. But I think any West Ham supporter would understand why I went straight there and not to the ground.

I gave Sean a head start again and then headed the couple of yards back up Green Street to West Ham United. I started punching the air when I got through the gates. Emotion got hold of me but this time I just kept laughing and was grinning like an idiot. We entered the Dr Martens Stand and into reception. My heart sank. The place was being decorated and there was no-one there. Then a member of staff walked past and told me to go to the hotel reception. A head popped out of the door at the back. I was about to tell them who I was and what I was doing when they jumped in and said "You're here to see Keith aren't you??" What the hell were they talking about?? Um....

"You're the lad who has cycled to the Premiership Grounds for the Bobby Moore Fund aren't you. Keith did it a couple of weeks back. He's meeting you here. He's been waiting for you."

I was stunned. Sean went white, well, whiter than usual. Someone knew I was coming!! And I think the right person was greeting me. Keith Ross is West Ham's Executive Head Chef and 2 weeks earlier undertook a similar challenge to raise money for the Heart Cells Appeal less than a year after suffering a heart attack. When I first heard about his challenge my heart sank and I became very despondent about doing my challenge. I was to later find out the Keith had similar thoughts when he heard about my challenge. After meeting each other, it became apparent that we had a lot of mutual respect for each other. He took one look at my bike and raised his eyebrows. He seemed to admire the fact that I had undertaken the ride on a mountain bike and not a road bike.

After a bit of a chat, Keith took us on a tour of the ground. We had a look in the home dressing room. The facilities in there are superb. Better than most gyms. We stayed in there for a bit chatting about how we trained for the rides, but I think Keith knew that what I wanted was to get out onto the pitch. I got all tingly as I lived out a boyhood dream and went down the Upton Park tunnel and out into the blazing sunshine and pitchside.

I dropped to the floor and planted a kiss on the large West Ham crest on the touchline. I've been to 19 grounds before here. Old Trafford and Anfield were awesome. Goodison and Fratton Park had character, but none were as beautiful as Upton Park. We took photos and chatted some more. Then I had a jog around the ground. From every angle the ground looked superb. Keith then presented me with a signed club pennant which he had got signed by the players during training on Thursday. I always said that any memorabilia collected on the way would be auctioned off, but I said to Keith that I was going to keep this as my memento for the trip. He said that very few would argue with me. The only downside was Bobby Zamora wasn't around when Keith got the signatures. It was signed by the likes of Sheringham and Tevez though.

The tour continued and we stopped by the directors seats in the Dr Martens stand. Some people have it good. The view was good. The last time I had been inside the ground was in 1999 when I saw West Ham lose 4-0 to Sheffield Wednesday. The time before that was in 1989 when I saw West Ham beat Plymouth 3-2. I don't plan to wait so long before coming back for a game after today. We then headed off to the kitchens to see where Keith works and then took a seat in his office to look at the pictures of his journey. Keith had told me how he had been keeping tabs on my journey so far. I'm glad I didn't have the weather he had during his cycle ride. I didn't fancy facing huge hailstones and snow as he did. We grabbed a bite to eat and then had to make tracks. We had been at the ground for well over an hour. I didn't want to leave, particularly as West Ham were due to play at Arsenal at 3pm. After their reception to me on Thursday, I hoped that against the odds we would stuff them. No team had beaten Arsenal at the Emirates yet. Fingers crossed the gods will be smiling on us today. Before heading off, we stopped by the shop to pick up some bits and pieces and then we were off up the M1.

I can't thank Keith enough for his welcome today. I was completely blown away by the welcome and it really was a fitting way to complete my ride. Keep up the good work fella.

We were half way up the M1 when West Ham kicked off at Arsenal. We couldn't listen to much as it seemed to be one way traffic towards our goal. We turned back on just before half-time. Then the unthinkable happened. Bobby Zamora scored!! The car nearly went through the central reservation. We couldn't listen to the second half, but turned on towards the end of the game. Heading over the flyover on the A19 at Middlesbrough the final whistle went and again, the car nearly went off the road. We must have looked like complete plums driving the rest of the journey home with huge grins. I was bouncing. What a way to finish the Premiership Challenge. Thanks West Ham.

I drove round the corner on my street to see my house covered with banners and Bobby Moore Fund balloons. Charlotte was on the front door step waiting for me, along with our neighbours, Wendy and Marty (the friendly traffic warden) with their daughter Becky. Jo came out the house. I had waited for this moment for 2 weeks. I had everyone here that mattered to me. We had an impromptu party, and plenty of beers. The perfect way to end a (near) perfect journey.

Would I do it again??? At this moment in time, no. Did I enjoy it??? Yes. Despite all the pain in the first week, I have thoroughly enjoyed the 2 weeks. My head is a bit frazzled today. I can't describe all the feels I have at the moment. But give it a couple of days and I'll put down all my thoughts and recollections on here.

Day 14 (6th April) - London - Rest Day....sort of

So after the excitement of dodging in and out of the traffic in London yesterday, I had a pretty restful day today. The sun was out, it was relatively hot and I had no plans. I got up early and took the bike out for a couple of hours, just to keep me fresh and stop the old knees from seezing up. Although I have still been getting some discomfort from them, they were nowhere near as bad as early on in the ride. An hour or so on the bike, cycling around the East End did me the world of good. Back in Walthemstow, Sean's mum was pottering around the house and Sean still wasn't up. When he did get up he was in for a bit of a shock.

Now, you have to understand how things are at Sean's mum's. The house was built in 1948 just after the war and Sean's family moved in. His mum has been there every since and Sean was born there. The house has had very little done to it over the years and the original kitchen was still in place. A couple of days before we arrived, B&Q had delivered a new kitchen in flat pack to the house which would be installed the following week. The old units needed to be taken out. Of course with Sean around, he was always going to be volunteered to do the job. He had strict instructions to keep the units intact as his nephew Darren wanted them for his house. Sean was struggling so I offered a helping hand. After 2 hours, we got the wall units down. That was me done so I headed into the back garden and sat in the sun for a few hours. Sean gave up the ghost with the kitchen.

We decided to have a drive down to Upton Park. I wanted to familiarise myself with the route for tomorrow, but also Sean wanted to go to the club shop. The place was all shut up for Good Friday. But still, it was good to get to the old place. Sean also wanted to find out if the club were aware of my arrival tomorrow. I was still feeling a bit uneasy about the whole thing. I was feeling a bit apprehensive about finishing the cycle ride and not being allowed into the ground after all I had been through.

We headed back via Tottenham Hale's finest KFC. We settled down to watch a bit of bank holiday TV when Sean's brother George (father to nephew Darren) rang. Sean asked how much of the kitchen Darren wanted kept. Darren didn't know anything about the kitchen and didn't know what the hell Sean was talking about, nor did George. Sean went ballistic. I sat with Sean's mum in the sitting room while all hell broke loose in the kitchen. With no tools, Sean decided that a spare brick from the garden would be good enough to help him remove the rest of the kitchen. God knows what the neighbours thought.

And that was it really for today. A really relaxing day in all. I'm all packed for tomorrow. I'm not sure what to expect in the morning. I know that I can't wait to get home, if only to stop the phone bill getting any bigger. It's been like the old days with me and Jo when we first started seeing each other. Never off the phone to each other. I still feel guilty that she's had the kids for two weeks on her own.

Not long now.

Day 13 (5th April) - London

I couldn't wait to get today started. Sean cycling around London on a bike that was clearly too small for him was something I had to see. His mum couldn't believe it either. We set off just after 9am. The sun was out and it was quite warm. Perfect for cycling. We made our way through Walthemstow and towards Tottenham Hale and past Finsbury Park on our way to the Emirates Stadium. I made a slight detour past the old Highbury Stadium. I never had the opportunity to see a match at the old place. What I saw as I approached shocked me. All that was left of the ground was the outer walls of the two main stands which had to be kept. Everything else was a building site. It was quite sad. However, as I understood it, the new stadium was something special and I was looking forward to having a look around.

The Emirates Stadium is set in a huge complex. I made my way to the main reception block to be met by a jobsworth security guard. Eventually I was allowed into reception and went to the front desk to speak to the receptionist. I explained why I was there and she made a few phone calls. After speaking to the Press team, she said that she had been told that I couldn't go into the stadium "because Arsenal is a big club and now because they have a such a big ground, all visits must be pre-arranged and put through events for health & safety reasons". It didn't seem to be a problem to Manchester United. I explained this and got the reply "yes, but Arsenal are a big club". In her defence, the receptionist tried her hardest to persuade the powers that be. They have however offered to put something in an upcoming matchday programme.

We made our way over the access bridge to the ground so that I could get at least a photo taken outside the ground. Small consolation really. I text Hina back at the office to tell her what had happened. She supports Spurs. Her response is not printable on here.

We made our way from the Emirates and down towards the City. This was the part I was worried about because of the traffic. I've cycled through central London in the past and I didn't enjoy it. Sean led the way and kept giving me the advice "Force your way out". We headed past Kings Cross and then turned off to head down towards the Strand. We were weaving in and out of the traffic, but I couldn't help feel that the traffic wasn't as busy as usual. It did start to get a bit busier around Trafalgar Square and down The Mall. I kept my wits about me, but my confidence was growing. This was a different type of cycling compared to what I had experienced over the past two weeks. There was no time to think about my knees, how tired I was etc. You had to concentrate on not getting hit by a taxi or bus.

We went past Buckingham Palace towards Chelsea. I wasn't looking forward to getting to Stamford Bridge after the experience of Arsenal. Things did not start well there. The security guard wouldn't let us take the bikes to reception and as I had left my lock at Sean's, he ended up looking after the bikes. I went to main reception and spoke to the two receptionists. I was completely shocked when with no effort at all they said, that they couldn't take me pitchside, but would do the next best thing for me. One of the receptionists took me up to a presentation area which overlooked the pitch. I told the receptionist that I was worried that they would cooperate, but she said that it was for a good cause and what sort of club wouldn't cooperate. I bit my lip. With photos taken and my forms signed, I made my way past the old Shed Stand wall back to Sean. He assumed that because I had been so quick, we had received another knock back.

Next was a short hop across to Fulham. I knew of the history of Fulham and Craven Cottage. We went to the main stand which is a beautiful red bricked old structure. I explained to the receptionist who I was and that I had received a letter from the club. She pointed me in the direction of Mike, the Corporate Manager. He was more than happy to help and took us pitchside. It was like stepping back in time. Inside the ground, the Cottage retains all the features of the old type of stadium from the 70s and earlier, even with the all seater status and the odd bit of modernisation here and there.

Next, we headed up through Hammersmith. It was busier here than in the centre of London. We stopped for lunch outside Sean's old office. I got a phone call from BBC Radio Newcastle who wanted me to go on air there and then. With all the police sirens and traffic noise behind me, I couldn't hear what was being said so we agreed that they would ring back later on this evening. After a quick break, we set off past BBC Television Centre and up to Wembley. The stadium itself was awesome. OK, so it's taken 4 years or so too long to build and it was over budget but what they have created here is superb. Something we can hopefully be proud of. However, all around the ground was still a building site which was a bit disappointing. We decided to chance it and see if we could get inside. I was told by a security guard that I would have to ring to arrange a date to get into the stadium. He wanted to let us in because he thought that what I was doing and the charity I was doing it for was superb. But there was a lot of tourists hanging around and if he let us in, he would have to let them all in. It was worth a try. Sean wasn't happy though. He was starting to struggle.

Just before we set off from Wembley I received a message from Spurs asking when on Saturday I would be arriving. We checked the time and looking at the route, we felt we should visit White Hart Lane today. Sean didn't want to go across Hampstead Heath because of the hills, so we followed the North Circular. There were nutters on bike cycling on the main carriageway. Not us. We stuck to the pavement. Taking it slowly as it was all uphill, we made our way across North London and got to the security gates at the Lane. We were stopped by a security guard. I thought we were going to get a knock back again. However, explaining that this was the penultimate club and that only Arsenal had really knocked us back, they were more than happy to help and directed us to reception. We were shown out to pitchside. It hurts to say that Spurs have a lovely ground. We seemed to spend ages discussing the merits of Bobby Zamora. The security guard said that he thought he was ok at Spurs but never really settled there. Sean and I said that we were glad he was back home at West Ham. Between him and Carlos Tevez, we might just stay up. If we do go down, Zams is the one player I hope stays with us.

By now, the sun was beating down. We made our way back across to Walthemstow, knowing that I only had 1 club left to visit. I was still a bit worried because I still hadn't had any correspondence from the club. Sean wants to go down to the shop at the ground and maybe pop into the club to see if they are expecting us. I'm not so sure. I want to wait until Saturday. Yes it will be disappointing if they don't cooperate in the same way that Arsenal did, but if we found that out tomorrow, I would be cycling down to the ground on Saturday feeling a bit down hearted, feeling that it would be a wasted journey.

I have been live on air on BBC Radio Newcastle. I had just nodded off and was a bit sleepy when John Harle rang just after 6pm. He asked for a funny story of the journey before we went live on air. My mind went blank. So we plumped for the most memorable parts of the journey. We only spoke for a couple of minutes, but we got the website address out there, so fingers crossed, we might get some more donations.

I have a rest day tomorrow. I've got nothing planned. I think I might have a complete chill out day.

Day 12 (4th April) - Charlton Athletic

Because of Good Friday and all the clubs in London being shut for the day, I have had to sacrifice my second day off. So I left Ali's place early on and made my way north to Farnham. I experienced something today that I haven't really had to experience throughout the journey. I am now cycling into a strong wind which made things a bit more difficult. I had it on the way back from Portsmouth yesterday, but the wind speed has picked up over night. Still, it was relatively warm.

I stuck the i-pod in, choosing to listen to The Specials today. The ska beat was at just the right tempo to keep a good momentum going. The road from Bordon up to Farnham is more or less straight so not much variety on the route. There's also something about cycling a route you've already done once a day or two before. Seen it, done it. Bored now.

I was still in familiar territory, so I didn't use a map and simply cycled along roads I knew to take me to Woking. It makes things a lot easier not having to stop every 5 minutes to check where I am on the map. I wasn't looking forward to Woking. Although my confidence for cycling on the road had increased and I was more than happy to be on the main roads, Woking can be a nightmare. All the roads in and around the town centre are always busy. Having had some near misses a few years back in the car, what chance would I have on a bike. No problems was the answer. The town centre had roadworks so I nipped in and out of the cones avoiding the main flow of traffic.

Leaving Woking and heading towards Esher, I cycled along wooded avenues lined with huge mansions which made Darras Hall near Newcastle look like a shanty town. Is everyone in this part of Surrey loaded??? With the music playing and daydreams of owning one of these houses, I hardly noticed just how far I was getting. No pain. No worries. Just a really nice days cycling.

That being said, the traffic was getting busier and the drivers were getting more erratic and aggressive. I had to keep my wits about me, but I was ok. I was just being extra vigilant at each junction. Then came a sight I thought I would never think I would enjoy seeing. The M25!! The road crossed the M25 where I stopped for a brief rest. I had a rush of emotions sitting there on the bridge watching all the cars rushing by below. The M25 was to me the gateway to London. Crossing this line felt like I had made it. Against all the odds, I had done it. I pushed on with tears streaming down my face. I don't know why I started blubbing. I just did. I think it was relief that I had made it this far and that it wouldn't be long before I got home to see Jo and the kids.

Sean was waiting for me in a lay by in Esher, conveniently next to a burger van. The smell of the van was lovely so I made my way over and ordered a bacon and sausage roll and a cuppa. I couldn't stop laughing at the burger man when he kept calling me Guvner. I swear to God, he must have said "lovely jubbly" 3 or 4 times. He even had "Only Fools and Horses" money framed at the back of the van. He was the Dell Trotter of the burger trade.

After a brief look at the map I headed off to Charlton. London is great. There's never a dull moment. I don't remember too much of the cycle across to The Valley. It was a case of head down, close your eyes and hope for the best, weaving in and out of the traffic. Cycling is definitely the best way to get around town. Sean had already decided to join me tomorrow by buying a second hand bike back in Oxford. Judging by today's experience of South London, I think he has made the right decision.



The Valley is a remarkable testament to what Charlton Athletic have achieved in the past 20 years. Considering Charlton were homeless for a time until the early 90s (even playing at Upton Park for a season), the ground has been rebuilt and looks superb. Sean had a lot of problems find a way to the ground and parked in a side street with his bike strapped to the back of the car. He was a little apprehensive. After a bit of discussion with Ged from Charlton Athletic, we managed to get into the ground to get the photos taken. We discussed the merits of Pardew and Curbishley and what the rest of the season holds for the two Premiership strugglers. Sean was in no mood to hang around as he was worried that his bike would be gone.



Leaving Charlton, I head towards the Blackwall Tunnel. Ok, I wasn't to know it was a vehicle tunnel. Sean was heading that way and slung the bike on the back of the car and got me through the tunnel. He told me that courier cyclists often use the tunnel to get from one side of the Thames to the other. You're kidding me. Being in the car in the tunnel was scary enough. Christ knows what's going through the minds of cyclists in there.

Out the other side, I made my way through Leyton, past Leyton Orient's ground. Not a bad little place to be honest with it's stylish flats at each corner of the ground. I made it safely to Sean's mums house in Walthemstow in a quiet little cul-de-sac. This will be my base now until Saturday. Seeing Sean running after his mum, being the dutiful son is priceless. I've been here an hour and he's already been told off twice. "Don't you use that sort of tongue in this house!!!" Quality. If the past hour has anything to go by, the next few days in Walthemstow should be fun

Day 11 (3rd April) - Portsmouth FC

Windy??? Yes

Cold?? Yes

Enjoyable?? Definitely

I set off from Ali's house in Bordon nice and early today. Today would be an important day and potentially an emotional day for a number of reasons. Getting to Portsmouth would mean I had reached the most southerly point of my journey. Leaving Fratton Park, the journey from now on would be North, up to London and eventually home.

Today would also be the last day spent mostly in the countryside. From tomorrow, the majority of the cycling would be done in urban areas and eventually London. I was determined to make the most of it.

I had spent 3 brilliant years studying in Pompey and fell in love with the place. For me, other than Newcastle, there is no other place in the country I would want to live. I couldn't wait to get down to the South Coast. But first, I had to get over the hills between Bordon and Portsmouth.

With my i-pod keeping me company yet again, I followed quiet country lanes through picturesque towns and villages such as Liphook, Liss and Petersfield. Leaving Petersfield, I headed along a single track lane up a steep hill. Not sure why, but the hills are starting to get a bit easier. It might have something to do with the scenery. I was in no hurry either so I had time to appreciate the countryside I was cycling through. I was also in familiar territory. I decided to take some detours along the way following the country lanes down to Rowlands Castle and across to Horndean.

This is where I left the countryside and headed into the urban areas that would eventually take me down to Portsmouth. I faced a steady climb up to the top of Purbrook Hill. The climb was worth it. The view from the top was awesome. You could see for miles out to sea, over Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours, the Solent and the skyline of the city. Portsmouth Harbour was, as usual, stuffed full of navy ships and ferries.

Entering Portsmouth, I was taken back 10 years or so to when I studied in the city. Cycling along through North End, Cosham and Fratton, it was almost like I had never been away. The place hadn't changed.



I got to Fratton Park in no time at all. I was buzzing. I made my way to the Community Office and was greeted by two members of staff (I forgot to get their names). After a quick chat, one of the guys said he would be more than happy to take us into the ground to get some photos done and then take us on a tour of Fratton Park.



Again, the ground hadn't changed in 10 years. Fratton Park is a traditional, old fashioned ground with plenty of character, and on matchday has a superb atmosphere. It will be a shame when they eventually move to the new proposed ground.

Leaving the ground, I decided to explore my old stamping ground and see if the old places were still there. I headed into Southsea, past my old digs and made a beeline to Ken's Kebabs. Still there and still the best burgers and kebabs. I couldn't resist. I've tried to watch what I eat throughout the journey, but I had to tuck in when I saw Ken's. I headed down the sea front and along to Old Portsmouth which has changed massively. There's a big leisure complex there now which I wish had been there when I was in Pompey. However, passing past the University Campus, I saw that they had knocked down the old student union. Gutted.

And with that, I made my way back up to Bordon, re-tracing my steps. A superb day. Onwards to London.

Day 10 Tracklist

Like I said earlier. I don't know what possessed me to put Bucks Fizz on this playlist.

ELO - Mr Blue Sky
Will Smith - Miami
Dodgy - Good Enough
Terrorvision - Tequila
The Specials - Ghost Town
Blur - Boys and Girls
Bucks Fizz - Land of Make Believe
The Wannadies - You and Me Song
level 42 - Running in the Family
Bobby Moore and Friends - Sugar Sugar
Steve Harley - (Come up and see me)Make me smile
Fat Larry's Band - Zoom
Musical Youth - Pass the Dutchie
Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love
Will Smith - Summertime
ATB - 9pm (til I come)
Groove Armada - At the River
the Cranberries - Dreams
Level 42 - Lessons in Love
Kirsty McColl - Days
The Wildhearts - Geordie in Wonderland
Haircut 100 - Love Plus One
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Jamiroquai - Cosmic Girl
Aztec Camera - Somewhere in my Heart
The Clash - Rock the Casbah
Adam Ant - Goody Two Shoes
the Cure - The Lovecats
Stranglers - Golden Brown
Sly Fox - Lets go all the Way

Day 10 (2nd April) - Reading FC

What a day!!!

It's been a complete turn around in fortunes. I was up early to fix my puncture and after a quick test, was happy to get started. My knees were a lot better although they still felt a bit tender. The sun was beating down and I was really looking forward to the day ahead. I had also dug out a set of headphones for the i-pod so I would have something to take my mind off everything. I decided to stick on my favourite dance mix - The Annual Millennium Edition.

Alright, so the knees weren't perfect. But I felt comfortable. I left the farm behind and headed off through the Oxfordshire countryside and made my way down to Reading. The new tyres worked a treat. Less resistance meant less pressure on the legs and an easier ride. I made it to the Madejski Stadium in just over an hour and I felt superb. The music in my ears was keeping me going and most importantly, keeping me company.

We met with Dara from Reading FC and she showed us down to pitch side. Like at Watford, all the staff knew who we were. There was a sticker swapping exhibition going on so it was mayhem. Dads and their kids frantically getting rid of their swapsies. For a new stadium, it was really nice. It seemed to have a bit of character.


Coming back up the tunnel, we spied the Premiership Trophy being set up as part of the exhibition. I decided it would make a nice photo so I went up to the guys setting up the trophy to ask for a photo thinking that they would tell me where to go. However, they like the idea of doing a favour for the Bobby Moore Fund and told me to get as many photos done as I like. Well, there's going to be no way I'll see West Ham win the trophy so it's the closest I'm going to get.

As I had arrived at the ground an hour or so early, I decided to have a bit of a break and enjoy the sun. I was also meeting with a guy who, instead of donating money to the charity, had offered to donate a framed West Ham shirt signed by Ian Wright. He felt we would be able to raise more money with it. Sure enough, at 12.30 on the dot, David turned up. I was blown away with the shirt. Sean immediately offered to give £200 to the charity for the shirt. He'll have to bid for it like everyone else.

After waving goodbye to Reading, I started to enter familiar territory. Cycling through the back lanes of Berkshire and Hampshire, I made my way to the sleepy town of Fleet. I used to work for BT in Fleet so I decided to make a surprise visit to the old office and met up with my old colleague Alex. We had a quick chat and she kindly topped up my water bottle. It has been so hot today I've been knocking the fluids back constantly. I also became self conscious about whether Alex could hear the music coming out of my headphones. At Reading, I had changed from dance music to something a little more poppy, deciding to opt for a mix of tracks Jo and I put together last summer. Bucks Fizz "The Land of Make Believe"!!!!!! What were we thinking??? I'll post up the track listing later, especially as certain colleagues at Business Link were so interested in what I would possibly listen to. Sorry Mr Miller, no Kenny Loggins and Footloose.

Alex and I said our goodbyes as she had a meeting to get to. Going through Fleet brought back a lot of happy memories. The town hadn't changed in the 7 years since I last worked there. The afternoon by now was red hot. I had a huge climb out of Fleet to get me to Farnham and then out to Bordon where my cousin Alison lives. We'll be stopping here for the next two nights which will give me an easier route down to Portsmouth tomorrow.

Today has been a breakthrough. I can't wait for tomorrow and fingers crossed I will have another nice day in the saddle. Need to improve the tracklist on the i-pod though.

Day 9 (1st April) - Rest!!!!!

After the disappointment of yesterday, I have had a chance to catch up and reflect.

I decided that yesterday afternoon, I needed some retail therapy to cheer myself up, so Sean and I popped into Oxford. For some reason, the place was crawling with Morris Dancers. I don't know what was going on but there seemed to be aggressive dance-offs going on down the length of the main street. Bizarre.

We then went for a meal with Frank to the Half Moon pub in Cuxham. Superb.

So, I have been thinking about the past week and how frustrated I was yesterday. I've had to re-jig my schedule for the clubs in London. I was going to do them on Friday, but most are shut on Good Friday. So I will be doing the London clubs on Thursday, sacrificing my rest day this Wednesday. Good Friday will now be a rest day in a way. However, I have decided that I will cycle from our base in Walthemstowe across to Watford and back so that I can say that I have cycled the Watford leg. It works out the same mileage as I should have done yesterday.

I've done some maintenance on the bike. I took the advice of the guys from Burnley and stuck some road tyres on the bike. However, that is where my problems began. I was doing the back wheel, when I noticed that one of my spokes was hanging off. God knows how long it's been like that. I took the wheel into Oxford and found a large cycle shop. The guys there were looking at the wheel when another 3 spokes snapped. I told them what I was doing and they set to, repairing the wheel for me. The guys pulled out all the stops for me and ensured that the bike was back up and running. I said I would give the guys a mention, so to Kev and the team at Cycle King in Oxford.....many thanks. You're lifesavers.

Back at the farm, I finished off the repairs and tuning up, had a quick spin to make sure everything was OK and then settled down in the farmhouse. That's when Frank's dad asked how long my back tyre had been flat. Bloody puncture. I'll sort that out tomorrow morning before I set off.

My knee is gradually getting better. I slept with a hot water bottle strapped to it last night and it seems to have done the trick. Fingers crossed I'll be OK for the rest of the week. I have a brighter outlook for next week. I'm looking forward to it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I need to start looking at it like that. Fingers crossed that everything goes to plan next week. No more problems.

It's going to be difficult leaving the farm. It always is. It's so peaceful. The scenery has been superb made even more impressive with the sight of dozens of rare and newly introduced Red Kites soaring around above the fields. No doubt we'll be bringing the kids down at some point in the near future. Charlotte loves it here. I can't wait to see the three of them next Saturday. I miss them so much. Which reminds me, I need to make my nightly phone call to Charlotte.

Day 8 (31st March) - Watford FC

I started today in a lot of pain. The pain I had been experiencing in my right knee yesterday had not got any better and to be honest was a lot worse. I was unable to bend or put any pressure on it. I took some painkillers in the hope that they would help but an hour later I was no better. I had a 60 mile cycle ahead of me today from the farm in Cuxham to Watford and back, negotiating the Chiltern Hills. After breakfast I got on the bike and cycled around the farmyard to see if that would loosen my knee up but after 10 minutes or so, I was still unable to apply any pressure or cycle comfortably. Sean was a bit concerned. I was annoyed because despite all the moaning I had done yesterday about the weather and the boredom of the journey, the past few days since Manchester had been superb and I had, to be honest, really enjoyed them. A decision had to be made and fast. Sean decided that it would be best if I didn't cycle today and that way save myself for next week and arrive at West Ham in one piece. We had to go to Watford today. There was no way we couldn't go and there were no other days available to go there. We struck up a compromise. The plan was to sling the bike onto the back of the car and drive to Watford. By that time, hopefully my knee would have improved, walking around the ground might loosen it up and I would cycle back. I suggested that if I cycled back, I would take a scenic route back to the farm to make up for the miles not cycled going to Watford.



We got to Watford on time. The ground was a hive of activity as the TV crews were setting up for the Chelsea match tonight. Despite that, the only place I could find open was the club shop. I hobbled in to be greeted by all the staff who knew who I was and told me that they had been expecting me. That was a real boost. They told me that reception was shut but to come back in half an hour or so and someone would be around to help me.



As I walked out the shop, Scott the Press Officer for the club walked up to Sean and asked if he could help. He took us into the ground so we could get photos taken and then invited us to the press office to get my paperwork signed off to confirm I had been to the ground. The only problem was that the press office was up a steep flight of stairs. I was having problems getting up them. Scott looked concerned and helped me up. We sat in the office overlooking the pitch and watched a bit of Soccer AM. The room was set up for the forthcoming press conference with Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd. Well, what else could I do??? I have always said that I would make a good football manager one day so I fielded the press conference.



Sean and I discussed the route back to Cuxham. He was going to stay at Watford for 15 minutes or so and see how I got on with the bike. I set off and despite a bit of pain, seemed to be coping. I stopped at a junction and when I went to pushed down on the pedal, I felt something go "crack" at the back of my knee. The pain shot up my leg and to my lower back. I was floored and in complete agony. I called Sean who picked me up.



I got back to the farm feeling very low, very frustrated, annoyed, and above all feeling like I had failed. However, Sean was keen to point out that no matter how hard you train, no matter how much you plan, things never go quite as planned. I had still made the effort to cycle through the pain. No-one can deny that. I have a rest day tomorrow so that will give me some time to recover and get through next week. I'm more determined that ever to get through this as planned. I'm just worried that people will think that I have failed in what I set out to do by not being able to cycle today. Everyone here has rallied around me to try and pick my spirits up.



I knew when planning the bike ride that this would not be easy and that I would hurt. However, I never imagined just how difficult it would be and just how much pain I would be in. I just want everyone to know that I am putting every ounce of energy I have into this.

Day 7 (30th March) - Stratford on Avon - Oxford

I decided to make an early start this morning and it is just as well I did really. I set off at 8am from our hotel just outside Stratford - a little place called Alcester. The road to Stratford was nose to tail with cars and HGVs. It wasn't the most pleasant start. Luckily, although being very overcast, the rain was holding off. The wind though was definitely a lot stronger than it had been over the past few days.

Heading into Stratford, I passed lots of little bed and breakfasts and guest houses, all with names associated with Shakespear or the theatre. He must have been a popular bloke. I then headed south from Stratford on the A3400. It was a complete nightmare. For a start, it is more or less straight all the way to Chipping Norton about 20 miles away. There was nothing of note to see either so it was a fairly bland journey. The fact that I was in no hurry today and under no pressure to get anywhere by a particular time meant that I ended up taking it easy so I was getting nowhere fast into the wind. Again, the feelings of doubt came into my head.

That all changed when Jo text me with the devastating news that our old PE teacher, Geoff Anderson, died on Wednesday. I knew that he had been ill for a while but we thought that he was making progress and would pull through. We used to call him Randy Andy for no other reason than Randy rhymed with Andy. He was such a lovely man and I can't believe he's gone. It left me a bit stunned for the rest of the day.

I met up with Sean in Chipping Norton for a quick breather before heading off again towards Oxford. The signs were telling me how far Oxford was, but I knew I had another 8 or 9 miles to go after that. Oxford was great. If you're on a bike, then Oxford is the place to be. The guys on Top Gear once said something along the lines of Oxford hates cars. This place is full of bikes and cycle lanes. I wish Newcastle was like that. I got through the city in no time, but the ride from Oxford to my friend Frank's farm in Cuxham seemed to take forever. I've driven there so many times in the past and in the car it doesn't seem far from Oxford. The highlight of the blustery ride in was seeing so many rare Red Kites gliding around above the road.

I made it to the farm, very sore and very tired. I felt awful. Frank's mum was waiting for me at the entrance to the farm to take photos but I was so determined to get to the gates of the farmhouse, I hurtled past without stopping. Not to worry. She says she'll get some pictures tomorrow.

Well, this is my base now until Monday. I love this place. It's so relaxing. I'm off to Watford tomorrow and then I have a well earned rest day planned for Sunday. In the meantime, Tyne Tees Television called to see how I'm getting on and are planning to do an update on the local news this weekend.

I'm off now to tuck into some lasagna. I've been waiting for this all day.

Day 6 (29th March) – Stafford – Stratford on Avon (Aston Villa)

Ouch!!! Yeah, we had a lot to catch up with. Mark and I stayed up late into the night talking about the old days at school and everything that has happened over the past 12 years, whilst trying to ignore the farce that was unfolding in Barcelona. Seriously, just how difficult can it be to beat Andorra?? At least Lampard was dropped.

I was knackered and probably had 1 too many beers last night. My head was thumping and I felt sick. Not evening a kicking cooked breakfast could sort me out. I wasn’t looking forward to today. Once on the bike however, the cobwebs were blown away and I started to feel better. To be honest, the ride was fairly uneventful, apart from my gears seizing in the middle of trying to cross a busy dual carriageway in just north of Birmingham. I managed to make some quick repairs by the roadside and got to Villa Park with some time to spare. I went to the reception and asked for Duncan whom I was to meet and receive a signed shirt. The only problem was that there was no sign of Duncan anywhere. The receptionists showed me to pitchside while they continued to search for him. Villa Park was lovely. Sean and I had talked about our favourite grounds visited so far. This had to be one of my favourites. The colours were ok too. We went back to reception, but still no sign of Duncan. I went back to the car to do some more thorough repairs to the bike. I was a bit worried about whether this was a sign of my gears breaking down. I couldn’t see anything visibly wrong with them so I did a quick clean up, re-grease and a few alterations and everything seemed to be ok again.

I stuck my head around the reception door to see if the receptionist had found Duncan. She said she hadn’t but said that she knew that his wife was due to give birth any day now so we assumed that he had received “the call”.

From Villa, I made my way through Birmingham’s city centre and out into the countryside towards Redditch and down to Stratford. I’m shattered but feeling good. I’ve now clocked up 347 miles and although the first few days have been hard going, I’m starting to enjoy myself. I’ll admit that I have had thoughts of quitting, especially when the pain in my knees was starting to get too much. But I can’t quit. There’s too much riding on this (no pun intended). Whatever pain I’m in now, I can recover from after a bit of rest. The guys that I’m raising money for can’t just turn around and say, “Do you know, the pain I’m going through is too much. I’m going to quit.” That’s what drives me on. It’s also been difficult ringing home to hear that my little boy George hasn’t been well for the past couple of days and hearing how Jo has been coping on her own with the kids. It makes me miss them so much more and I can’t wait for next Saturday.
I’m sure I’m going to have more days where I feel low, but the past couple of days have been superb. My mood has been lifted and I’m looking forward to the ride down to my friend Frank’s farm in Oxford tomorrow.

Day 5 (28th March) – Sheffield – Stafford (The Peak District)

Today started with the novelty of having breakfast at the hotel. We’ve been staying at Travelodges since Saturday night and Sheffield’s was the first one we had stayed at where they served up breakfast. Quality. I took full advantage of the eat all you can full English breakfast. Once suitably stuffed, Sean transferred me back to Bramall Lane to start the journey across the Peak District to Stafford where we would be staying with Mark, an old school friend of mine.

I was looking forward to my first no pressure day. I had no clubs to visit and I could concentrate on the cycling and enjoy myself. The fog had other ideas though. Sheffield was shrouded in a thick grey mist that got thicker the further I climbed. The climb out of the city seemed to be endless. However, just after leaving the outskirts, I reached the moors and climbed above the fog. Bathed in sunshine, the hills looked stunning. In the distance you could see church spires and radio aerials poking through the mist. Eventually, I reached the top of the moor, only to descend back through the fog towards Bakewell. By the time I reached Bakewell, the fog was starting to burn away. It was starting to get very hot, not something I was wanting with the climb I faced next.

I had last visited Bakewell and the Peak District when I was 12 years old on a school trip. That was during the Easter Holidays back in 1989 and it snowed non-stop. I remembered that Mr Almond and Mrs Turnbull had forced us to cycle on a disused railway line in white out conditions during that trip. Thankfully, I wasn’t going to face those conditions today.

Taking a back road out of Bakewell, I climbed to over 250 metres over the space of about 3 miles. In the heat I was starting to get tired and started to run low on fluids. I managed to cover the first 6 miles out of Bakewell in an hour. I reached the main road that would take me down to Ashbourne. Only 10 miles to go. Actually, once on the main road, things improved and I made it to Ashbourne in no time at all. I was feeling good, enjoying the ride and for the first time in days, my knees were OK (shame I couldn’t say the same about my backside!!!).

After a quick rest and lunch break at Ashbourne, I set off for Uttoxeter. The highlight of this leg of the ride was passing the world headquarters of JCB. And they had an open day today but I had no time to stop and play. I forced myself past several large sculptures made from JCB parts.

There was only 14 miles between Uttoxeter and Stafford but my legs were starting to get tired, my knees were starting to ache and it was starting to get cloudy. I pushed myself on, but it seemed to take forever to get down to Stafford. Sean was waiting for me just off the ring road and guided me up to Mark’s front door. I had been cycling for six and a half hours and had covered 58 miles.

Now it was time to catch up with Mark, who I hadn’t seen for 12 years. I feel a long evening coming on.

Day 4 (27th March) - Liverpool - Sheffield (Pennines Part 2)

I woke up today not able to move my knee very much. We also had the words of the security guard from at Anfield ringing in our ears "You're brave cycling through Liverpool. I've had 3 stolen in the past year" We decided to drop me off at the Airport. This was the most frustrating day so far. I followed the cycle route that would take me from Liverpool to Old Trafford. However, they had barriers set up every half a mile or so to stop people taking motorbikes on the paths.

There was thick fog coming in off the Mersey up as far as Warrington. I couldn't see a thing and kept losing my bearings. It seemed to take forever to get to Manchester.

I arrived at Old Trafford about an hour late, unable to walk properly knowing that I didn't stand a chance of sweet talking the receptionist into letting me into the stadium to get some photos done. I don't know if it was the boyish charms or that she just felt sorry for me, but somehow, we managed to get into the ground. We went into the ground at the away supporters end. The security guard wasn't impressed by our references to Paulo di Canio and "that" goal he scored in the FA Cup at the end we were stood at. One final Fabian Bartez style wave to the stadium and we were off. To be honest, Old Trafford blew me away. I had never been there before and wasn't prepared for the size of the place.

A quick cycle through Manchester and I arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium, almost running City legend Mike Summerbee over as I arrived. Sean wasn't impressed as he had seen Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford. The staff at City were very accommodating and were more than happy to take us out into the stadium.

Once out of the stadium, I stripped off and got changed into my shorts. It was roasting. And it got hotter as I headed over Snake Pass between Manchester and Sheffield. Again, the scenery was absolutely stunning.

I arrived at Sheffield United in good time where Sue Bramhall (working at Bramall Lane) the receptionist supplied me with a welcome bottle of Lucazade. We were then shown to pitchside. Oh how we laughed as we recreated Marlon Harewood's only good goal. The ground staff seemed to be amused.

My knees were easing off by now and I was ready for a well earned break. Sheffield to Stafford tomorrow

Day 3 (26th March) - Blackburn Rovers to Liverpool FC

Day 3 saw us start the day at Blackburn's Ewood Park. The sun was out again and the wind had dropped so the prospects for the day ahead of me looked ok. Sean and I were looking forward to visiting Ewood Park as it was the venue for West Ham's first away win of the season. We got pitchside and asked the security guard if we could get to the goal line where Bobby Zamora had scored the winner (the ball was a mile over the line). He wasn't having any of it so we made do with some photos on the half way line.

I set off on the ominously numbered A666 out of Blackburn to be faced with signs telling me how many casualties there had been over the past 3 years. I made my way over the hills to Bolton taking in the fantastic scenery. Just before I got to Bolton I passed a farm where they had Llamas grazing. Watching a man and his dog getting spat at and chased by a mad llama was superb. Sean was waiting for me at the Reebok where we were welcomed and presented with a signed pennant. We then went pitchside. Not a bad stadium to be honest.

Sean then challenged me to a race down to Wigan. I got to the JJB Stadium after about 30 minutes in the saddle. There was no sign of Sean. I called him to find out where he was. The language was choice. He was on his third loop of the Wigan 1 way system. Half an hour later and after 6 circuits of Wigan, Sean arrived with car intact. The guys at Wigan weren't expecting us but were still happy to show us the ground.

The ride from Wigan to Liverpool was a struggle. I hadn't accounted for the hill at Orrell and the beautiful village of Up Holland. Thankfully it was downhill from there and relatively flat. I made it into Liverpool in good time however the pain was starting to take over. The knee that had been giving me trouble yesterday wasn't too bad, but the other knee was getting unbarable. I couldn't apply any pressure so took a slow ride through the outskirts of Liverpool. I decided to take some short cuts through some back streets of boarded up houses. No amount of pain was going to stop me cycling as quick as I could to get to Everton FC. We got to pitchside and were given strict instructions not to go near the pitch, not to go up the sidelines and stay in the corner.

A short trip over Stanley Park and I got to Anfield. I met Brian Hall from Liverpool FC by the Shankly Gates next to which is the Hillsborough Memorial. Seeing this sent a shiver down my spine. All the names of the victims are on there with their ages, the youngest being 10 years old. I was left numb.

Brian showed us into the ground and told me to stand on the pitch. The hallowed turf of Anfield!!!! We also got to have a look around inside the main stand and see the famours "This is Anfield" sign. Brian also allowed us into the museum as there was a trophy in there that we'd like to see. Cheers Brian. Very funny. Seeing the FA Cup just brought back all the pain of May 13th 2006. Still, the caption next to the cup was nice "Thanks West Ham for having the greatest supporters".