Tuesday, 20 September 2011 00:00

Day 8 & 9 of the Barclays Corporate - Relay for CHICKS

You can donate to the Wales Team ...and read their blog to find out how they got on ...

The boys and the bikes were collected from Cardiff early Monday morning bucket and spades in hand but it was no trip to the seaside. Mr Chicks was ready and waiting in Swansea eager to get on with the journey having just dried out from the previous day's journey. Seven cyclists, Mr Chicks and backup car set out in the grey morning and we covered ground well until one bike chain jammed and a new passenger joined ma Walton and Mr Chicks. Mr Fix it Hayden came to the rescue and we were back up to full team in no time. Miles were covered, and just after half way one of the boys took a tumble, knees and elbows were grazed but his helmet did the trick and saved the day. It could not be said about the wheels which now resembled Mr Wobble's bike! First aid was administer and the journey continued minus one bike. The hills came in waves each one steeper than the one before and cramp set in cyclists were changed and clear sailing to the finish line in Llantwit Major.

We met up with the walkers in Llantwit Major and passed on Mr Chicks for the "walk"..... Mr Chicks must have been given advance warning of what lay ahead as he was dressed in combat gear!! One of the walkers was so keen to get to the start position on the beach, she "dive bombed" into the boot of the car from rear passenger seat, crash landing on a bag full of bananas ( if she had wanted a banana she only needed to ask!! ) We took the ascent from the beach to the top of the cliff via the 1st of many sets of steps up and down cliffs. Due to the heavy rain, the ground was muddy so we were all carrying 3inches of mud on the base of our boots which made the going very slippery. After the 1st hour we had to cross a pebble beach - time for some energy bars before we headed across World War 2 defences, finally reaching our first landmark of Aberthaw Power Station. We walked the 2 miles around the perimeter which was a cross between Prisoner Cell Block H and the Berlin Wall with 20ft high barbed wire on one side and a 12ft concrete wall on the other. We had now completed 5 miles of our 13.

Our next landmark was on the horizon - a caravan park - only problem was we had a climb up over 100 steps to reach the top of the cliff. Another short rest and onwards through the wood, cutting our way through the overgrown footpath - more slippery steps, heading across the top of a disused quarry, and then reaching "the most southern point in Wales - Rhoose Point". The drizzle had now stopped and we walked on reaching our 2nd caravan park and then dropping down to Porthkerry Beach, where we were greeted with a sign saying "care ADDERS habitat tread carefully". We could see Barry in the distance but had a choice of either tackling yet another 120 steps to the top of the cliff, or walking across a 1 mile pebble beach. Legs were tired, so we opted for the pebbles ... not the easiest walk as the pebbles were fairly small and the beach sloped, so we found ourselves on all fours on a few occasions. Mr Chicks though quite enjoyed taking a rest on the beach while we struggled keeping ourselves upright, but he didn't want to go for a paddle. We did manage to ensure our lippie was applied at all times - as well as taking some business calls en route. At last we reached the car park of the beach so only had half a mile to walk to get to our destination. A short walk back to Barry town where after 13 miles of walking, we arrived at 6.30pm - wet, tired, but all laughing at some of the happenings during the "walk". The Journey continued from Barry to Cardiff on bike another only another 8 miles and the cyclists tucked their bikes in to have a good night's sleep ready for the journey from Cardiff to Gloucester the next day

DAY TWO

Here we go again with bikes oiled and ready with bus behind for backup, bums covered with gel pants, padded saddle covers in place and a good night's sleep the next leg of the journey began. We set off from Cardiff and began the 58 mile journey to Gloucester. North road out of the city was busy with lorries trundling past and the first hill loamed quickly was taken with ease and the road was covered quickly. Newport soon came into view and the Tredegar park roundabout was a challenge. The Celtic manor came into view should we all go for a spa and a spot of lunch! Mr Chicks put his foot down and we stopped at the side of the road for a drink and a banana and off again. The road was steady and we cycled through pretty villages with a few horns honked in recognition by lorries as they speed by. A break was taken shorts adjusted food and drink consumed and here we go again. However hills loomed, hills that went on for miles with leg muscles hardening shoulders aching but the boys kept on going. A funeral passed by on the opposite side of the road a coffin on a wooden horse drawn cart with two milk churns on the boys, the road descended the boys increased the pace brakes were tested and four gear in the bus was found!

Arrived at Gloucester it had taken only 3 hours 50 mins a fab time with a great welcome from the Gloucester team - thanks to all who came out to welcome us. But I would like to say that Lesley did not get lost (she normally does as she has no sense of direction) but followed the cyclist into a one way system which was the wrong way, they were able to cross over the pavement and go on the correct route unfortunately the 16 seater minibus would not fit though the bollards!

Would like to thank the following people who took part:

* Cyclists - Graeme Egan , Mike Hayden, Dafydd Roberts, Dave Morgan, Marc Flaherty, Peter Charkiw, Huw Preece, Richard Drewett.

* Walkers - Lesley Walton ,Helen Mccarthy ,Sarah Davies, Beth Parris, Kathy Kenyon, Paula Down, Sue Murphy, Clare Williams, Sue Grunewald, Melody Johnson

Days Car hire of Swansea for the minibus

Lesley Walton
Associate Director, South Wales Team