Today was the final day and we approached it with a bit of "I am glad it is all over" but "what are we going to do tomorrow and next?"
Anyway after a great night spent at CVOC trustee's house Paul Holroyd and bacon butties to get us on our way we set off for London. It is strange to say but after 2,500 miles 25 did not seem very far. Anyway our first port of call was at the BTP HQ in Camden north London where we were greeted by police officers and community support officers.
We were then picked up by our police escort, solo motorcyclists PC Howard Taylor from the City and PC Rob Sterry from the Met together with two City Police cyclists who took us down to NSY. This was a real experience as we were waved through junctions with whistles blowing. When we passed Buckingham Palace I think the startled tourists waiting for the changing of the guard thought the Queen was coming but sadly for them it was only us, but we got a big cheer anyway.
Then into Scotland Yard where were greeted by Det Supt Reg Hooke and DC Ken Palmer from the Mets Child Abuse Investigation Command who presented us with a cheque.
We were also joined there by James Cleverly AM, The Mayor of London's Young Persons Ambassador who rode with us to the end of the tour.
We then set off for the City but thanks to our outriders we stopped and had our photograph taken on the steps of 10 Downing Street. We then had further photographs at the Old Bailey and St. Paul's Cathedral before we crossed the finish line at the City of London Police HQ in Wood Street, where we were greeted by a large group officers and were presented with cheques from the City of London Police by CVOC Trustee, Asst. Commissioner Frank Armstrong and on behalf of the Police Authority by Simon Duckworth. We were then entertained with a refreshing buffet.
Well that's it! The end of the 'tour' after 23 days and 2,500 miles we have visited every police force HQ in England, Scotland and Wales and raised at least £56,499.44.
There are too many people to mention and thank individually, but all those who came out and joined the ride for the tour, all those who provided food and accommodation along the way and of course all those who donated money which made it all worth while. We must mention and thank Gary Foord and Mammoth for their logistic support with the supply of cycles, equipment and the van. We must also thank the RFU representatives from around the country who came on parts of the 'tour' and of course for Matt Ferguson who joined us and did over 600 miles, for Ronny Carey (CVOC Trustee) who came over from Ireland and rode the first week and Steve Johnson (CVOC Trustee) 'Mr Motivator' who really did just that, driving the van, negotiating accommodation, etc.,etc.
The 'tour' would not have been possible without Karen Fraser in the CVOC office in Stafford, keeping the totals, providing the admin back-up and keeping the charity running whilst we have been away. Also thanks must go to Trevor for maintaining and updating this Blog, without which we would have no proof that the team actually reached every destination!
The Child Victims of Crime charity thanks you all very much for your donations and you will help us "turn nightmares into dreams come true."
Sunday 23 August 2009
City of London Police and Police Authority presentations
Cheque presentations by Assistant Commissioner Frank Armstrong (CVOC Trustee) and Simon Duckworth, Chariman of the City of London Police Authority.
City of London Police and Police Authority presentations
Dominic and the team receive cheques from Assistant Commissioner Frank Armstrong (CVOC Trustee) and Simon Duckworth, Chairman of the City of London Police Authority.
The 'tour' arrives at The City of London Police HQ
Supporters and families greet the end of the 'tour' at the City of London Police HQ.
Metropolitan Police presentation
Presenting a cheque to Dominic on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service is Detective Superintendent Reg Hooke, also pictured with the team is DC Ken Palmer and James Cleverly AM (blue top) the Mayor of London's Ambassador for Young People.The 'Tour' arrives at New Scotland Yard
The team arrive at NSY where they are met by James Cleverly AM, the Mayor of London's Ambassador for Young People.
The 'tour' is escorted through London by the Met and City Police
The team under police escort to New Scotland Yard.
Day 24 - Last day - Welwyn Garden City - London
Matt at Paul Holroyd's house waiting for the last day to start.
Saturday 22 August 2009
End of Day 23
The end of the penultimate day and a great day with brilliant receptions at all the headquarters we visited. We started with a visit to Cambridgeshire Police HQ in Huntingdon where we were met by ACC Mark Hopkins and a cheque. We then pressed on to Kempston near Bedford where Chief Constable Gillian Parker who is also a CVOC trustee greeted us with a presentation and a great lunch. Then on to Hertfordshire Police HQ which Chris Johnson, who was navigating whilst Steve was away picking Trevor up at the station, had a slight navigation problem and thought the police headquarters was in Hertford - logical except it is in Welwyn Garden City! So unfortunately, we put another eight miles on to our day which we did not need at this time. So anyway when we eventually arrived at the police headquarters where we were met by Deputy Chief Constable Simon Parr together with a number of supporters and another great cheque.
Tonight we are all staying with Paul Holroyd (CVOC trustee) and his lovely wife Trish and family in Royston, enjoying a great barbecue and ready for the final lap tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the final day when we go to London and the BTP in Camden, on to the Met at NSY and then finally the City of London Police - when it will be all over.
Tonight we are all staying with Paul Holroyd (CVOC trustee) and his lovely wife Trish and family in Royston, enjoying a great barbecue and ready for the final lap tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the final day when we go to London and the BTP in Camden, on to the Met at NSY and then finally the City of London Police - when it will be all over.
Hertfordshire Police presentation
Last visit of the day and a great reception from Hertfordshire Police and Deputy Chief Constable Simon Parr who presents a cheque.
Bedfordshire Police presentation
Chief Constable Gillian Parker (CVOC Trustee), welcomes the Tour to Bedfordshire and provides a great lunch.
Cambridgeshire Police presentation
ACC Mark Hopkins from Cambridgeshire presents Dom, Matt and Clive with a cheque.
Day 23 - Penultimate day - Northampton - Cambridge - Bedford - Welwyn Garden City
Sgt Clive Sparling from Leicestershire joins us to the end and adds that bit of professionalism.
End of Day 22
Nearly there! A much better day today in terms that it was great weather for cycling and we did not have a puncture. We visited four forces Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire and received great welcomes from them all. Steve's wife Val and Dominic's wife turned out to support the team and we had Sam and Alex from the RFU riding with us and we were joined by Leicestershire officers on the leg to Northampton.
Tomorrow we will be visiting Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.
Tomorrow we will be visiting Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.
Northamptonshire Police presentation
Chief Constable Davina Logan welcomes the tour to Northants and presents a cheque to support the charity.
Nottinghamshire Police presentation
ACC Ian Ackerley comes out and supports the tour on behalf of Nottinghamshire and presents Dom and Matt with a cheque.
Derbyshire Police presentation
Chief Constable Mick Creedon welcomes the Tour to Derbyshire and presents a cheque.
Friday 21 August 2009
Day 22 Lincoln - Ripley - Nottingham - Leicester - Northampton
Action Fergie!
Matt on the road to Ripley.
End of Day 21
Only three days to go and we are now getting really tired and the punctures seem to be happening more often. Matt had another one first thing this morning and it was thanks to Allison from Humberside Police who took him off to a cycle shop and gave him breakfast whilst it was repaired and we pressed on with the 'tour '.
Great support from the RFU again today with Hamish Pratt, James McKay and Neil Spencer from the Community Team riding with us and helping us in particular on the section to Wakefield.
We had a great welcome at Lincolnshire Police HQ who as well as their presentation are providing us with accommodation.
Tomorrow we press on to Ripley in Derbyshire, Nottingham, Leicester and Northampton which I am told is 143 miles!
Great support from the RFU again today with Hamish Pratt, James McKay and Neil Spencer from the Community Team riding with us and helping us in particular on the section to Wakefield.
We had a great welcome at Lincolnshire Police HQ who as well as their presentation are providing us with accommodation.
Tomorrow we press on to Ripley in Derbyshire, Nottingham, Leicester and Northampton which I am told is 143 miles!
Linclonshire Police presentation
Lincolnshire ACC Alec Wood presents a cheque to the Tour and also accommodation which is greatly appreciated .
Thursday 20 August 2009
West Yorkshire Police presentation
West Yorkshire ACC Jawaid Akhtar comes out to support the tour and present a cheque.
Day 21 - Hull - Wakefield - Sheffield - Lincoln
And its another early start. Today the tour is joined by Hamish Pratt, James McKay and Neil Spencer all from the RFU Community Team
End of Day 20
Well here we are 113 miles and three police forces later in Hull. We have had a result tonight - the accommodation is complimentary and is courtesy of the Holiday Inn at Hull Marina, to whom we are very grateful.
We left Durham this morning with Tamarra and some friends from the RFU riding with us again and we received a great welcome at Cleveland in Middlesbrough where the Deputy Chief Constable Derek Bonnard rode with us on the leg to North Yorkshire. Having received another fantastic welcome there we pressed on to Hull and Humberside Police who have adopted CVOC as their charity for the year and again did us proud.
We are also receiving great support from the public and officers along the way being given £10 by a member of the public in a MacDonalds this morning and another by an officer in passing.
Tomorrow we go on to West Yorkshire in Wakefield, South Yorkshire in Sheffield and Lincoln and Lincolnshire Police.
We left Durham this morning with Tamarra and some friends from the RFU riding with us again and we received a great welcome at Cleveland in Middlesbrough where the Deputy Chief Constable Derek Bonnard rode with us on the leg to North Yorkshire. Having received another fantastic welcome there we pressed on to Hull and Humberside Police who have adopted CVOC as their charity for the year and again did us proud.
We are also receiving great support from the public and officers along the way being given £10 by a member of the public in a MacDonalds this morning and another by an officer in passing.
Tomorrow we go on to West Yorkshire in Wakefield, South Yorkshire in Sheffield and Lincoln and Lincolnshire Police.
Humberside Police presentation
Humberside have taken CVOC on as their charity of choice for the year and start off with £300 which is presented by ACC David Griffin.
Wednesday 19 August 2009
North Yorkshire Police presentation
A warm welcome from Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell and a much needed lunch and a confirmed donation on its way.
Cleveland Police presentation
Great presentation at Cleveland and DCC Derek Bonnard joins the Tour for the leg to North Yorkshire.
Day 20 - Durham - Middlesbrough - Northallerton - Hull
A bright and early start this morning at 0530am, and cycled into Cleveland Police HQ in Middlesbrough where we were received by the Deputy Chief Constable and a presentation. He then joined us for part of the ride down to Northallerton. Tamarra Taylor has joined us again today - she must be a glutton for punishment. Punctures seem to be occurring more often we have had the first of the morning.
End of Day 19
So there we are back in England - after a long day yesterday we had a relatively easy day today riding down from the Scottish borders to Northumbria Police HQ at Ponteland for a presentation then onto Durham where we received another great welcome and donation.
We were joined today on the 'tour' by Tamara Taylor, an England Ladies Rugby international, Jonathon Ricketts and Max Carter from the RFU and we are very grateful for their support and company.
Tomorrow is a big day when we will be cycling down the country from Durham and visiting Cleveland Police in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire Police in Northallerton and Humberside Police in Hull, which I am told is about 113 miles and hilly!
We were joined today on the 'tour' by Tamara Taylor, an England Ladies Rugby international, Jonathon Ricketts and Max Carter from the RFU and we are very grateful for their support and company.
Tomorrow is a big day when we will be cycling down the country from Durham and visiting Cleveland Police in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire Police in Northallerton and Humberside Police in Hull, which I am told is about 113 miles and hilly!
Durham Constabulary presentation
Durham Constabulary DCC Mike Barton presents the team with a generous cheque. Pictured with Dom and Matt are Jonathon Ricketts (RFU) and Tamara Taylor England Rugby Ladies International.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Northumbria Police presentation and welcome
Chief Constable Mike Craik from Northumbria Police welcomes the 'tour' and before much needed refreshments presents a cheque.
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