TOUR DE FORCE - 1-23 August 2009

End of Day 24 - Final day

2009-08-23T16:42:00.007+01:00

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."

City of London Police and Police Authority presentations

2009-08-23T16:38:00.003+01:00

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

2009-08-23T16:34:00.003+01:00

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 team outside City of London Police HQ

2009-08-23T16:32:00.000+01:00

Dominic is welcomed to the City

2009-08-23T16:31:00.000+01:00

The 'tour' arrives at The City of London Police HQ

2009-08-23T16:28:00.002+01:00

Supporters and families greet the end of the 'tour' at the City of London Police HQ.

The 'Tour' outside St.Paul's Cathedral

2009-08-23T16:25:00.000+01:00

The team get some spiritual guidance.

The Old Bailey

2009-08-23T16:18:00.003+01:00

The team outside the Old Bailey.

The 'Tour de Force' visits 10 Downing Street

2009-08-23T16:16:00.000+01:00

Metropolitan Police presentation

2009-08-23T16:11:00.003+01:00

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

2009-08-23T16:07:00.003+01:00

The team arrive at NSY where they are met by James Cleverly AM, the Mayor of London's Ambassador for Young People.

No Parking

2009-08-23T16:05:00.000+01:00

Dom told you not to leave your bike there!

Tour de Force escort

2009-08-23T16:04:00.000+01:00

The 'tour' is escorted through London by the Met and City Police

2009-08-23T16:01:00.001+01:00

The team under police escort to New Scotland Yard.

Steve prepares for the final leg of the 'tour'

2009-08-23T15:59:00.001+01:00

Steve gets ready to cycle into central London.

Arrival at BTP HQ

2009-08-23T15:57:00.001+01:00

Police officers and PCSO's greet the team at BTP HQ in Camden, north London.

2009-08-23T15:54:00.000+01:00

It is sunny and it's flat so Chris Johnson rejoins the tour.

The Final Push!

2009-08-23T15:49:00.001+01:00

The team ready themselves for the final push into London.

Day 24 - Last day - Welwyn Garden City - London

2009-08-23T14:25:00.003+01:00

Matt at Paul Holroyd's house waiting for the last day to start.

End of Day 23

2009-08-22T17:45:00.005+01:00

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.

Hertfordshire Police presentation

2009-08-22T17:40:00.001+01:00

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

2009-08-22T17:37:00.001+01:00

Chief Constable Gillian Parker (CVOC Trustee), welcomes the Tour to Bedfordshire and provides a great lunch.

Matt passes 555 miles

2009-08-22T17:35:00.001+01:00

Matt hits 555 miles for the Tour. What a fantastic achievement!

2009-08-22T17:33:00.000+01:00

He should be!

Cambridgeshire Police presentation

2009-08-22T17:28:00.000+01:00

ACC Mark Hopkins from Cambridgeshire presents Dom, Matt and Clive with a cheque.

Cambridge arrival

2009-08-22T10:55:00.000+01:00

Dom, Clive and Matt arriving at Cambridge.

Day 23 - Penultimate day - Northampton - Cambridge - Bedford - Welwyn Garden City

2009-08-22T10:53:00.002+01:00

Sgt Clive Sparling from Leicestershire joins us to the end and adds that bit of professionalism.

End of Day 22

2009-08-22T10:46:00.003+01:00

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.

2009-08-22T10:43:00.000+01:00

Sam and Alex from the RFU show that weight watchers works!

Leicestershire Police presentation

2009-08-22T10:32:00.002+01:00

Chief Constable Matt Baggott joins in with the tour and presents a cheque. Leicestershire officers then join Dom and Matt on to Northampton.

Northamptonshire Police presentation

2009-08-22T10:30:00.000+01:00

Chief Constable Davina Logan welcomes the tour to Northants and presents a cheque to support the charity.

2009-08-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

Nearly over!

Nottinghamshire Police presentation

2009-08-22T10:15:00.000+01:00

ACC Ian Ackerley comes out and supports the tour on behalf of Nottinghamshire and presents Dom and Matt with a cheque.

Derbyshire Police presentation

2009-08-22T10:09:00.001+01:00

Chief Constable Mick Creedon welcomes the Tour to Derbyshire and presents a cheque.

Matt on the road

2009-08-21T08:37:00.000+01:00

One for his Mum.

Day 22 Lincoln - Ripley - Nottingham - Leicester - Northampton

2009-08-21T08:34:00.002+01:00

Action Fergie!

Matt on the road to Ripley.

End of Day 21

2009-08-21T08:23:00.002+01:00

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!

Linclonshire Police presentation

2009-08-21T08:20:00.002+01:00

Lincolnshire ACC Alec Wood presents a cheque to the Tour and also accommodation which is greatly appreciated .

South Yorkshire Police

2009-08-20T17:55:00.000+01:00

Dom gets to Sheffield.

West Yorkshire Police presentation

2009-08-20T17:52:00.001+01:00

West Yorkshire ACC Jawaid Akhtar comes out to support the tour and present a cheque.

RFU team support the 'Tour'

2009-08-20T17:50:00.000+01:00

Hamish, Macca and Spenny help out to Wakefield

2009-08-20T17:48:00.000+01:00

Matt modelling new cycle shorts!

Day 21 - Hull - Wakefield - Sheffield - Lincoln

2009-08-20T17:44:00.002+01:00

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

2009-08-20T00:06:00.003+01:00

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.

Where's Mr Motivator when he is needed

2009-08-20T00:04:00.000+01:00

Dom this really was a stupid idea!

I know !

Humberside Police presentation

2009-08-20T00:01:00.001+01:00

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.

Dom scores a century!

2009-08-19T23:58:00.000+01:00

Dom breaks the hundred mile barrier with a ride of 113 miles in a day!

North Yorkshire Police presentation

2009-08-19T23:54:00.000+01:00

A warm welcome from Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell and a much needed lunch and a confirmed donation on its way.

2009-08-19T23:52:00.000+01:00

How we all got to this point is amazing as the tour went all different ways !!! Countryside or A19 !!!

Cleveland Police presentation

2009-08-19T23:50:00.000+01:00

Great presentation at Cleveland and DCC Derek Bonnard joins the Tour for the leg to North Yorkshire.

2009-08-19T23:49:00.000+01:00

Matt still not liking mornings!

A pensive Mr Motivator

2009-08-19T23:46:00.000+01:00

Its an early one today Motivation starts in a bit !!

Day 20 - Durham - Middlesbrough - Northallerton - Hull

2009-08-19T09:34:00.003+01:00

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

2009-08-19T09:24:00.004+01:00

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!

Durham Constabulary presentation

2009-08-19T09:21:00.001+01:00

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.

On the road to Durham

2009-08-19T09:17:00.000+01:00

Matt leading the way to Durham.

Northumbria Police presentation and welcome

2009-08-18T14:30:00.000+01:00

Chief Constable Mike Craik from Northumbria Police welcomes the 'tour' and before much needed refreshments presents a cheque.

Last nights accommodation at The Percy Arms Hotel

2009-08-18T09:19:00.000+01:00

Clive from the Percy Arms Hotel provides discounted accommodation for weary cyclists.

Day 19 - Edinburgh - Ponteland - Durham

2009-08-18T09:12:00.002+01:00

Home (not far now !)

End of Day 18

2009-08-18T08:58:00.003+01:00

Today was a day of mechanical problems first off this morning Matt had a puncture then having repaired that the inner tube burst when we were pumping the tyre back up, so we then had to change the whole tyre and then later another puncture.
Having got around those problems we had three great receptions at Tayside Police HQ in Dundee, Fife Police HQ in Glenrothes and Lothian and Borders HQ in Edinburgh and it was wonderful that the three Chief Constables turned out to support us. After Edinburgh we pressed on south and we faced the next problem of the day - accommodation. It was after 9 o'clock before we managed to find a hotel and they then said they had closed the kitchen, luckily after a bit of persuasion they agreed to cook us some steaks. So all in all a bit of a testing day but we got there in the end.
Tomorrow we are back into England and heading for Newcastle and Durham.

Lothian and Borders Police presentation

2009-08-17T18:30:00.002+01:00

Chief Constable David Strang from Lothian and Borders Police finishes off the Scottish part of the tour by presenting Dom with a cheque for the Tour.

Fife Police presentation

2009-08-17T18:28:00.000+01:00

Chief Constable Norma Graham and Chief Supt Alistair McKeen come out to support the tour and hand over a cheque.

Arrived at Fife Police HQ

2009-08-17T18:26:00.001+01:00

Made it to Glenrothes with Lothian and Borders officers Malcolm Graham and Richard Thomas.

On the road to Fife

2009-08-17T18:21:00.000+01:00

On the way to Fife.

Day 18 - Dundee - Glenrothes - Edinburgh. Tayside presentation

2009-08-17T18:17:00.004+01:00

The tour reaches Dundee and receives cheques from Chief Constable Justine Curran and Malcolm Gibbs from the Scottish Police Federation

End of Day 17

2009-08-16T23:23:00.003+01:00

Another day and we are on the downward run towards London. We had fantastic hospitality last night at the Strathburn Hotel, Inverurie where we not only were given free meals and discounted accommodation but also a donation from a golden wedding anniversary party.
Today was a hard day we cycled down to Aberdeen and then on towards Dundee we were cycling into a stiff headwind all day so it made it much harder and probably doubled the distance we went, it was nice when it was time to stop this evening at about 6.30pm.
Once again it was made all worth while when we visited Grampian Police HQ in Aberdeen and were given another fantastic presentation and reception.
Tomorrow we go on to Dundee, Glenrothes and Edinburgh.

Police escort into Aberdeen

2009-08-16T23:20:00.000+01:00

Another motor bike escort into Aberdeen this time by way of Chris More.

Grampian Police presentation

2009-08-16T23:17:00.000+01:00

Insp Ed Fitzgibbon handing over cheques to Dom and Matt at Grampian Police HQ in Aberdeen.

2009-08-16T23:15:00.000+01:00

So stretching is good then!

2009-08-16T13:46:00.001+01:00

It was your idea!

Mr Motivator - motivates

2009-08-16T13:44:00.000+01:00

Do I have to go on?

Pit stop

2009-08-16T13:42:00.000+01:00

Much needed stop!

2009-08-16T13:38:00.002+01:00

Where has the sun gone?

2009-08-16T13:36:00.001+01:00

At least the sun is out Matt

2009-08-16T13:34:00.000+01:00

Hard work today!

Matt travelling light?

2009-08-16T13:32:00.000+01:00

This is Matt travelling Light !!!

Day 17 - Inverness - Aberdeen

2009-08-16T13:27:00.002+01:00

The start of the last week with a healthy breakfast!

Great welcome at The Strathburn Hotel, Inverurie

2009-08-16T13:20:00.003+01:00

What fantastic hospitality - free evening meal, discounted rooms and great company given to us by David Barrack proprietor of the Strathburn Hotel (Inverurie).

Thanks also to the party celebrating the golden wedding at the hotel who when they heard about the 'Tour' had a 'whip round' and raised £28!

End of Day 16

2009-08-15T19:03:00.002+01:00

Today we reached the end of northern part of the 'Tour' when we arrived at the Northern Constabulary HQ in Inverness and received yet another fantastic welcome and presentation. Thanks for the picnic we were sent on our way with. We are now on our way south towards Aberdeen and the Grampian Police HQ who we will meet tomorrow.
We are well ahead of schedule which is great considering the bad weather we had all day yesterday - today is proof that the sun does shine in Scotland.
Anyway we have arrived at our hotel by 6.30pm so we can get a good nights rest after yesterdays karaoke experience.

Matt eats up the miles towards Aberdeen

2009-08-15T19:02:00.001+01:00

And like a flash he is gone!

Northern Constabulary presentation

2009-08-15T18:59:00.001+01:00

Warm welcome from Supt Ian Arnott and Chief Inspector Mhairi Grant of the Northern Constabulary

Dom goes for it!!!

2009-08-15T18:58:00.000+01:00

Dom hits 50mph !

Mr Motivator - strikes again!

2009-08-15T18:47:00.001+01:00

There is just nothing this man cannot do - fixing water bottle holders now !

Day 16 - To Inverness

2009-08-15T18:41:00.002+01:00

A great start to the day - at breakfast we meet retired Sergeant Malcolm Gilbert from Inverness who gives us a £10 donation! Thank you Malcolm.

OK off and running sorry cycling Matt starts the journey to Inverness.

End of Day 15

2009-08-15T18:34:00.002+01:00

A very very wet day, we got absolutely soaked, but it was made all well when we arrived at Glasgow and were met by a great presentation from the ACC Cormack and a large number of officers and other staff with a presentation. Then on to Stirling where we received another fantastic welcome at the Central Scotland Police HQ.
The on we went towards Inverness and to cap what had been a bad day we had great trouble finding somewhere to stay. Anyway, we ended up staying in a hotel which was the social centre for the area and they had a karaoke night until 3am! Great!!!

Arrived at Central Scotland Police HQ in Stirling

2009-08-15T18:13:00.001+01:00

Central Scotland and absolutely soaked !

Strathclyde Police presentation

2009-08-15T18:08:00.001+01:00

ACC Hamish Cormak, presenting Dom with a cheque. Also pictured are DS Paul Carruthers, John Shaw, Joanne McGrattan, Rona Fraser and DI Phil Capaldi. All of whom have been instrumental in raising Funds for CVOC.

Day 15 - On to Glasgow and Stirling

2009-08-15T18:05:00.002+01:00

Starting out to Strathclyde and yep its raining!

End of Day 14

2009-08-15T17:59:00.002+01:00

Today having been given a great send off by not just the Chief Constable of Cumbria but also his Deputy we are on our way north of the border into Scotland. At Dumfries we receive a great welcome from Dumfries and Galloway Police one of the smaller forces in the UK.
We then decided that we would push on towards Glasgow as the weather is nice and sunny today but the forecast for the next two days are not so good and we reached Hamilton where we are spending the night.

Matt makes it past Duncow

2009-08-14T09:37:00.004+01:00

2009-08-14T09:35:00.004+01:00

Andy & Dom setting the pace at an average speed of 20mph uphill. That's what Mr Motivator says anyway!

Dumfries & Galloway presentation

2009-08-14T09:32:00.003+01:00

The tour makes it to Dumfries & Galloway. We were made to feel very welcome and were met by Detective Superintendent Kate Thompson and Chris Johnson the charity's force liaison officer.

Pit stop

2009-08-14T09:30:00.002+01:00

The Tour takes a bizarre twist!

2009-08-14T09:27:00.003+01:00

Is that Mr Motivator? There's just no stopping him!

Day 14 - Cumbria - Dumfries

2009-08-14T09:24:00.003+01:00

Chief Constable Craig Mackey and Deputy Chief Stuart Hyde give the tour a surprise by turning up early this morning to send us on our way. Joining Dom and Matt are Andy Shaddock from Cumbria Constabulary and from the RFU community team Liam Nichols, Martin Grealish Gary Holmes and Elaine Vassey

End of day 13 - Preston - Cumbria

2009-08-14T09:23:00.002+01:00

What a day 110 miles from Preston to Penrith via Shap Hill which was a huge climb and seemed to go on for ever. Anyway, we finally made it to the top in the rain and then on into Penrith where we had a fantastic welcome at the Cumbria Police HQ. Matt who was on his first proper day did really well (although don't tell him that).
It was great to see Karen from the CVOC office who drove all the way up on her day off to support us.
Tomorrow, we take on our 3rd country when we arrive in Scotland - and visit Dumfries and Galloway.

Cumbria Presentation

2009-08-14T09:18:00.002+01:00

Another great welcome as we arrive in Penrith. The cheque presentation was made to Dom by Chief Constable Craig Mackey. Also pictured is Andy Slattery and Paul Latham and Matt who finished his first day.

King of the Mountains!

2009-08-13T15:50:00.002+01:00

The break a way group led by Andy Slattery and Paul Latham help Dom up Shap Hill

The gruelling Shap Hill

2009-08-13T15:45:00.003+01:00

Go on Dom!!!

Lancashire Police welcome

2009-08-13T15:43:00.003+01:00

Great reception at Lancashire Police HQ. We were met by ACC Wendy Walker and the charity's force liaison officer Lisa Pilkington. Also pictured are the team of riders who are going to make the push to Cumbria HQ