Day 3: Hull to Newcastle

CUOTC VTCC Day three: Dedicated to Rich McLellan

Day three began with a bright and chilly start, the teams luxuriating in the Officer’s Mess in the Defence School for Transport with a large breakfast and a full recharge from sleeping in proper beds. It was the morale boost they needed to tackle what would be one of the more challenging days on the race- the intimidating climbs of Yorkshire. With a climb of over 2000 metres throughout the day  it wasn’t going to be the easiest of days but with the team’s spirits on a high they set off it looked like they were going to smash it.

As we moved on past them, it only took the power of the small clown car we were driving to realise that this route isn’t easy, with some steep inclines followed by dismounts that looked like they would require some serious control. But CUOTC was more than capable and having driven by them, they still had their game faces on and pedalled on. The only bump in the road, and the reason for the title of this blog entry was the stellar effort of team 2ic Richard McLellan.

Before the first rendezvous point, Rich’s bikes’ chain had snapped and the team had left him to press onto the first RV. The support van was dispatched to provide him to fix his team and judge whether he would be in distance to catch up. The team then arrived at the RV where driver JUO Gillespie had provided some much appreciated cupcakes which were swiftly consumed along hot cross buns, bananas, bagels and flapjacks. Then they were off with a tired nod and a smile, especially as Rider Huffie had made contact with the road simultaneously with her face and her knee it was inspirational to see her still maintaining good cheer as they pushed off for another leg.

Then, about fifteen minutes later Rich pulled in with a big smile and a cupcake was handed swiftly over. Not only did he look like he had just emerged from a coal mine with hands black from dealing with his chain but he had also doubled his pace to keep up with the team. A few moments later after he’d refilled his water bottles and he was off.

We swiftly followed in the command support vehicle and at one point thought he had turned off the route we had anticipated because there was no sign of him. Up and down the road was as difficult as before with a few tight corners thrown in for good measure, it wasn’t until about ten minutes later we saw a rider pushing on and realised that Rich had exceeded our expectations. Pulling in to provide some support and possibly a bit of cheeky drafting we moved off again thoroughly awed by his pace. Encountering the rest of the pack, we threw out more words of encouragement and again providing a car shaped windbreak for the riders to catch their breath after a particularly challenging hill.

Then it came to finding the next RV point, a car park just beyond a site that had some amazing views, not that we had time to enjoy them as the team rounded the corner ably guided in by RSM Shaw wearing a lovely hi-vis jacket. As they rounded in and ate sandwiches and biscuits faster than I’ve seen a mammal manage (with Katie consuming 6 biscuits in such a rapid fashion that she managed to give herself a ‘biscuit-headache’) they waited to refill water bottles.

It was then, with the chorus of Driver Anna’s shouts that we saw a loan and triumphant figure round the corner and pull into the car park. Not only had Rich managed something that many would think if not difficult possibly impossible, and raised the team’s morale to an incredible level but he’d done it all barely breaking a sweat. This is why this blog entry is dedicated to the tremendous efforts of Rich McLellan, whose initial concern was not for himself but the team, and managing to cycle forty five miles on arduous terrain was a morale boost for all concerned.

The team, after Rich had re-joined set off with Rich at the front and onwards to the final rendezvous with smiles and a few thumbs up. Promises of ice baths, massages, and all the bagels that Michael Cannon could eat followed them.

Finally waiting at the final RV point there was a sense of anticipation for the most arduous day so far. As the CSM walked by a car which had steamed up the windows in a rather suspect fashion we waited in a car park for the team to arrive. Not long after we arrived we saw them streaming over the hill in a proud blue train, with Captain Trev deciding to overshoot because once again 100 miles in one day is just not enough.

Afterwards we were regaled with stories, from dogs appearing in suicide runs in front of the riders to kamikaze pheasants diving in and out of the cycle route. It has proven to be an eventful day but the riders have more than proven themselves ten times over. Bring on Scotland! 

Many thanks to Dave from DB Autotech LTD. In Driffield, East Yorkshire who helped to fix our minibus and Debbie from Rustics in Driffield who provided the cupcakes that the team appreciated so much. 

Day 2: Peterborough to Hull

CUOTC VTCC Day 2 Peterborough to Hull

Day two began in infinitely better conditions to day one, with the team being housed in the luxurious TA centre in Peterborough, where the boys enjoyed leather (and in the RSM’s case) floral sofas and the girls a private room with an inspirational picture of Princess Anne to wake up to. After a longer sleep and a lovely breakfast cooked for us by the helpful 200 squadron of 158 RLC the cyclists, not content with only 100 miles in one day, decided to cycle to the start point rather then load up the van. After originally being quoted “only three miles” to the start point it turned into eleven bringing the total to 116 miles travelled today.

Shortly after the support team followed, the minibus driven by JUO Anna Gillespie and guided by rider Hannah McInroy-Naylor, the van with CSM Tuffs and team masseuse Louisa Saldahna and finally RSM Shaw, the team manager, and myself in what is affectionately referred to as either a clown car or a hairdressers car.

Team Cambridge were off to a speedy start, with the clown car finding an ideal location for the teams to come in for their first rest stop. After stopping off in Chapel Hill, Lincolnshire we received reports that with high spirits the team tackled a rather flat but extremely windy ride. Rider Katie is proud to state they looked more professional today and they ‘meant business’.

Then it was onto the support team, after assisting with refuelling the riders with both bagels and bananas (which may become a running theme to this blog- rider Mike has consumed over 12 bagels to date and Katie is struggling to count the number of bananas but estimates it will remain a steady four a day.)

Onto the next rendezvous point which was placed next a sadly unopened pub. Waiting there for a short period before the riders arrived WOCdt Katrina Tipler, a native to Lincolnshire appeared with a cardboard morale sign (“Go CUOTC”) and many words of encouragement. This obviously boosted the teams spirits in a noticeable way, as well as the lemon drizzle cake provided by the support team in celebration of Rider Alex’s 21^st Birthday!

After mainlining cake, bagels, Clif Bars and Maximuscle supplements the team were ready to go and hit the road again, cycling off into the distance with Katrina providing a windbreak for about three miles of their journey with her car- not to mention the loud music she blasted out. Combined with former CUOTC student Tom Wilkinson laying down a sign for the team to cheer at as they cycled by his workplace.

The success continued with the final RV point being outside Barton-upon-Humber where the team pulled in at a picnic area and engaged in some rather flexible looking stretches much to the amusement of the other road users. A swift minibus rider later and the team and support staff landed at Normandy Barracks, Lecconfield to a warm welcome in the Officers Mess. To the cheers of the team the RSM announced that there were proper bedrooms and bathrooms (ice baths anyone?) and dinner is much looked forward to.

Newcastle tomorrow, await more Twitter and blog updates. Please donate for ABF and Combat stress on the JustGiving page or text “ARMY CAMBRIDGE” to 70700. This challenge is all for charity, please give the team a morale boost and take the time to donate. Thank you. 

CUOTC's day one.....Breezy and Bananas

Day 1 Northwood to Peterborough- Windy is an understatement!

Day 1 of the Varsity Challenge kicked off with an exceptionally early start, the riders and support team waking up at 0500 in Cambridge after a restless night sleep in a loud drill hall. At 0530 we were en route to Northwood Camp where we were warmly met by representatives from both the Army and Navy who seemed equally bemused and grateful for our presence. In such a hi-tech and good looking base the nervous yet eager riders seemed to stand out so much more in their bright blue Cambridge UOTC cycling uniform.

At a brief speech by the camp’s 2ic (a former OC of the brilliant Artillery Wing for CUOTC) the team was off to a stellar start, speeding off into the distance. The mood had improved drastically from first thing in the morning when it varied from a depressing drizzle to what could optimistically be described as a downpour. It had brightened to a cheerful grey as the teams crested the first slope and disappeared from the supporters sights.

As the morning progressed Rider Zoe Rutterford (who had spoken excellently on BBC Radio Cambridge Breakfast Show) had a small pavement exfoliation incident which involved a change of wheel with many thanks to Richardsons Cycles & Accessories who came to her rescue. After that miniscule break CUOTC got back on the road with little other incident.

At the first rendezvous point in Puckeridge in Hertfordshire where a friendly local landowner let us pull over to resupply the riders. Though a few faces were tired, there were still smiles, especially after Clif bar consumption and a refuel of maximuscle supplements. Not to mention all the bananas.

And once again they were off, with the stamina astounding not only passers- by but also the supporting team. Then the next point was Hilton in Cambridgeshire, where a pub car park provided a perfect stopping point to once again eat a copious amount of bagels and bananas which seem to one of the main refuelling foods of choice.

The reports at that point was coming in with some strong winds which had rattled the riders but they’d persevered. Apparently riding at an obtuse angle to the ground wasn’t in the morning’s brief. Unfortunately Rider Rob didn’t come out of the day with a tan but the rest of the day was sunny and after the first sixty miles the ride got a lot steadier for the team.

Finally, pulling into the 200 Squadron of 158 Royal Logistic Corps’ TA Centre where we were given an extremely warm welcome. Followed swiftly by the riders who with some extensive and rather humorous stretching were ready for their large carbohydrate intake. After a large meal of pasta and rice a brief turbo training session for Rider Huffie who is subbing in tomorrow to get her legs going it was time to head to bed.

Not only does our room in the TA centre smell of Mint-ease and the almond oil that masseuse Louisa is using to make sure  the riders are geared up for tomorrow but there is the faint smell of banana lingering in the air….

VTCC Launch....

VTCC Launch & Preparation Day

The VTCC launch began with the team journeying down to our TA Centre in Cambridge the night before. A combination of ‘carb-loading’ which I’m reliably informed is when you eat a copious amount of pizza for legitimate reasons and psyching up for the challenge itself transitioned smoothly into an early morning drive down to Horse Guards Parade in London.

When we arrived the only person standing to represent Cambridge was rider Katie who looked mildly intimidated by the swarm of Oxford team. Cambridge quickly assembled and soon the bikes were wheeled out to the rather confused looking tourists who couldn’t seem to decide which to take photos of, the changing of the Guard which was about to occur or the lycra clad students.

As the changing of the guard took place, Cambridge took the opportunity to go and watch with a few braver tourists who came to enquire what we were doing and what the challenge was all about.  After all this had occurred both Commanding Officers for both Oxford and Cambridge arrived, and instantly became a London Tourist Attraction, and in particular Colonel Pollington seemed happy to oblige those who wanted photos with him in his uniform.

Finally, Jon Snow pulled up on his bike in a rather unlikely combination of jeans and a suit jacket and tie. As riders from both teams assembled to be addressed by a representative of ABF and then Jon Snow himself, both spoke with great words of encouragement for the teams reminding everyone just how vital fundraising like this is for both charities.

This moved to Jon and the teams lining up for a ‘victory lap’ around the parade with some rather intrepid photographers braving the bikes and crouching down to get important shots of both Oxford and Cambridge.

Truthfully it was an inspiring day, both witnessing the Changing of the Guard and hearing both charities explaining why this money is so important. All will begin tomorrow with Cambridge setting off at 0900 from Northwood. Please donate generously and follow this blog for Cambridge’s progress through the Varsity Triple Crown Challenge. 

Videos and More.....

Rich's excursion to Scotland

When I heard that this year’s family holiday was to Scotland, one word came to mind... HILLS!

We were to spend two weeks just over the Scottish border on the east coast, 6 miles from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. I had decided that although I was probably due a bit of a rest after just finishing my dissertation, the opportunity was too great to not fit some training in as well. The plan was to go on a number of rides which would build up in distance over the two weeks, as well as doing some long distance runs with a weighted daysack in preparation for my participation in the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) in October with Trevor Aslan.

My first training session consisted of a 30 mile ride in the rain to orientate myself, find some nice roads, and of course to pick up the Sunday paper for my dad. Over the next 10 days I went on a number of rides from, 40-60 miles in length, and really got a taste of some real hills, especially in comparison with the “hills” which are few and far between when training in Norfolk!

From my rides I had found some nice routes which were quiet, had great views, and would therefore be ideal for running. After a few days in the saddle it was time for a run, so after raiding the “store cupboard essentials” for some tins of beans to use as weight (and emergency rations), I set off for what turned out to be a two hour run. This was slightly longer than intended, partly due to the slight issue of a ford which was 3.5ft high due to the recent rain. Now I love a challenge as much as the next man, but common sense stepped in just in time!

The riding and running at the beginning were good preparation for the long ride at the end of the holiday. I had chosen a route which included loads of hills, as well as what turned out to be some great views across the Langmuir Hills. It was chilly at 0630 when I set off, but I soon realised that staying warm wasn’t going to be an issue as after only 15 miles I hit some long steep hills which had me up on the pedals and working hard; a sign of things to come! The 105 mile ride included four 17% climbs, which meant I was actually relieved to find a climb in the latter part of the ride that was ‘only 14%’. Thankfully the ride, along with all of the rides I did in Scotland, was puncture-free, which is always good for morale J.

As well as all the training, I did actually manage to have a holiday, with some of the highlights being the Edinburgh Festival, a chilly swim in the sea at Bamburgh, a few visits to The Barrels Ale House in Berwick, and walking across the causeway at low tide to Holy Island. All in all it was a fantastic holiday, which included some valuable training. Bring on the VTCC!!

Annual Camp....

For the uninitiated, every year TA soldiers go on a two week excursion to another part of the country and engage in military training. This is referred to as "Annual Camp" and this year CUOTC journeyed to Folkestone, Kent to stay in St Martin's Plain. Whilst the rest of us were comfortably sitting in our coach, holding rifles and catching a pre-camp nap; the VTCC team decided to put all the hard word and training to the test and cycle from Cambridge to Kent. 

The day itself was rather murky when they left Cambridge bright and early, and team members Hannah, Tom, Trev, Katie, Huffie and Alex were all ready to face the journey ahead. Some had already, the day before, cycled from Norwich to Cambridge and seemed in good spirits when the rest of us caught up with them. Riders Tom, Katie, Huffy, Alex and Rich had cycled from UEA to the Cambridge TA Centre so another big ride to Folkestone seemed good preparation for the VTCC. 


After the rest of us watched breathlessly as the team devoured what seemed about twice the amount of food that we could consume comfortably the team embarked for Kent. RSM Shaw rode nearby in a van as a precaution but also to provide the team with much needed morale and food to sustain the grueling pace needed to get to the camp before nightfall. 


Those of us who had already arrived could only wait for them to arrive hopefully still maintaining the good spirits that they had enjoyed in the morning. Our first arrival was Hannah McInroy-Naylor who unfortunately had suffered illness the previous day but had made it to the majority of the route before being brought in using the team van. She brought news that Tom Betts had taken a minor fall and subsequently shredded some of his team uniform but other then that the team was unscathed! 

Then the others arrived, and after being shown an impressive array of sunburn (especially Alex Yorke who seemed to be imitating a candy cane in his stripey complexion) they were fed and showered and promptly fell asleep to what I presume was a much needed rest. 


This was the first big test of the team for the kind of distances that they will be facing on the Challenge. Not only did they face up to it, and continue on with good humor but also managed to have a turbo-trainer session the following week as well as completing all of their military training. 

This bodes well for raising plenty of money for ABF and Combat Stress and hopefully a victory for Cambridge!