This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, analytics and third party advertising purposes as described in our Privacy and Data Processing Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, or further manage your preferences. To opt-out of sharing with third parties information related to these technologies, select "Manage Settings" or submit a Do Not Sell My Personal Information request.
The John Clark Motor Group Cycle Team completed their gruelling 555 mile cycle from Principality Stadium in Cardiff to Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday in time for the Scotland V Wales Six Nations Match. The match ball was handed over by Chief Ball Bearer and Lead Cyclist Rob Wainwright as spectators lined their path and gave them the warmest of welcomes.
Our team of four riders and three supporting drivers followed the match ball across the country to support Doddie Aid for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The team worked together in a relay across the route with some having to tackle stages that felt mountainous and others falling victim to the UK weather but never giving up to reach the destination in time.
After arriving the team were able to enjoy Scotland’s win against Wales from the stands in Murrayfield before returning home for a good night’s rest.
The team have had a couple of days to rest up and reflect on
their achievement:
Andy:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and camaraderie form all the riders taking part. There was a bit of trepidation at the start as we were all going into the unknown but we all gelled as a team with no major incidents and remarkably only one puncture!”
Ross:
“I always like to test my limits and take on challenges. When the Doddie Cup 555 was announced it did not take long for me to decide I wanted to enter. The team that came together will be hard to beat, everyone pulled together to make some lasting memories. Seeing the support when leaving Cardiff and coming in to Edinburgh gave me a better understanding as to the reason for what we were doing and a real sense of accomplishment. A massive thank you to the rugby clubs along the way, their hospitality was second to none.”
Callum:
“When I saw that we were looking to put a team together for this I could not resist putting my name forward. I was a little nervous going into it having not met any of the team before aside from Colin but we couldn’t have asked for a better team. We all gelled together well and managed to push each other on in what is an epic challenge. The support from the rugby clubs and onlookers will be a memory that sticks with me.”
Stewart:
“Being asked to join the John Clark Motor Group team from Ross with just under two and a half weeks preparation sounded like madness and a massive challenge But knowing what Doddie and many others have gone through with MND, 52 hours didn’t sound too crazy. Not knowing the other riders and support members I could not have asked for a better team of guys to help us through the journey. 152 managed myself with the last 30 being the toughest I have ever completed, but arriving at Raeburn Place the sense of achievement was amazing. Cycling through to Murrayfield with thousands cheering you on will stick with me forever.”
Colin:
“What a fantastic couple of days spent with a great team. We really knitted together as a team and got the job done. Hats off to the riders for the awesome effort they put in. Not forgetting the great job that Kenny and Joe, my fellow support drivers, also did along the way. We really worked hard to get the job done but had lots of fun along the way. Also a huge thank you to the rugby clubs that supported us along the way for their superb hospitality and encouragement as well as the members of the public who lined the roadside or just came up and gave random encouragement.”
Kenny:
“I was drafted in to the John Clark Team as a support driver with me only knowing Ross but that soon changed as we all met up in Cardiff and an awesome hard working team it was. It is no mean feat for the riders to have covered the 555+ miles thanks to several off map journeys! Not to mention the restricted sleep patterns. This was such a fantastic experience and I would welcome a second opportunity to support. “
We are incredibly proud of the team and their dedication to the challenge, the effort they made for the charity, and for their representation of John Clark Motor Group.
You can still donate to the team to support Doddie Aid.
