Nigel Murray of Huron Legal has completed his arduous cycle ride for Help for Heroes. Not surprisingly, he was not able to keep his blog going whilst cycling, and I am pleased to pass on his emailed report (minus the photographs) which reached me a few minutes ago.

Dear All

Arrived back last night after a most memorable trip.  I am afraid I did not manage to keep my blog up to date however the “official blog” including good short videos of each day is at:  http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/blogs/BBBR_2011/ It will take a while to look at – but the videos are excellent and really give a good feel of the ride.

Arriving in Paris after cycling nearly 350 miles was memorable.  I cycled the last of the route  – from outside Versailles to the Arc de Triomphe with the wounded (11 in 3 wheel hand powered or site-down bikes as well as other limbless on normal bikes);  a wonderful experience being amongst the soldiers with their excellent humour – and to see the reaction of the Parisians – so many just stopped what they were doing and clapped.  The car drivers however were a tad different as we managed to cause quite some traffic jams!

Arrival in Paris was excellent, despite the heavens opening and everyone being absolutely soaked during the memorial service at the Arc, but still in good humour.  The French police then escorted us down the Champs Elysee with one of the support vans blasting out various classic Bruce Springsteen hits – again to much clapping, and even dancing, from the Parisian population.  I cannot imagine either Park Lane or 5th Avenue being closed at 5pm on a Friday afternoon for a bunch of French cyclists! The French really appreciate what we did for them all those years ago – and what we are still doing today.

During the celebrations we heard that Help for Heroes had managed to raise over £100m.  A huge effort in just 3 ½ years, and thank you all for your part, especially those who have sponsored me over the last 3 years.  The Sun paper is a sponsor and had a team of 3 on the ride.  Their coverage is at: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/3631688/Help-for-Heroes-br-hits-historic-100m.html  and if you look carefully you can make out my back just behind the Page 3 girl!

10 best bits:

1.        Most emotional ceremony.  At the Polish war memorial above Falais.  Two of the wreath laying party were a Mother and Daughter who had lost their son/brother 2 years ago in Sangin.  They were in tears and the rest of us could not contain ourselves.  I could not speak for many minutes after.
2.       Longest day.  82 miles at an average of over 13 mph. A beer was much needed at the end of that (picture attached)!
3.       Fastest speed.  With Lt Mike Taylor (one of the limbless US soldiers from Operation Comfort) on a hand bike – we managed 42.2 mph on a cracking downhill section on Day 3.
4.       The “Pink Posse”. The team I was in with memorable coloured shirts (pictures attached).  A great bunch of guys – and I have not laughed so much for a very long time.
5.       Most memorable comment.  4 of the wounded giving a talk (with only one leg between them) – and one of the US guys saying that since his injuries his life had changed for the better –as  he was able to attend events such as this.  I hope that will continue.  I gather that for every one wounded who is able to do the ride, there are a further 10 who are either too damaged emotionally or physically to contemplate it.
6.       Best sermon.  We had with us the “peddling padre” – a Jesuit priest who was a Greenjacket officer.  His sermons/talks at the daily ceremonies were amusing, uplifting and with not too much emphasis on religion.  He did commend many riders for their religious beliefs as he heard many a cry of “oh my God”, or “Jesus Christ” as people turned a corner to see another long “undulation” ahead.
7.       Best field lunch.  Meatballs and pasta served by the outstanding caterers from Extreme Catering – who set up field kitchens en route and produced quite outstanding lunches.  Worst lunch – on arriving at a pit stop on the longest day (more of a mid-morning snack), and late having stopped off with some of the guys for coffee – the only food left was a jam sandwich and crisps.  The two were combined – and for those wondering, it tasted like a jam and crisp sandwich!
8.       Best cemetery.  The US cemetery above Omaha beach which featured at the start and end of the film “Saving Private Ryan”. Tens of thousands of graves – and all so well kept.
9.       Most cosy hotel. Night 1.  Three in a room which was so small that only one person could stand at a time.  Each night tended to be spent with different people  – a lot of mixing, which was good.  My fellow room mates were so glad we did mix as my snoring I gather is pretty effective in combating sleep!
10.   Awards ceremony.  Bryn Parry (the joint founder and CEO of Help for Heroes) gave out various awards.  Most were humbling, however the “Pink Posse” were awarded the “Pants Award” for the most ludicrous lycra and fined – we have to take the Headley Court team out for a drink one evening.  Not such a chore..

Thank you all for your support.  You have raised £4,500 for my small efforts – and it is still rising.  A great challenge for a great cause.

Warmest regards.

Nigel

Home