We are Home

We have all arrived safely home. A 11 hour wait for a delayed flight in Orlando airport and with security taking our bike bags apart and swabbing everything, left the team totally exhausted.

We have our party on Thursday in the Botanical Gardens of Wales.
Hope to see you there. it's a 1830 hrs start in the Great Glass House

Please check back to see the updates on the blog.

Thank you everyone - your support has been overwhelming and without it, the C2C challenge would not have maintained the high morale that was needed to complete the crossing of the continent.

SONG OF THE TOUR - AN AMERICAN TAIL

TRAVELING IN A BUS FROM SUNNY OCEANSIDE
POPPY WAS POPPING PILLS ALL THE WHILE
RICHARD DIDN’T SAY A THING FOR A THOUSAND MILES
THEN WE STOPPED FOR A CYCLE RIDE

BACK IN THE BUS AND ALONG TO 29 PALMS
IAN WAS DRIVING AND LOST ALL HIS CALM
THE SAT NAV TOOK HIM DOWN A DIRT TRACK TO A FARM
BEAR HAD A BLOW OUT BUT HE CAME TO NO HARM

CHORUS
IN WITH THE BIKES OUT WITH THE BIKES
IN WITH THE BIKES OUT WITH THE BIKES

NEXT IT WAS ON TO KINGMAN AND ROUTE 66
ALL WENT TO A STEAKHOUSE FOR OUR KICKS
CHATSY HAD ANOTHER BURGER – NUMBER 96
HENRY HAD SO MUCH ROOT BEER HE WAS PISSED

NEXT TO GRAND CANYON WITH ONSLOW IZZARD
DROVE US INTO A SNOWY BLIZZARD
PORTH WENT WILD AND DRUNK UP ALL THE TURKEY
WOKE UP IN A BATH AT 4.30

CHORUS

THEN A BIKE RIDE TO MONUMENT VALLEY
DUFFS GOT HIS BIG LENS DROVE US DOLLALLY
NEXT TO MEXICAN HAT AND THE NAVAJO NATION
MERV WAS FAMISHED BUT CARROTS WERE HIS ONLY SALVATION

PEDALLING HARD TO TAOS AND OVER A MOUNTAIN
TEN AND A HALF THOUSAND FEET PHIL WAS REALLY PANTING
OVER THE RIO GRANDE WHERE WE MET ZORRO
BIG PARTY IN THE BARN THEN OFF TOMORROW

CHORUS

THE MARIACHI BAND WERE PLAYING IN THE PLAZA
MERV AND TOM MISSED IT ALL WHILE HUNTING GOAFER
NEXT DAY WE CYCLED ONTO CLOVIS
THE WAFFLES WERE GREAT BUT THE BREAD SURE WASN’T HOVIS

BURNING RUBBER ALL THE WAY TO AUSTIN TEXAS
BRAKES ON THE CAR GAVE UP AND WE WERE HELPLESS
WE THEN TURNED OUR PEDALS OVER TO HOUST-ON
WHERE WE ALL WENT TO THE PUB WITH IAN AND HAD A SING SONG

CHORUS

THEN INTO LOUISIANA WHERE THE SWAMPS GOT DENSER
THE BOYS IN THE CAR ARE DULL THEY’LL NEVER JOIN MENSA
US IN THE BUS THOUGHT THEY HAD BEEN HAD BY A GATOR
THEY GOT LOST IN THE BAYOU SO WE SAW THEM LATER

TRAVELLING FAR ON A BUS TO NEW ORLEANS
DOWN TO BOURBON STREET WHERE WE SAW QUEENS
INTO PAT O BRIEN’S FOR A HURRICANE
MORE THAN ONE NIGHT WOULD DRIVE YOU INSANE

CHORUS

CROSS MISSISSIPPI AND INTO ALABAMA
WE MET DAVE AND SKIP AND SUSANNAH
FROM MOBILE WE CYCLED TO PANAMA CITY
BOYS ROAD HARD BUT ROADS WERE GRITTY

THE WEATHER GOT HOT SO DUFFERS TOOK A SNOOZY
AT THE HOTEL IT WAS ALL IN THE JACUZZI
TO THE LOBSTER FOR A FISHY MEAL
THERE WERE LOTS OF SOLE IN THE PLAICE BUT NO BIG DEAL

~CHORUS

OFF FROM PANAMA CITY THE WEATHER WAS SHITTY
ANDY TOOKA TUMBLE ON THE RAILS COS IT WAS SLIPPY
NEE NAW NEE NAW NEE NAW OFF TO ER
LOTS OF PAIN FROM BOUNCING OFF THE BLACK TAR

ANDY HAD A JAB AND STARTED ACTING SILLY
SINGING DIRTY SONGS ABOUT A CHURCH IN ABERGWILI
HE TOOK A NASTY FALL BUT IT WAS NO JOKE
SO INTO THE RV AND OFF TO LIVE OAK

CHORUS

AT LIVE OAK THERE WERE TWO TORNADO WARNINGS
THE RAIN WAS HEAVING DOWN TILL THE MORNING
RICH AWOKE TO FIND HIS BIKE WAS BROKEN
TO THE BBC POPPY HAD SPOKEN

FINAL DESTINATION ST AUGUSTINE
FOR THE BEACH AND SWIM WE WERE ALL LUSTING
THE SUN WAS BEATING DOWN LIKE WHEN WE STARTED
TWO WEEKS AGO FROM L.A. WE DEPARTED

CHORUS

NOW WE HAVE REACHED THE END OF OUR STORY
ANDY’S TWO YEAR PLANNING FOR THIS GLORY
IT WAS MUCH BETTER THAN OWNING A DEBENTURE
WE’VE ALL HAD A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE

CHORUS

CHORUS
LYRICS: COMMODORE MERVN COOPER
MELODY: THE BEAR/PORK PIE

Stoney’s farewell blog….from Orlando

Well, its finally over. We have now arrived at the Quality Inn, Orlando for the last night in USA before traveling home to our loved ones after a job well done.

This has been a wonderful experience which will live in my memory forever. We’ve had a lot of fun along the way, although I will be more than happy to forget the experience in Panama City where I thought we’d lost the Bear. To say that Phil acted heroically would be an understatement. His reaction at seeing Andy prone on the carriageway was undoubtedly one of the most selfless actions undertaken by anyone. Without thought for his own safety, he ran back into the middle of the carriageway stopping traffic that would have struck Andy. He could easily have been struck himself, but didn’t care a jot about this. Only his mate’s safety. I’d like to think I would have reacted the same, but HE actually did this. Phil is a top man. The Bear will be forever grateful. As will all his relatives and friends.

Enough doom and gloom. We all had to say a few white lies to our loved ones, because The Bear wouldn’t let us tell anyone until he’d told Sue and the family, so apologies to everyone!!!!

What I will remember about this, apart from getting soaked by a passing car driving through the river that was the hospital road, was Andy’s version of “A Church in Abergwili” whilst being fed painkillers via an IV tube. Mike Mouth would have been proud of it. After nagging everyone to cycle, I fell off in the rain, too. Rich got spooked by a dog and stopped, causing me to hit his bike at a fair lick. My handle bars (of my new sexy cycle) absolutely wrecked his frame. That’s two wrecked bikes for Stoney on this trip (although my new bike was fine) Cuts and bruises down the left side, but no way I could moan, after what The Bear had gone through.

Arriving at St Augustine was a satisfying moment, but tinged with sadness that the organiser and driving force of this whole expedition was unable to cross the finishing line on his own steam. After cycling round the fort for the inevitable camera shots, all of the five remaining cyclists, led by Pork Pie marched up to the camper and shook Andy’s hand, thanking him for making the whole thing possible - a moment that will stay with me forever. THIS WAS NOT CAUGHT ON CAMERA!!!!!!! It was a private moment and had to remain that way.

After a tough night in Casa Yallaha, where Andy struggled to get comfortable and Phil literally kicked the bucket (of unmentionables), we took Andy to the hospital again, where this time, he got the proper treatment. After this, he was great. He had an afternoon in bed, whilst Phil, Henry, Merve and myself finally got to look around St Augustine. A few beers and lunch in a jetty restaurant, followed by feeding seagulls and fish at the same time (fine except for the dive bombing by our feathered friends). We then adjourned to a Cigar and Guitar Cuban bar. I decided that we had to bring Andy down here.

In the meantime, Porth and gar were getting the party BBQ sorted. When we arrived at the hostel, I promptly dragged everyone down to this bar. Andy, H and Phil were playing whilst Merve started singing. Great memory.

Back to the hostel for the food, which was excellent. I made everyone say what the best moment, the worst moment and the funniest moment was on the trip. Again, this will stay within our memories, although my snoring was not mentioned as often as I expected!!!!!!

Finally, we drove down to Orlando. I must say that this is my least favourite place since we’ve arrived in America. Benidorm in the States. Not one I want to come back to, even though I probably had my best meal!!!!!

Right, lets sum up this trip.

Hard work.
Lots of rushing around.
Tiring
Exhilarating sights
Lots of laughs (and almost a few tears!!!!)
But basically, this is definitely one for the memory cells. Old friends and new will be with me forever. Thank you Andy for organising this. Thanks to the rest of the team for all your efforts in making this a success. Thank you Eileen, for letting me go this one, last time. And finally, thanks to all who have sponsored this event. Lets not forget why we did this. We’ve raised over £50k for a childrens' hospital in wales, which we shouldn’t have to be raising money for anyway. But that’s beyond our control. 11 men travelled to America to try and cycle from east to west…….and succeeded.

Cyfarchion Cynnes

Greetings from Carmarthen and Milford Haven

Congratulations to you all.

You achieved what you went for through unforeseen weather.
Sore behinds and slimmer than when you left.

Bet you are all glad it's over. I AM!!!

Ian - THE RAZOR IS CHARGING

Take care and have a safe journey home.

See you all soon

Eileen and all the family xxx

Phil - The Final Blog.

Here we are sunny St Augustine in Florida and all just about in one piece. Its been a fantastic exeprience with all its ups and downs and one which will stay with me forever.

After Andy's spill it was great to see him up and about yesterday and able to have a beer with us. It was such a pity that he wasn't able to complete the last day with us but he's done more than enough work and cycling for this challenge. Without his desire, drive and focus we wouldn't have even been on the plane to come here. Well done Bear a good job well done, tandem to Crete from Blighty next is it?

Also thanks have to go to the support team of Merv, Henry, Ian, Tomos, Andrew Porth and also Dyfrig and Craig who have helped us through the challenge, feeding and cleaning up after us, driving RV's and support car, humping bags, navigating and checking we're OK as well as some support cycling along the way.

Thanks also to the people how have helped us raise and have donated monies over the last 2 years to get us here and reach and exceed the $50,000 target we set for the Noahs Ark appeal.

Finally special thanks to Mandy for giving me up for 2 years in the run up to this so I could train every day and go off on weekends for long rides in the rain and wind and then go off and do fund raising gigs in the night.

Happy Pedaling and soft landings

Phil (ex long distance endurance cyclist)

Phil Jenkins

Team Cyclist

Cyfarchion Cynnes

Just seen your poor face, Poor Andy, just get over the falloff and the traumer. Once you get home to Sue you will be fine, she will give you a cwtch and cuddles then all will be better. Your job has been done and what you didn't do, your mates will do .

love Mags and Brianxx

Thank God you weren't killed and thank you too Phil xxxxx

Simply Unbelievable

We can’t believe you finished the task
Across all the states it was a big ask
Were all so proud of all you have done
This amazing achievement is second to none.

From Richard to Phil, Merv through to Tom
Their will be lots of well-done`s and best wishes to come
For Stoney and Stretch and Mr Porth too a million best wishes are all sent to you.
But the one that we all take our hats off today is for Andy the Bear, we hope your ok?

These magical moments are all down to you, the time and the effort you put your TEAM through. The heart of a lion and nerves of Welsh steel, it makes us all proud in the way that we feel.

By being successful and completing the deal you have raised lots of money for the Noahs` Ark Appeal.
I’m sure when you get home you’ll all be in Heaven
But how about Oz in two thousand and eleven?

Well fancy it?

Andy I take my hat off to you and the boys, it’s simply an unbelievable achievement you have conquered, and I'm sure I speak on behalf of all your family and friends that this achievement and the smiles you will now put the faces of many Welsh children in need is down to you.

You deserve a medal mate!

I have a tear or two in my eyes writing this :)

Steve Stone

Andy's Blog

Part of my psyche tells me that I have failed - 300 miles short of the finish I crashed. Phil kindly took this photo of me last Thursday, after my treatment. Drugged up to my eyeballs I suffered, but without the help of my friends and fellow tourists I would not be here today. Phil, basically, saved my life as he rushed back to stop the traffic from pounding over my prone body. I had hit the railroad tracks at 25 mph. In front of me Phil had had a wobble and before I could slow down my back wheel had gone and all I remember was asking the sheriff what his name was. I had been unconscious for 3 or 4 minutes whilst Phil became a traffic cop. Bundled into the hospital wagon screaming in pain with an ambulance chaser trying to film the whole experience. I had flown through the air with greatest of ease and consequently Phil found me in a heap in the middle of a busy carriageway. Merv remarked, 'an irresistible force against an immovable object'. The result, after two visits to Panama City and St Augustine ER's, is that 'The Bear' has got bruised kidneys, bruised ribs, possible rib fracture.

Drugged up and delirious, I call Phil a 'poof' for being worried about me and then fall into a rendition of, 'In a church in Abergwili' in front of an audience of 4 nurses, paramedic and a doctor. Stoney is thankful I stop before it gets to the crude bits.

My first visit to ER didn't supply enough drugs. The next visit gave me 2400mg of Ibuprofen and ever since I have amazingly got so much better.

The C2C team have all been so fantastic in seeing me through the trauma. In particular, Phil saved my life. I have had a few near death experiences but this one I knew nothing about. I was in the hands of others. For their support throughout day and night my room mates put up with a lot of groaning - so thank you in particular to Phil, Ian, Henry and my shipmate Mervyn for nursing me.

The focus for the last two years has been on this cycling trip and money raised for the charity. My disappointment at not finishing is huge but the bigger picture must be looked at. I have created a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. We have raised over £50,000 for a charity. There's more to this trip than actually completing it. The friends I have made, the places I have seen, the weather I have encountered, the people we have touched, the food I have eaten and most importantly the memories that I have, after spending nearly three weeks with a bunch of shipmates that I'll never forget.

Memories - what are we? - without memories. If memories gauge how well off you are, then I am a rich man!

This is me tonight feeling a lot better - starting 'Wild Thing' with Merv.
Hoping to cycle to the beach tomorrow.
We will have closure!!!

Cyfarchion Cynnes

Congratulations. You did it. Well done. Would you do it again? What's the next challenge? Hope you're not too sore after your accident. See you on Thursday for all the news.

love,

Marolyn

Da iawn Bois Y Beic - LEGEND fair play to you mate
many congratts mate. bloody awesome....

Stevie

Cyfarchion Cynnes

Job done and well done I can't get over it, you were all wonderful as I said before HEROES love to everybody from Mags and BrIan xxxx

Cyfarchion Cynnes

Your last day. may it be fantastic for you. I love you so much and cant believe what you've achieved. I'm so proud of you. Can't wait to see you and hold you.

all my love
sue xx

Cyfarchion Cynnes

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LLONGYFARCHIADAU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE'RE SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!
OUR HEROES!!!!!!!!

p.s Names for the dragons: jill: Delme & Dilys y Ddreigiau. Sara : Charles & Henrietta, Steff: Harry and Hermione!!!!!!!!!

Have a great time now. You all certainly deserve it. Safe journey.

Love from The Clampitts of Huckleberry.

See you Thursday night.xxxxxxxx

Gar's #14

Live Oaks - St. Augustine,Florida (The Final Furlong)

The penultimate day of the trip has undoubtedly tarnished the whole experience. With andy coming off his bike early in the day, and the events that followed, and then even when it did clear, phillipousis and the stone both coming to a halt, it seemed everything was against us. The stroms continued, torrential rain, and even when we got to Live Oaks, we were treated to the (what seemed to be) 'standard' tornado warning we had come to expect from the South East. There's only one thing you can do to make yourself feel a little better in a time tlike this... An all you can eat chinki.

Things could only get better, and the fact we awoke to the final day to fantastic sunshine only seemed to rub salt into yesterdays wounds. A re-jig to the stating off's, due mainly to radio commitments, and away to go, stoney and myself hiting first. Easy roads, great conditions, no dogs to contend with, all was good. The next leg was a tough one, after about 300yards, The phone rings. 10minutes later and after a converstion with Jonesi, and it's time to get on the bang to catch up with the Stoney was has continued to spin onwards.

The final two legs, is back to normal, rich and myslef make good distance in time as were met by the other cyclists for the final stint. Although gutted following the day before, this is probably when realisation of the trip begins to kick in, helped a little by the St. Augustine city limits sign.

There seems to be more of a procession feel as we enter the beachside resort than a feeling if celebration, as we literally crawl to the coast. Finally we get there, and dyffers and chatsy miss their que and make us go around again.

We've reached the Atlantic, the fuss about ariving at the local fort means that there's no beach here, and apparently it's too damn dangerous to jump in at this point, but frankly, I dont think anybody would have jumped right in even if it was accessible. Team photo time, but there's one guy missin. Doesn't feel right.

A quiet drink was all that got sunk last night, but the music scene was enough to keep you glued to your pub stool, regardless of how shagged you felt. It's now 8am, and the sun has woken me sliding through the broken blinds in our hostel room, and although it hasn't ended as it should, the feeling of achievement has started to creep in.

It has been an amazing experience. The weather has helped and hindered us as we've dealt with extremes on both sides of the scale, there were two days when the mileage wasn't what it should had been, not through our tiredness, but there's nothing we can do with regards to snow and tornados.

The group on the trip have been great, everybody bringing their own to the mix. Although the sights have been superb, and we have seen a fair bit in two weeks, it's the people that have made this trip. The welcomes we've received along our journey have only intensified the experience. The welcomes at Taos, Houston, Mobile and now St. Augustine. The people we've met who have encouraged and supported us along the jouney, from the various retautants, diners and motels en route, and the messgaes from back home.

Now that it's over though, I can't bloody wait to go home and see my ladies. 3 weeks away from home is a damn long time, and at least up til now, we've been slightly occupied by things to do, place to get too. One last job before we do leave, gifts...I don't think a route66 fridge magnet would suffice.

Tomorrow, it's off to Orlando, our last port of call, drop of the vehicles and away to gatwick. What odds on the flight being delayed- wouldn't be suprised.

So that's it, job done. Big thanks to everyone who has sent messages to all the guys along the way, and to all our families for the support over the last 2years, the experience has been well worth it.

Finally, thanks goes to everyone who said it couldn't be done, some who are close mates, some who aren't. There's no doubt that fear of failure and proving all you buggers wrong was a massive motivation in doing this, especially to the Irishman in the old O'neills, Cardiff City Centre, Wales vs Ireland 2007- the 'pinky and porky outside the window with wings' comment...get stuffed!

Would I do something like this again? most definitely, would it be as enjoyable...who knows, but wherever it's done and with whoever else, it would need to be one hell of a trip to compare the country we've seen, the people we've met and the welcomes we've had. Bloody fantastic.

Rich's #14

We've done it!

It's been a fabulous experience and we've finally reached the East coast of America.

There have been frustrations, mainly caused by the weather and it's meant parts of the route we've had to sit out and travel in the car.

Does this mean we've failed? Hell no! If our days had been stages in the Tour de France then even before we got off our bikes the stage would have been reduced or cancelled. Would that have devalued the achievements of the melot jaune in winning the thing? Of course not, so we too have won.

Andy's injury is the biggest disappointment as it would have been fantastic for all of us to finish together, but each and every one of us can and should be proud of what we have achieved.

The day started in the bright sunshine we had expected of Florida, but got off to a bad start. When I had my little prang with Ian yesterday it bent my rear wheel (actually Ian's spare which was still on my bike from an earlier puncture). As I went to change it back to my own I noticed some damage to my seat stays (the rear triangular bit that the back wheel attached to). Basically it's knackered.

So I became a Dolan Sister and borrowed Andy's bike for the day.

The roads were pretty good and we made very good time until about 8 miles from the finish when Phil, Henry, Ian, Gareth and I all completed the tide together.

Handshakes all round at the end and telephone calls home to say we'd finished, before adjourning to our accommodation and indulging in a few beers.

Big thanks from me to the whole team who've all worked so well to make this such a memorable experience. Without your driving, fetching, carrying, cooking and support this would not have been possible and love and thanks also to Jen and the boys for putting up with me spending so much time on the bike in preparation. I can't wait to see you all on Tuesday.

As Vinnie might say "it's been emotional".

Rich's #13

Day 14 and we awoke today to torrential rain; so much for Florida being the Sunshine State.

By rights it should have been me and Gar up first, but Phil and Andy were ready to go so we took our place in the van. We'd not long overtaken the two cyclists when sat at some traffic lights, Porth knocked the window to tell us that Phil had phoned to say Andy had come off the bike.

The car turned back and we waited for news for what seemed like an eternity. We had it confirmed that he was dazed and being taken to hospital to be checked out and so drove back to the spot.

As we pulled up behind the ambulance there was a railway track going diagonally across the road and Andy's bike had gone from under him as he went across. I almost slipped over just walking on the rail so it's not hard to see how this happened.

Thankfully Andy is alright, no bones broken but certainly sore and if ever you needed an argument for the use of helmets when riding a bike today is a great example. A good chunk of the polystyrene has snapped off and without it things would have been far more serious. As they also would had Phil not quickly jumped off his bike and run back to stop the traffic while Andy was in the road.

As we sat in the hospital while Andy underwent tests the initial fear and anxiety as to his condition subsided to be replaced by guilt. It should have been me on the road, and also for all the people for this to happen to Andy is the least deserving (although he'd be too modest to say so).

Without him the trip simply would not have happened. He booked the flights, accommodation, vehicles, planned the route etc not to mention the enormous effort he made in organising events, gigs, sponsors and the like to finance the whole thing.

He has been and is the driving force behind team C2C and I hope he is able to play some part tomorrow. I know it's easy to say but I'd swap places tomorrow in an instant (I'd rather not have the pain to go with it though).

Andy - the whole team is very proud of you and thankful for what you've done to make this happen.

Immediately after the accident the rain got worse and was a full blooded thunderstorm by the time we got to the hospital. We sat in the waiting area watching the weather channel which showed a line of thunderstorms sweeping across the pan handle of Florida. The TV advised people not to drive and warned of flash floods and potential tornadoes, so further cycling once Andy was discharged seemed unlikely.

So we drove towards our destination for the evening; Live Oak. Conditions did improve though and around 25 miles from Live Oak we decided to give it a go.

Phil, Gar, Ian and I set off together. Within a few miles Phil had punctured and got in the van. Then while I was in the front I saw a large dog run out of a house towards us. Although there was a fence it looked like there was a large gap. In fact there was a recessed gate and so it couldn't get to us, but I had already instinctively applied the brakes. Ian didn't, at least not as quickly as me and he clipped my back wheel. I stayed upright, but Ian fell. He only had a bit of road rash on his hip and a cut to his knee and was quickly laughing about it.

His brand new bike though sustained a bit of damage to the brake levers. So now I was left feeling even more guilty as if I hadn't been such a wimp this wouldn't have happened, especially as the dog turned out to be lovely.

By then we decided that the cycling gods were well and truly against us so called it a day. As we did the heavy rains returned with a vengeance so in all probability we wouldn't have got much more in anyhow.

The weather forecast is brighter tomorrow, let's hope the cycling is too.

Rich's #12

We started our 12th day just outside of New Orleans, with Gareth looking a little weary from his exploits the night before.

We could see even more of the damage inflicted by hurricane Katrina. The previous day there had been a good number of damaged houses but there didn't appear to be any fallen trees, but to the East of New Orleans there was evidence of forests bearing the brunt of the winds as well as yet more houses decimated and whole communities laid to waste.

Strange really how we in Britain complain about the weather, yet we seldom see the extremes we've actually experienced in the past 2 weeks let alone the likes of hurricane Katrina.

Our journey came to an end in Mobile where there had been plans for a local TV crew to film us, but tornadoes to the North of the state meant they were utilised elsewhere, giving further confirmation of the mildness of our own climate.

We stayed in church accomodation in Mobile. This was arranged courtesy of David Evans. David's parents were from Aberdare and he heard about us from connections Andy had with Welsh heritage groups.

We were treated to dinner and spent a comfortable night in one of the church buildings. Once again the famous Southern hospitality in evidence.

So to today and the trip from Mobile to Panama City and It wasn't long before we were in our final state; Florida. Unfortunately Gareth crossed the border alone as very early in our stint I punctured.

I'd fixed a puncture from late the previous day but in my haste hadn't actually checked the condition of the tyre. Only when this next puncture occurred did I do this and discovered a small fragment of metal lodged in the tyre.

Because of my modest mileage I went out in a 3 with Phil and Andy. The intention being that Gar would go next with either one of the Odd Couple before we resumed with the usual pairings.

However, a puncture for Phil meant I went next with Andy. We had anticipated that we'd be riding along the seafront but the road was a little in land and so the views were not quite what we had anticipated.

When I did get near the coast - last couple of stints with Gareth - fog had started to form and so my view was more or less confined to the air drumming, human jukebox that is Gareth Evans, and contrary to what he was singing (shouting) at me I am unconvinced at his claims to be "the hot stepper" or "a lyrical gangster". Murderer - most definitely, provided we're talking about murdering a song.

A good day's riding today but I feel tired. Only two more to go though so we're within touching distance.

Phil is tired too!

Yes we are tired but Merv is insisting that we write a trip song. He's such a prolific lyricist - he's already on his 12th verse with a chanting chorus of:

'IN WITH THE BIKES, OUT WITH THE BIKES'

We were desperately trying to find something that rhymed with Houston and then Merv found it: 'SING SONG as long as we say Houst -ON we'll get away with it', says Merv

Ready to Come Home?

My little dragon is a girl and her name is Suzie and she will be with me all the way from Coast 2 Coast.

Gar's #13

Mobile, Alabama - Panama City, Florida - Day 13

After the antics of New Orleans, Mobile gave a chance to recharge the batteries, and an early night, with a bit of sleepwalking apparently thrown in for good measure, meant I was ready for the bang the next day.

After a hearty breakfast of chilidog and pizza, we made our way from Mobile and Spanish Port. Less than two miles into the ride, tricky Dicky's tire played up, which left me to complete the whole leg by myself. In a strange way, this was nice, as it allowed some 'alone time', seen as everybody had been on top of each other all trip. Decent time was made into the wind, and the scenery changed from the tree lined avenues of Alabama, to humid swamp lands as we crossed the Florida border.

The Belch had made up for his puncture by joining the Bear and Phillipousis for a cheeky threesome, which left me to put up with Stoney getting over-excited about any bridges that came into view. He did behave though, he kept it in. Again, the welsh bald eagle and myself did good time, and I had an opp to catch up with the Belch.

Next stint again was decent, good distance made in time, considering the crosswinds and the Florida traffic lights. The bang was still on, and the light rain went some way to cooling us off in the sticky conditions.

Today was the last time we'd see a beach before the Atlantic, and although the Gulf of Mexico has proved spectacular, the back-drop of hazy, humid conditions, and the evidence of hurricanes Katrina and Rita did tarnish it somewhat.

The final stint of the day brought us to our destination for the night, Panama City. It's possibly the equivalent of Western Super Mare, except a fair few more arcades, surf shops, and 20 storey condo blocks, but you can't hide the fact it's spring break. The student jocks riding around in either 'pimp my ride-esq' trucks or on scooters. The divs even started to throw empty trash at us as we exited town. They should have gone to Miami or Mexico like everyone else...pikies!!

Hotel is great, quick dip in pool and Red Lobster for supper, nicest meal on tour (except for the home cooking of Taos and Mrs Dai Evans from Mobile...and Jackies ribs).

So we’re in Florida, our final state, 48 hours and hopefully we'll be in a St. Augustine bar having a few beers. Tomorrow again will be a challenging day, over 200miles if we’re to make the last day shorter, which will enable us a beachside finish early afternoon Friday. Everyone is tired, everyone has various sore bits, but no doubt, everyone cannot bloody wait till 4ish on Friday.

Rich's #11

When I awoke today it felt like it had all the ingredients for a great day. The sun was shining and the big plan allowed for reduced mileage as we were to stay with a friend of Andy's.

We were all in high spirits as the C2C team had worked like a well oiled machine the previous day.

The lower miles facilitated a late start and the opportunity to visit Mellow Johnny's bike shop; owned by a certain Austin resident by the name of Lance. A few $ lighter and we were ready to go.

Gareth and I were first up and feeling good I asked to increase the initial stint to 30 miles. We started out on a busy road, bit with a wide, smooth hard shoulder. I was wondering if this was the influence of Mr Armstrong, when suddenly the hard shoulder ended.

As a result we found ourselves cycling along a dual carriageway trying desperately to hug the side of the road as cars and lorries zoomed past. Gone was the tooting of horns in encouragement to be replaced by more hostile "get off my road" horn abuse.

Twice, Porth encouraged us to pull in, but we ploughed on until finally I'd had enough and we stopped. This was the most scary 10 or so miles we'd ridden and I was glad to call it a day. We got in the car and caught up to the point that Andy and Phil had started their stint from.

It wasn't long before the hard shoulder returned but when Gareth and I resumed the hard shoulder was dreadful and made the course of Paris - Roubaix look like polished marble. The road remained very busy and felt like riding along the M4.

By now my mood had changed and gone was my early morning enthusiasm to be replaced by disenchantment. I've been homesick on the trip but today as we trudged along I would much rather have been at home, playing football in the garden, being attacked by light sabre wielding boys or fighting it out with Jeni for 3rd place on the wii (Sam and Thomas are amazingly good).

As we stopped Gareth said you have to laugh or you'll cry. I did neither but I was a damn site nearer to the latter. I haven't had a more miserable cycling experience since a car door opened on me as I zipped along the streets of Cardiff and I broke my ribs as I hit the ground.

On our 3rd stint the gravel on the hard shoulder had gone and the roads were bare concrete. This had the affect of magnifying the sound of the passing traffic. Gareth wanted to "chain it" but my heart was no longer in it.

Each time we saw the support car I wanted to stop and call it a day, but as Gareth cycled past I followed.

The day has, however, been saved thanks once again to the warmth and hospitality shown to us by our hosts, this time Ian and Jacky.

In addition to arranging food and lodgings we arrived to a cameraman from ABC and later watched Andy doing his thing on the 10 o'clock news.

The Boys on the Beach

Looking for people to suggest names for the boys!

Gar's #12

New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. Day 12

I did go out in New Orleans, and I loved it!! Gwent will be coming here on tour next year, especially if they give us a guided tour of the hustler house again. The live music was great, and plenty of bars to choose from. Happy days.

A wake up call from the belcher at 9am, and the guts were churning, not wise, should have saved it for Friday.
A quick subway and alka seltzer for breakfast, food of champions, and it's off over the Mississippi Delta, and a load of spectacular bridges towards Mobile.

Louisiana in the morning, Mississippi through lunch and in Alabama by 4pm, but there wasn't one bullet hole on the signs. The roads flew pretty quickly today considering, and the beaches that ran alongside the gulf of Mexico were superb, the only disappointments were the weather, very humid and sticky...and Rich's puncture.

One more state...Florida, our final destination. 3 days to go, still over 500miles to go though. Weather looks promising, just a couple of Tornados to our east. Pretty sure they'll be gone by then.

Two Day Count Down

We're in Florida. Head winds have been with us since New Orleans. Cyclists and crew are very tired and there is a feeling of overall weariness. Two days to go and then I'm sure we will be re-vitaised!

Andy nearly had enough!


Mervyn trying to find forward gear and being rather heavy handed - 'It won't go in for me!'