Ripples and reflections from the support team.

Luke:
A day with Westy today whilst Pip was swanning around in Nigel's Porsche. Many great comments and remarks through the day, a trip to Bookers after clearing camp with Pip earlier this morning. A good collection at Windsor along with others many thanks to all and now a good night to come prior to a 4am awakening that very surprisingly we are argueing about who wishes to do the cycling tomorrow. Here's to a great day tomorrow and best of luck to Steve... only 35 to go.

Vortex:
Writing a blog about the Thames without mentioning ducks or punts seems to be quite difficult, but I'll give it a shot. With an average of 6 hours sleep a night (2 if you're near Oxford), it was a tiring week, but I can say we have had some smashing banter.

Will:
Well here we are discussing NT's ex (who happened to be a physio)... After four hard days of glorious sunshine and some very impressive scenery, I can really say I've enjoyed myself. Everyone seems to be relishing the prospect of a 4 am start and a day of 35 miles (the longest yet). Grenwich here we come! It's been an impressive effort all round, but hats off to Steve who has really put in some serious effort in getting this far. Well done Steve!

Pip
A week worth remembering, sunshine, fields and cows licking my tyre! Being the only female it has been great fun and a LOT of banter. This journey has been inspirational for more charity raising, however, i don't think rowing 150miles down the Thames is my cup of tea... maybe 20 he he he

Andy
This whole endeavor has been an excellent experience for all involved, although I'm not sure how much Steve would agree! For the support team it's been an opportunity to have some great bike rides over some beautiful scenery, have a few beers in the evening, swim in the Thames (still not sure how great and idea that was...) and generally have a good time. Cooking provided by master chef John West proved to be a real highlight, despite his protestations of hating cooking the food was something that all looked forward to! Last leg coming off, a bit more of an early start and a bit longer to go; we're in the home run now, last effort and all that! The only thing I can really sign off with is: Bring on next year!

Nigel,
I have had the priveledge of knowing Steve (and family) for many years and coming from a Service family myself this week has been a small but most enjoyable opportunity for me to combine that association with supporting such a worthy cause. The generosity of the many members of the public we came across enroute has been inspirational. Throughout the 4 days to date Steve has kept up a relentless pace which has made the task of trying to get to the next Lock or checkpoint by navigating cross country before his arrival, quite a challenge. My part however has been dwarfed by the efforts of Steve and the whole support crew furnished by Exeter University OTC and their excellent staff. A fantastic week of camraderie, teamwork, sweat and toil by one and all.

Tim
Thanks to all the contributors as we go into the last day tomorrow. Time for bed - well maybe one more beer....