The day started well the was sun shining and everybody turned up on time, the ride was well planned and marshalled by the house wives favourite Mr Rob White, ably supported Mr Colin "is this John Smiths Isotonic " Chater, Patsy "the banker" Palmer, Dr Joe ( no autograpghs please) Cosgrove and Adam "I know all the Elfs" Longstaff

24 kids coaches and parents set off on tough bike ride which would take us from the Club house, through Jesmond Dene, down to the Quayside, along the Tyne and up the Derwent Walk as far as Rowlands Gill Caravan Park with a return back. All in all about 30 miles.

The pace was steady with the early riders reaching the "Blinking Bridge in good time. From there a brisk but steady pace was set to the world famous Dunston Excelesior Club (home of such celebrities as Gazza and Jimmy Five Bellies!) where a drinks stop was provided by the glamorous support crew.

The renowned celebrity doctor (doesn't he look lovely in a pastel shade of lavender) Joe Cosgrove then took on the pace to the Derwent Walk where Patsy "the banker" Palmer showed a young Mr Doyle a clean pair of heals through the park and on to Rowlands Gill Caravan Park. Once again the glamorous support crew were waiting with drinks.

The return route took us back down the Derwent Walk over Scotswood Bridge and then back along the river and home in theory!

Everything was going well until "Elf Man" decided to take a detour over his handlebars and buckle his front wheel - the incident can only be attributed to his admiration of fine Tyneside dog walkers. Then the Banker took a wrong turn - what more could go wrong!

Nothing, thankfully, save Jonny getting a puncture - which led to the celebrity doctor carrying out delicate pavement surgery, whilst the Banker and Mr Colin "is this John Smiths Isotonic" Chater pondered the idea of a detour via the Pitcher and Piano. Alas the good doctor was on form and we were back at the club house in no time.

Upon arrival at the Club House an army of chefs had expressed their respective culinary skills and prepared a BBQ fit for a king - lovingly washed down by a couple of thirst quenching pints! (blackcurrant for the boys!)

A big thank you from the coaches to everyone who helped and supported our day and a bigger thank you to the boys for the way they have played and represented our club over the season.

At the time of writing I am not really sure how much we have raised that said we have more than surpassed our hopes.