August 18th – 27th 2010
Cpt Nicole Evans, at present in the ETS working as the 2ic of Salmond House Training Centre Germany, has given herself a really tough challenge, and the first time the Baton has been taken on this famous endeavour. All at the Baton wish her success and a safe journey, if you see her please think about a donation in recognition of what will be a very significant effort.
Nicole has said “The ride will begin on Wednesday 18th August from Lands End and going solo unsupported, the aim is to make John of Groats on Friday 27th August using YHA accommodation alongside generous friends and B&B’s. It is going to be by far the longest route on a bike I have taken.
I am looking forward to the trip immensely, although having decided to do it with only 3 weeks until the push off at Lands End didn’t give myself huge amounts of time. Whilst doing the ride I shall be sporting a Help for Heroes cycling jersey, potentially raising money along the route, it will be fun to cycle in the UK again – with all the hills it has to offer – at least until the first hill is underway!
It is fantastic to be able to be part of the journey of the Baton and I hope that I can do it justice over the next few weeks. One thing it will do repeatedly I am sure through the journey is remind me that any hardships faced over the distance on the bike fades into the background compared to those being faced by thousands more out on Operations now or returning from them.”
News Articles
For a great article on this fantastic effort please click here.
Updates
18th August – Nicole starting bright and Early from Lands End.
19th August – By midday on the second day, after completing 163 miles Nicole was already in Honiton and was met by Alan at the Honiton War Memorial for a quick refresh and a photo call, before continuing on her way to Bristol. Fantastic effort Nicole!
At the end of the second day Alan had a text from Nicole to say that she had made it to Bristol with 231 miles on the clock!
21st August – Nicole was ahead of schedule and due in Preston this evening. Nicole had a dry day which was so much more pleasant and got on the road early. 451 miles total now.
22nd August – Another lovely dry day on the road, Nicole was spurred on after meeting and chatting to a good number of people in a local pub in Preston who had relatives in or were ex military, many were really interested in the Baton. Nicole has now passed the half way point at 1030 this am, in Penrith this evening. 530 miles now on the clock!.
25th August – Nicole at The Royal Marine’s Memorial Spean Bridge just North of Fort William Scotland still making incredible time especially considering the pannier weight – Alan knows, he’s lifted it!!
27th August - At 07:30 and 893 miles behind her, Nicole was preparing for the final push to her goal, with 20 miles of good hill work and then the last 30 fairly flat, a blessing that the weather was still beautifully sunny.
Success! 13:30 and 942 miles completed, the first Lands End to John O’Groats for the Baton in 10 days, what a fabulous effort by Nicole and totally unsupported. All at the Baton are very proud of her effort, especially for promoting the Baton so well on such a magnificent challenge. Fantastic Nicole!!
