Day 7

The DADs set off bright and early from Amesbury with another 100 miles ahead of them. But today was one of the special days on this challenge. The first stop after 80 miles was at Twickenham to pay respects to Mark’s Brick which is a permanent fixture at the home of English rugby. It was very emotional and the DAD’s did their best to give the brick a guard of honour using their cycling shoes. Mark’s Brick is right outside the Lion Gate which is now known as the Rose & Poppy Gates which is a tribute to our armed forces, most appropriate given that Mark served his country for 10 years in the Royal Navy and is a very proud Englishman. From there it was a short ride to Harlequins where we were greeted by Andy Carpenter and team at Quins Foundation. What a welcome we got at The Stoop. Finally the DAD’s took their lives in their hands and made the perilous journey across London in rush hour to get to The StoneX stadium, home of Saracens. Having gone wrong and made an unscheduled detour of 8 miles they finally arrived to be warmly welcomed by Richard Symonds., who gave them a great tour of the stadium and the museum. A great end to a very long day. So now its rest and recover ahead of Day 8 which will take them all the way to Leicester.

Thursday 15th May:
Travelodge Amesbury to Saracens Rugby Ground (via Harlequins and Twickenham)
Stop 1: All Hallows Church (22.1 miles) 44-32 Church St, Whitchurch RG28 7AS
Stop 2: Finchampstead Memorial Hall (50.0 miles) The Village, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 4JU
Stop 3: Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) TW2 7BA to visit Mark’s Stadium brick at the home of English Rugby.
Stop 4: Twickenham Stoop (79.4 miles) Harlequins Rugby Ground Langhorn Dr, Twickenham TW2 7SX
Finish: Saracens Rugby Ground, StoneX Stadium, NW4 1RL