Robbie and Phil enjoyed a triumphant return to Tyneside today as they finally completed their 3,500 mile-plus charity challenge.
Family, friends and hundreds of local cyclists packed the grounds of Ponteland High School as the duo arrived with minutes to spare before the inaugural Bike For Bobby Cycle Sportive.
And Paul Gascoigne made a surprise appearance after pledging his support to one of 2012’s most ambitious fundraising efforts.
“It’s just unbelievable what Robbie and Phil have done for the last 25 days,” said Gazza.
“And they’ve done it all for a great cause.
“To raise money for Sir Bobby’s Foundation and breast cancer is incredible enough. But to do it in the way they have is an amazing feat.
“Speaking to Robbie today has really brought it all home to me.
“He told me what he was going to do but hearing about him sat in the saddle for 10 hours a day every day has been inspirational. Let’s face it – the seats on those bikes aren’t the most comfortable.
“I just think it’s fantastic for Robbie. After all of these years he’s finally found something he’s good at!”
Gazza and best pal Jimmy Gardner spent 20 minutes talking to Robbie and Phil and added to the celebratory mood at the Cycle Sportive.
Members of the Bike For Bobby support teams were among those taking part on a glorious autumn day.
And Robbie admitted: “It’s one of the best days we’ve had in the last four weeks!
“”We’ve seen it all as far as the weather is concerned and to come home to blue skies is just brilliant.
“When Gazza strolled in it just made everyone’s day. Now we can’t wait to cap it all off by cycling across the Tyne Bridge and up to St James’s Park tomorrow.”
Gazza and Robbie share a huge respect and love for Sir Bobby Robson after both men enjoyed spells working with the late Newcastle and England manager.
And Gazza added: “I was never going to miss this homecoming. Sir Bobby was so important to me and events like this keep the memory alive.
“For Robbie and Phil to go and do this for him is incredible. An event on this scale takes so much planning and doesn’t just happen overnight.
“So many former footballers just sit with their feet up after retiring from the game.
“But Robbie has said he’s going to do this thing and carried it through.
“He could have gone down the pub shaking a bucket and raised a few quid that way. But he did it the hard way – getting on his bike and cycling more than 3,500 miles.”
Phil and Robbie will be guests of honour at St James’s Park tomorrow once they complete the short stretch from Gateshead to Newcastle United’s home.
And they will be met by Lady Elsie Robson who is keen to pass on her personal thanks on behalf of her family and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Fans can catch a glimpse of Robbie and Phil along the route from the Tyne Bridge up Grey Street and along Blackett Street towards Gallowgate from 1.15pm tomorrow.
The pair will bring their bikes onto the pitch at half-time before hosting a post-event party for friends, family, volunteers and members of The Robbie Elliott Foundation.
And fans can toast their success with a pint of Geordie Legend in The Strawberry Pub after brewers released the special edition Bike For Bobby ale to coincide with this weekend’s homecoming celebrations.