Phil and Robbie have the home straight in sight as Bike For Bobby nears its thrilling finale this weekend!
The determined duo put in another punishing stretch today with the prospect of a reunion with family and friends driving them forward.
And an exhausted Phil said: “For me it is finally sinking in that we’re about to get home.
“Today I’ve felt extremely tired and a niggling Achilles problem is starting to take its toll.
“But we saw a road sign for ‘The North’ tonight and you wouldn’t believe what a boost that was.
“Now we want to see that first sign for Newcastle and get home as soon as possible!”
Robbie and Phil left the East Anglian home of Breakthrough Breast Cancer supporter Gina Long this morning fed, watered and fully rested.
And Robbie admitted it was difficult to drag himself away from good food…and a comfy chair!
“My chair was so relaxing last night that I wanted the Celtic-Barcelona game to go into extra-time,” he joked.
“It’s the first decent sit down I’ve had in three weeks and I loved every minute.
“Gina was the consummate host and it was clear how much Breakthrough and their supporters appreciate what we’ve been doing.
“I don’t think anyone wanted to leave after breakfast this morning!”
But Phil and Robbie pressed on as far as Lincoln – pushing ahead of schedule in order to reach home as early as possible.
“For me it still hasn’t sunk it how close we are,” added Robbie. “I’ve just been lost in numbers, miles, days and hours for so long now.
“It’s only when I hear other people talking about Bike For Bobby and what it means to them that it starts to sink in.
“But we’ve been in this bubble for so long now that it’s difficult to get a grip on reality.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to come round and take stock of exactly what we’ve actually done in the last few weeks.”
Meeting supporters at Saturday’s Cycle Sportive is the next target facing Robbie and Phil.
And the pair are ready to put in the miles again tomorrow in a bid to make Ponteland’s mass participation ride on time.
“That’s where we want to be and it’s what we’re aiming for,” added Robbie.
“With Bike For Bobby we’re never entirely sure where we’ll be and when!
“But right now we’re on course to make it home on Saturday morning.”
Picture courtesy of Richard Stout www.woodcuttergallery.com