Article on the Tour De Dojo 03 July 10

The 3 riders, Sensei Dave, Dougie Lowrie, Pete Gillat set off at 10:00 from RSKC dojo heading out towards Yateley down the A30, we cut across town and hit the A30 and got our heads down, we made good time along this busy road with no major hiccups, we passed through all the little populated areas keeping up a speed of about 20mph. We branched off the A30 towards Eversley, cut through the back of Yateley into the School, our 1 st stop, no one there so we moved on a couple meters to the next stop, the Village Hall where BHD and his students along with sensei Steve B came out for a photo, a quick chat, drink, banana, off we went to BVSK with Steve B following as rear gunner (in his Audi).

Again a quick drink, a gel, chat, photo, then off to Camberley Leisure centre. Steve used his Audi to great purpose, blocking the main A30 just where that big horrible roundabout is so we had a good run through and along the A30 to our next stop. Just as we pulled in Gary and Sharon were putting away their blanket as they had been prostate taking in the suns rays.

They seemed shocked that we had got there as predicted, out came the Jelly Babies, (for those that don't know these are great for endurance events) downed some water and Isotonic fluids, a chat about the next part of the route which was potentially the most dangerous bit of the day.

Steve B said he would fly as wing man for us down as far as Ash. We left Camberley and headed towards Frimley, joined the A325 and powered to Farnborough were we stopped at St Micheals church, Steve loaded us with juice and a banana, another photo, now a long trek to Ash Manor using the back roads.

The weather was not to kind as it was getting hotter by the hour, we agreed to push on to get home before the heat became unbearable. The roads to Ash were fairly quiet, again we made good time covering the miles. We arrived at Janas dojo, oh go on then, just 1 more photo, cut down shawfields road to the Manor school, Jana had left a surprise for us there, what could it be????? Do you want to know???

It was an energy sweet called a Blok, looked like old fashioned jelly, sweet, water please, refilled our bottles, last photo with Steve B (maybe the Audi could not make the whole journey) and off we went on another long part of the ride to Odiham.

The roads through the back of Aldershot were bad, (what do they do with my road tax then), lots of pot holes, raised drain covers, glass, rubbish we went out towards Weybourne and then up a long gradient to Hale, this bit would hurt me as I have no climbing gears on my bike, up till now we were all together, time for the others to climb and leave me to get up there as best possible. To be fair they waited at the top, now for the good bit, downhill towards Mill Lane, we reached 70kph, (44mph) without pedalling. The heat and speed were now beginning to catch up with us, we had to slow slightly to ensure we all stayed together and finished what we had started, the speed was still something to be proud of as we neared Odiham, we pulled over where a mobile café is pitched .......Oh no, its not there...I was devastated as I had promised the boys a nice cup of Tea and cake, I had even taken my prized £10 note with me (Amanda says its not legal currency any more) to treat the boys. Anyway, we phoned ahead so our next greeting party were there to meet us.

Back on the bikes and dancing on the pedals, legs were getting tired, drink running out, got to get to RAF Odiham. Before we knew it we were there to rapturous applause from the Odiham gang, they fed and watered us, encouraged us on to the last 11 miles back to RSKC Dojo.

From Odiham we cut across country through Greywell, Up Nately, Polecat corner, we were now riding leisurely, chatting away to keep spirits up, the miles soon passed and we entered Basingstoke, last water stop, call ahead to let them know we were close to the finish.

Right, lets do this, off we went towards RSKC, we turned into the carpark where we were met by Amanda and Veniccia, climbed off the bikes, were rewarded with cold drinks, other Students and parents turned up and congratulated us on our achievements.

Dougie had made 2 records that day, his 1st 50, followed by his 1st 60. Well done to the guys for agreeing to do it with me, and for a great day out, we intend to carry on our Weekend rides as we do really enjoy it, see some lovely parts of the county, get fresh air.

We all lost approx 4Lb each in body weight on the ride   

Pete, Dougie, many thanks for your efforts and well done to you both.

Oss
Sensei Dave.