- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
Pre-Ride Build Up
THE pedal bashing starts on Tuesday for Devon Cricket Board staff Matt Theedom and Scott Chappell, who are cycling from the John O'Groats to Land's End on a charity ride.
Cricket development manager Theedom and Chappell, the community coach for South Devon, are tackling the 1,000-mile slog to raise money for are Prostate Cancer UK and the Devon Youth Cricket Foundation. The fund-raising target is £10,000.
The original plan was to drive up to John O'Groats today and set off tomorrow. However there has been a slight delay!
'Our workmate at the Cricket Board Matt Cooke promised to drive us up there on Sunday, but now finds he is playing in the Devon Cup final for Sidmouth against Exmouth instead,' said Theedom.
'We have had to delay setting off by a day, but still hope to finish on September 8 as planned.'
Chappell said the fund-raising effort had been going well, but there was some way to go to achieve the £10,000 target.
'I would like to convey our sincere thanks to everyone who has already sponsored us for our trip,' said Chappell.
'People's generosity has been incredible and very motivating for us.
'We have managed to raise just under £4,000 which is incredible. However, we are quite a way below our target of £10,000, so if you have not yet managed to login to our Virgin Money Giving site, there is still time.
'No matter how much or how little you can donate, it will make a big difference to these charities.'
To donate go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/DevonCricketFundraisers
You can follow the pair's progress at www.facebook.com/CharityBikeRide2013.
Day 1
John O'Groats to Donorch 100.8 miles cycling
(Pictured Above:- Matt Theedom & Scott Chappell ready to roll at John O'Groats on Tuesday)
Matt Theedom said 'Day 1 completed! John O'Groat to Dornoch. 100.8 miles in wind, rain and a tiny bit of sun. Up hills (that felt like mountains) and down dale! Great day but pretty tiring! The A9 is a nightmare to cycle on, beware! Roll on Day 2.'
Day 2
(Pictured Above:- Stunning scenery coming through Scotland on Day 2)
Scott Chappell said 'Day 2 done and dusted! 82.7 miles today. Dornoch to Invergarry. One big climb (890+ feet and a steep one!) and quite an undulating route. Stopped and said hello to Nessy at Loch Ness. Scott managed to visit every public convenience on the route (he may write a book about them!). Nice meal in the local pub with one or two lagers. A 70 mile leg tomorrow before a long effort on Friday. Weather was kind today but unsure about the next two days?'Day 3
(Pictured Above:- View of the Great Glen with the sun trying to get through)
Theedom & Chappell's latest Facebook update, 'Day 3. 73.1 miles from Invergarry to Taynuilt. Nice early finish before a very wet and windy day tomorrow! Amazing views of Fort William and the Great Glen. Sadly we spotted a Red Squirrel and a Pine Martin today, but dead on the side of the road Great wildlife and cracking scenery all the way - when the wind and rain wasn't in our eyes. Numb leg and arms, but in good spirits. Cheers!'
Day 4
"Drowned rats! Absolutely soaked to the bone! Heavy rain all day today. We're currently on the ferry [isn't that cheating?] from Dunoon to Gourock before the final 13 miles to Largs where we hope to find a B&B"
Day 5
"87 miles Largs to Dumfries. Stiff and cold start to the day. Long climb to start with but a trailing wind helped us out. Busy roads most of the way to Dumfries. Arrived an hour earlier than expected so all in all a good day. Off to Ambleside in the Lake District next."
Day 6
"A tough 79 miles today into a strong wind and up some big hills."
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
The latest update..."97.7 miles from Wem to Chepstow Racecourse. Very hilly day. Hot but very rewarding. One cyclist run off the road by a lorry and the other cycling on one leg. 3 days to go! Looking forward to seeing the Devon sign tomorrow."
Looks like a stage of the Tour of Britain with all those hills!
Day 10
As Matt and Scott pass the 800 mile mark they are rewarded with a night at Theedom Towers in Crediton. The departure for day 11 will no doubt be a torturous one with the realisation that they are now travelling away from home sweet home for the first time. On the bright side the lure of Cornwall's scenery will be strong. Rumour has it that Matt has adjusted his water bottle carriers to accommodate large Cornish Pasties to energise him through the last two days!! Help keep their spirits high with texts and messages via their facebook page below. Here is their latest report:
"99 miles from Chepstow to Crediton. Over 800 miles done in total! Two days and about 140 miles left. Great day today. Enjoyed watching Lewis Gregory scoring 50 at Taunton as well. Nearing the end now . It's going to be weird waking up on Sunday not having to cycle all day. What will we do.................................?"
Day 11
80 miles passing through Devon and into Cornwall. Whilst there has been no evidence provided of pasty eating, there was a well earned giant ice-cream dessert at the end of the day which included a stop to enjoy the views at Lewdown Cricket Club. One day left!Day 12
THEY MADE IT! As if there was ever any doubt! A casual 50 miles to finish an epic journey. Matt and Scott arrived at Land's End with a mixture of pride and relief
There was a bubbly beverage awaiting their arrival and applause from the gathered crowd whom Scott had earlier in the week promised to reward with a round of drinks!
An adventure of 950 miles completed in just under 82 hours in the saddle across 11 and a half days. The purpose of the trip was of course to raise awareness of and money for two great charities - The Devon Youth Cricket Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. If you have been enthralled by the trip and want to donate, the links are below.
Enjoying the daily diary of the trip so far? Why not show your support by donating? Just click here!
Keep up to date with the boys progress tomorrow here or follow on Facebook!
