Ray of Hope and Sight for Dylan

payment

2009-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Appeal for Ray - the Ray of Hope Appeal - has now closed with the confidence that Ray has all he needs.

To read the story of the ride search the blog archive on the right hand panel

Gt Yarmouth to Cardigan

2009-07-02T04:40:00.000-07:00

Have made it to Cardigan last night after breaking down.
Am laid up waiting for a new coil to arrive hopefully tonight and hope to be back on track for arrival at the weekend.
Will obviously post more on arrival.

Three Days In

2009-06-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

Will be filling in this later when I have time. but so far all is going to plan.
Slept in the entrance to Scunthorpe leisure centre on Sunday night
Last night in a sheltered bench area in Cromer.
In Yarmouth now heading for Southend-ish for tonight

2009-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

The Appeal Mobile moped rides again for Sight for Dylan.

Dylan is a young baby boy from Liverpool who suffers from Septo-Optic Dysplasia
He needs stem cell treatment in China.
It will cost 40,000 pounds to take him there.
Details are on his website below
http://www.sightfordylan.synthasite.com/
If you can help Dylan you can make a donation through his website.

Details of the Where's Harry ride are below.

A two week ride along the southern coast of England and Wales to Liverpool.
Below is the proposed route and stops, though these may be modified before the start

Leeds to Liverpool - 21 June 2009 Southern England Coastal Route In Aid of Sight For Dylan

Sun---21/6-----Leeds >Grimsby----------------88
Mon--22/6-----Grimsby >Cromer-------------152
Tue---23/6-----Cromer > Southend -----------163
Wed--24/6-----Southend > Rye----------------175
Thu--25/6-----Rye > Bournemouth------------160
Fri---26/6-----Bournemouth > Plymouth------168
Sat---27/6-----Plymouth > St Ives-------------140
Sun--28/6-----St Ives > Ilfracombe------------138
Mon--29/6----Ilfracombe > Gloucester---------154
Tue--30/6-----Gloucester > Tenby-------------173
Wed---1/7-----Tenby > Dolgelliau--------------165
Thur--2/7-----Dolgelliau > Nefyn----------------79
Fri----3/7-----Nefyn > Beaumaris---------------96
Sat----4/7-----Beaumaris > Liverpool----------103
Total Miles ------------------------------------1959
Total Days----------------------------------------14

If you see me out along the coast then report it here or
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=85365867377

Thousand Acts of Kindness (or felt like)

2009-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

It takes time to fully download please allow time

Graham in Valencia who picked me up at the bus station and got me out to the bike. The led me out to the rode out west to Madrid.

The couple who weren't alarmed when I stopped them in Alborache to get a light for a cigarette butt in the middle of the night.

The kids at the bus stop who gave me fag papers in the early morning.

The guy in the bar at Alborache who lifter me back to Turis to find a puncture repair.

The two women who picked me up on the road and took me back to Alborache.

Vicente Grau Fernández who wanted to put the bike in the his car and transport it to Buñol 6 miles away. When I refused he lifted me there and arranged for them to pick the bike up and repair it.

The mechanic at Dimas Pneumos in Buñol who worked on it immediately.

The cops who didn't give me too hard a time when I strayed onto the motorway

The two couples in Madrid who texted on their phones for me when I had run out of credit.

Neil and Aidan from Madrid who fed and re-equiped me as well as feeding me. Neil especially for sorting things on route.

Getafe City for leaving a marquee up for me to sleep in.

The two bikers who translated my needs to Victor Gaston from aeroclub de Toledo, who took a photo of me up the Puerto de Guaderrama and then e-mailed it on

Juanma for inviting me to his and Mars appartment in Valladolid to be cared for.

The Cisterniger Bikers Club for putting me up in a hotel at Valladolid.

Raul and his friend Gon in the bar at Trigueros del Valle, who not only bought me drinks but invited me home for a meal and though I had no time got me a pair of gloves then led me to the service road of the Motorway up to Palencia

The service station girl in Palencia, who gave me a packet of biscuits without asking and then let me charge my phone

The female red from San Sebastian who wanted to assist but I had already passed through.

Caroline and everyone at the Connomaras in Bordeaux who had a plate of fish and chips, a guinness and the TV on with the game, then put me up in the attic for the night.

The French Justice system for a splendid room with a view in Sainte.

The biker Hevayer Romain, who towed me, linking arms, to a repair shop when I broke down in La Rochelle.

The team at Chiasson at La Rochelle who eventually dropped everything on the command of the mechanics mother to get the bike back on the road and on schedule.

All the gang, Gaël, Eric, MG, Winsley andthe boss of the bar Christine, at Le Bar Des Chouans in the small Bazoges en Paillers village, especially MG and his wife Jessica who put me up for the night and shared a meal and a couple of bottles of bubbly.

Yves and Marie in Dinard who greeted me and dined, housed, fumigated my clothes and couldn't do enough for me.

The French branch for funding the ferry from St Malo to get me back on time.

Colin and Sue near Stratford who gave me a room for £20 and then put it back in the fund for Ray. Not only did this but invited me to eat with them.

Jack and Liz who turned up to find a vagrant with a big white beard and a moped sitting in their back garden. Just as well they know me.

All the Real supporters who chipped into the buckets in Liverpool.

Finally. Every single person who contributed donations to Ray or even a cigarette to an old fart on a moped.

Thosuands of tiny acts of kindness that although I did not need my faith in the human race restoring, did remind me what a wonderful world we are.

If I missed one act out forgive me it gets blurred.

YNWA

Approximate Costs Involved

2009-03-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Flight Alicante £40
Baggage £15
Bus Valencia £20
Puncture collect and repair £40
Bed in Vallacayo £35
Oil seal breakdown £65
Ferry half fare (donated to fund) £60
Bed Stratford (donated to fund) £20
Fuel 14 days approx £7/day £98
2 stroke and engine oil £22
Mobile top ups £70
1 meal and a couple of snacks £12
Coffees and beers approx £7/day £98
Bike £260

total £855

Sleeping
day 1 Bench in avelanche
day 2 2 hours outside restaurant
Day 3 Plazza in Madrid
Day 4 Marquee in Getafe
Day 5 Hotel Vallodalid
Day 6 Library entrance Palencia
Day 7 Hotel Villacayo
Day 8 Bus shelter Bilbao/san Sebastian
Day 9 Attic Conomarras bar Bordeaux
Day 10 Entrance Justice courts Saintes
Day 11 MG invite to his house
Day 12 Yves in Dinard (French Branch)
Day 13 Cabin St Malo Portsmouth ferry
Day 14 Colin (Team Renault engineer) Stratford
Day 15 Brother and Law in Nantwich

Tomorrow Roll of Honour
Acts of kindness from Spain France and England

St Malo - Liverpool

2009-03-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Well thanks to The French Reds I was booked on the Brittany Ferries to Portsmouth. It was like a cruise ship. Eight decks, swimming pool, cinema, cabaret and at last cheap beer. The ferry was twice the rate cos it does the weekend cruise lark and was quite full. I put my own half of the fare into the collection as Yves in St Malo insisted they pay the whole fare. A great gesture from les lads.

Arrived in sunshine in Portsmouth although it was pretty cold. Up the A3 towards Farnham area before heading North towards Oxford. I was in Alton near Basingstoke and stopped at a Costa Coffee. Amazing that I sat down next to a neighbour from Bradford who moved south 3 years ago. Getting close to Oxford the weather changed to driving rain and hail. Then came to the big bikers cafe on the Reading to Oxford road. I pulled in and parked next to all the 1000cc machines but had them all amazed at the journey. Photo job to go on their website but forgot the address so if anyone knows the place let me know.

I was trying to make Stratford but surrendered to the cold and decided to do B & B. The one opposite the pub I stopped at was thirty five quid but a guy in the pub offered me a room for twenty. After agreeing and telling him the story he gave me the twenty back and told me to put it in the kitty. It turned out his wife was from New Brighton and he was himself an engineer for team Renault in F1 and was a bike racer years ago. His wife had a stew on for when we went to the house and I had a detached flat for the night.

Following day headed for a stop at Nantwich at my Brother in Laws. That would give me a short trip in to Liverpool for the game. Stopped near Market dreighton by some old cars for a fag break. The guy whose cars they were suggested doing a Robin Reliant to Rome. That has me thinking.

The short ride into Liverpool gave me the chance to stop at my friends in Lark Lane and get a bucket together for the city. Collected more for the appeal and arrived in city centre at two. The police wouldn't let me near Mathew street so sat in Williamson square by the Queens and gained the interest of the Spanish lads who were all chipping into the fund. An interview with Danish TV about Jan Molby before I forced them to do a separate interview about the appeal. Can't tell you which station unfortunately.

Onto the Barlow, the Clock, King Harry where I rejoine Neil from Madrid and Nige then onto the HJC shop to meet the lads from Ray of Hope for photo shoot and hand over the bucket.

Bike parked up in Epsteins and then the glory of the result.

Ride over Job done

A big thanks to everyone who helped make this a special event.

Check out the previous pages in the archive for added photos

Bordeaux to San Malo

2009-03-07T05:18:00.000-08:00

Getting going again after a bit of comfort is as hard as ever. more so when the weather is not so good. but I eventually got going and headed out towards Saintes. I was really hoping to get to La Rochelle but the weather was atrocious at times with squqlls and heavy downpours. I at last arrived in Saintes at 9 pm and could have kept going if I had found a gas station.
A quick reconnoitre of the area gave me a bar and the law cours opposite wih a large covered area behind the sone pillars to sleep.
The following morning I was up and at it and after the rain eased off it gave way to a bright spell of weather.
Unfortunately passing La Rochelle, the bike cut out on a flyover where here was no hard shoulder, and made worse that it was on a bend. Wagons were flying past me with inches to spare so dived over the barrier and left the bike to the mercy of the jplly truckers. I eventually plucked up the courage to wheel the bike along the road to the slip road while pushing it from behind the barrier.
I was hoping it was just the plug and was lucky to be right by a Carrafour supermarket and spent 5 euros on 4 plugs but to no success. Cleaned out the carb and still no joy. I had been there 2 hours pratting about when a biker stopped and offered to tow me to a repair shop 2K away.
If any one is wondering how you tow with a bike, you grab the bicep of the towing rider with one hand and off he goes with you hanging on with all your strength trying to keep your own bike going straight with the other hand.
I knew it had to be the points but could not access them with my swiss army knife so called in the expertsfrom Chiasson scooters.
My french is far less than my Nminimal Spanish and was getting nowhere and think they were telling me they had no time. fortunately one of the mechanics rang his mum who spoke some English and I explained the story of the ride. I got the impression they were still not too keen but I turned my back on them for a second and they had the bike on the stand and were stripping it down. Reckon Mum told her lad to just get it done.
Inspection revealed a damaged oil seal at the back of the points and oil was leaking onto them. Five hours later and 60Euro less I was on my way again.
Cant believe my luck at times.
Due to being late again was trying to make Nantes to give me an easy day to San Malo. I confused two villages with Montagu in the name and arrived in a little village with no idea where I was heading. There was one bar there and I was freezing so in I went. Bit like an old western when a stranger comes into town, but within a couple of minutes we were bon ami with Eric(que?) Christine the manageress and a couple of others whose names elude me. MG a senegalese Vietnam descendant invited me to stop at his house and eat. Winsley another local and MG and myself finished up knocking back a couple of bottles of bubbly with Jessica MGs wife before crashing out. So lucky as there was an inch of frost on the seat in the morning.
I wanted to stay and thank them but Jessica had taken her daughter to school and MG was unconcious so I sloped off.
There was a lovely days ride up to San Malo where Yves and Marie from the French Branch were waiting for my arrival. Their hospitality was amazing and after a full laundry and descale Yves took me to San malo to book on tonights crossing to Portsmouth.
It was intended to go to Cherbourg but Im not sure I would have got there in time to catch the evening boat. I was also getting a bit twitchy as to the old Sods Law that 10 mile from the boat everything would go wrong.
I considered it was more important to be back on British soil to cover any untoward eventuality and with a kind donation to cover the ferry costs I am now heading for an 8am arrival in England on Sunday.

I would like to thank all reds from this side of the water for all the help and assistance in getting this far and will see you all again in the course of time.
See you all in England
S

Valladolid to Bordeaux

2009-03-04T04:41:00.002-08:00

Juanma Mar y Paula
Just about to set off fron Bordaux. Quick update up to last night.

Left Vallodolid on Sat late after the disappointment of the game. It was bloody freezing and smooching round the back lanes heading topalencia. Had to stop at a bar to get directions and got talking to a spanish biker Raul and friend Gon (trails) dressed like robo cop. he said he had seen the story on spanish tv and announced me to the bar. Offered to take me home for a meal even though I refused, but got me a pair of gloves before showing me out onto the service road of the M way.
Made Palencia and found a love of books as I slept in the doorway of a library. Time for an education eh;
Next day a young girl at the services took pity on me even without knowing the story gave me a packet of biscuits free and then explaining the story charged my phone
Over the hills to Cantabria where the weather changed. Snow was forecast for the tops and sure as hell it was cold and then the rain came; The scenery coming down into what could only be described as a big bathtub in the middle of the mountains was breathtaking.I was so cold I just booked into the first hotel I could find Vallacayo???at £35 .
I waited for the rain to fade in the norning before heading to Bilbao unfortunately there was a deluge before Bilbao and I got soaked through and spent two hours in a bus shelter drying off before entering a lovely city, Had a brief moment of no rain but on leaving it kicked off again and had to sit under shelter for an hour or two. LFC TV rang me to do an interview at 11 that night so got going along the twisting coastline towards San Sebastian. Did the phone in in a market square then set off again. Unfortunatley no gas stations open and eventually ran out next to a closed one that had an enormous bus shelter next to it, that I could get the bike under out of sight.
The coldest night so far. Temps must have been down to freezing if not lower.
In the morning the sun was out but patchy freezing fog , but my god the coast is beautiful. Finally escaped out of San Seb and over the border into Francia and onwards past the pine trees of the coast line. Sun was shining but the air was cool when riding. It was a long haul up to Bordeaux to catch the game in Connamaras? Irish pub in Bordeaux. Neil (Madrid) contacted them and although there were no Reds there Caroline had a plate of fish and chips and a Guinness waiting for me and a bunk up in the attic. And more importantly we won again.
Sleeping in a bed makes me soft and I have been slow to get going today cos of the rain and above all tiredness.
Just got a Kaghoul from the shop and expect to get going again soon.
You know life starts at 40 but christ theres not much left of it after 50 so need to enjoy this as I am doing.

2009-03-04T04:41:00.001-08:00

Stream of Consciousness Blog. A Great Adventure

2009-02-27T01:47:00.000-08:00

Sitting on Neils rooftop terrace in Madrid before setting off to collect the bike from the motorway in Getafe

This is a mail I received from Harry. I have only tidied it up a bit but I hope you like this and get the message.

Run down so far.

Got as far as 3 mile short of Alborache before Buñol?
Anyway had a blow out in the back wheel and pushed it up to Alborache. Slept on a bench for the night and had to hitch back to
Macastre.

God it´s all a blur now

Repairers couldn´t do anything so got a spray inflator and went back to Alborache to find the valve had ripped out. A guy called Vicente came to the rescue who gave me a lift further along to a garage who then came and got the bike.

Sadly 40 euros and missed the lunch break faffing about with banks. Got going at 5 and rode through the night except for a short 2 hour nap outside a service area.
Nearer to Cuenca I branched off at Utiel and took a wrong lane and finished up on the motorway. I pulled in at the service area hoping for an emergency escape only to find two cops. Bugger! They checked my papers and sent me on getting off the motorway took me off in a new direction so had to modify my plans. By error I finished up down in Iniesta and had to come up the N301.
I was still going well until I got to Toledo . You can´t get out of there to Madrid
unless you hit the motorway. I spent an hour looking for a way out and gave
up and headed out on the only rideable road for the bike direction Avila. I then couldn't find a route into Madrid went round and round in circles until in desperation I ran onto the motorway and ran out of fuel.

I´m just looking at a map and can see I could get in on the west side but
not from the south so in fear of missing the game I locked it to the barrier on the motorway on the long grass and got a bus in. Missed the Madrid gang unfortunately (This is why guys)and I am spending the day sleeping and waiting for the traffic to die down tonight so I can get the bike off the road or back on it. Heading North to
Valladolid. If I can find a way out.
My credits have run out and I´m not sure if I can top up Vodafone UK here. Help!!!!

Both phones are dead now battery wise which is why I didn't get the credit. Got your no but will have some access in Valladolid so can update then. I am at Neil's place in Madrid but setting off shortly to kick start the journey.
Just to mention Rob and his young lad, Neil who bought me a pint and use of phone
and ah god someone else and his wife.

Fantastic post!
Think my brain has had a blow out today.
More to come.

The Ride out of Madrid to Valladolid

Post addition

I got back to the bike which was still at the side of the motorway. Had to do a bit of walking to get fuel and managed to sneak it off the Mway and to safety. Riding around Getafe found a marquee that had been used for some event that night. I was straight in with the bike for a nights kip. Emerged to rush hour Getafe in the morning and bemused looks from bus stop qeues.

I thought I was doing well getting clear of Madrid until I ran into another cul de sac in the corner of two merging motorways. After going round in circles blasted down to junctions on the hard shoulder and finall escaped.

Headed to El Escorial where I indulged in the best bacon and eggs I'd tasted for weeks. Maybe cos I hadn't had any for weeks. The sun was shining and it was warm, but after heading up the Puerto de Guaderrama pass, which is nearly 5,000feet up in the mountains, the air started to cool down. The bike amazing made the ascent although it was in first gear all the way at max revs and only just crept up the last 100 metres. Got Victor Gascon from Toledo Aeroclub to take a pic and e-mail it to me. The week before the pass was under snow and according to Victors e-mail was the following weekend, so I count myself very lucky.

Got down to San Rafael and onto Juanma's in Valladolid. I was still having trouble with the reseve tap on the bike and every so often I would finish out of fuel with no reserve. This happened climbing out of San Rafael and 200 metres short of the summit of a long climb. It was the middle of nowhere but pushing the bike over the summit lo and behold there in the middle of nothing was a gas station.. Something was watching out for me up there.

It was a long dash up to Valladolid but amazingly Juanma came out to the main route and guided me into his town of Cisterniger. The lads from his motorbike club had a whip around and put me up in a hotel, but not before meeting up with Mar Juanma's wife for some grub and beer. A tour of the Motorbike club headquarters and some small repairs we settled down to the disappointment of the Middlesborough game.

Photos with Juanma Mar and Paula before heading off again

Hi From Valencia

2009-02-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

Harry-
OMG a bad result but non the less look on the bright side especially for Ray.

I am amazed by the number of people who put themselves forward when required.
Neil from Madrid Reds
Graham from Valencia who is helping at that end
Karl from the appeal who is active in the publicity.
Rushian from Red and White Kop.
The list can go on and that's not to mention the anonymous donors towards the purchase of the bike.

Another moment that brought tears to my eyes was the donations from the Barlows(my pub) and the short lived collection at the Annie Road that was brought to an end through lack of permits.

Now it might not seem a lot in the grand scheme of things but let me up date you on contributions.

Anfield Road collection with the help of a few stewards there-----~20.50
The Barlows and the Management---------------------------------51.60

That is 72.10 so far with the appeal going into Madrid and return to Liverpool to come

Many thanks for all contributions.

Tomorrow sees the departure from these shores to Alicante.

I have had so much support from Real and Atleti supporters and have been contacted by the press in Spain who wish to tell the story of Ray and the trip.

Great to see exposure for Ray and for Parkinsons.

For now I need to finish preparations for tomorrow.

I'll ee those who are there, in Madrid and those who aren't, back at Anfield for the second leg.
Buenas Noches y muchas gracias

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graham-

OK so a long day today. This is Graham writing from Valencia after leaving Harry on a dodgy bike that doesn't like hills, not exactly true, it doesn't mind the downhill bits. So this is what happened today.

Harry got into Alicante on time and got an ALSA bus to Valencia. He eventually got here at 7pm so I picked him up at Valencia bus station and then we had to go for the big search to find a place to change some pounds into Euros. You would think this is rather easy but not so in Valencia so we had to go to central Valencia to get some cash. We have still not got a copy of the passport to make sure the bike can be put into Harry's name (Note to Harry - Send me a fax tomorrow from Madrid and I will scan it to Juanjo so he can go to the traffic dept on Wednesday.)

Anyway we then go to Picassent about 15km out from Valencia to pick up a motorbike that hasn't been used for about a year. Now there are a couple of tricks to this, one you need to start it up on a downslope because it needs to be moving and secondly it doesn't have a key so we needed a lock otherwise all of you wise guys reading this in Madrid might take it for a joyride.

So it is 50cc so not allowed on the motorways. Therefore we had to sort of invent the route from Picassent to get on the road to Madrid, the old one. It is at this point that we realise that the bike doesn't like hills too much. 20kph uphill and up to 60kph down, flying! Therefore at 9.30pm I left Harry with loads of good wishes and high hopes that the bike stands up to it.

Will the bike and Harry make it? If you are in Madrid for the match then search him out and donate. Remember he is doing this for the Ray Of Hope Charity

2009-02-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

OMG a bad result but non the less look on the bright side especially for Ray.

I am amazed by the number of people who put themselves forward when required.
Neil from Madrid Reds
Graham from Valencia who is helping at that end
Karl from the appeal who is active in the publicity.
Rushian from Red and White Kop.
The list can go on and that's not to mention the anonymous donors towards the purchase of the bike.

Another moment that brought tears to my eyes was the donations from the Barlows(my pub) and the short lived collection at the Annie Road that was brought to an end through lack of permits.

Now it might not seem a lot in the grand scheme of things but let me up date you on contributions.

Anfield Road collection with the help of a few stewards there-----~20.50
The Barlows and the Management---------------------------------51.60

That is 72.10 so far with the appeal going into Madrid and return to Liverpool to come

Many thanks for all contributions.

Tomorrow sees the departure from these shores to Alicante.

I have had so much support from Real and Atleti supporters and have been contacted by the press in Spain who wish to tell the story of Ray and the trip.

Great to see exposure for Ray and for Parkinsons.

For now I need to finish preparations for tomorrow.

I'll ee those who are there, in Madrid and those who aren't, back at Anfield for the second leg.
Buenas Noches y muchas gracias

Day 1 Valencia - Cuenca Map

2009-02-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

Home Page

To follow the journey go to blog archive in the right panel.

Next Monday sees the launch of the Appeal Mobile and its first run which is in support of the Ray of Hope Appeal. The Ray of Hope is an appeal for the benefit of Ray Kennedy who played for Arsenal and Liverpool before Parkinsons disease finished his career prematurely. The full story of Ray and the appeal can be found here.The Appeal Mobile is a 50cc moped/mobike that I have bought on E-Bay and is located in Valencia. It is intended to make the vehicle a focal point at Euro aways for specific LFC causes and charity appeals.By continuing to use the bike, which is already 20 years old, on these trips it is hoped to make the bike an historic vehicle that will increase in value and increase revenue for charitable causes when it is finally put to rest.I will be making the journey by moped from Valencia/Alicante (depending on if the seller can get it to me in Alicante) to Madrid for the first leg and then traveling on to Liverpool to arrive in time for the return leg. The route will take me through Valladolid, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Nantes, Cherbourg across to Portsmouth and up to Anfield.
Monday 23rd February

Today will be the most difficult day.
I fly out from Leeds/Bradford at 11 am and arrive 3 pm in Alicante. I then have to bus it into the centre and get the train to Valencia and then find the location of the bike.
I can imagine I won't be leaving there till mid evening if Juan the seller is as friendly as his assistance was in getting the bike. A big Valencia fan who also follows Arsenal in the prem. (I'll forgive him though)
There seems a lack of smaller roads out of Valencia so it looks as though I'll be riding down the hard shoulder of the motorway for a few miles.
The Target is Cuenca which I think is about 150 miles out, but near enough to push for an earlyish arrival in Madrid on Tuesday. But feel like I might have to stop when necessary and do whats left the next day

Cuencas hanging houses.

Now thats living life on the edge

View Map

2009-02-17T01:52:00.000-08:00

The Story of the Ride for Ray of Hope
Valencia to Liverpool on a Derbi 50cc
All content is in the archive listings to the right.

Also included in the archive is the ride for the Sight for Dylan appeal

The ride around the Iberian peninsular for the Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation can be viewed at

Iberian coastal ride
Which has a link to the Spanish account of the ride

I hope you enjoy reading the exploits of this and other rides