3 Nov 2007

Day 5

- 11:00 31 May 07 -
Trev Batey has reported in.
We're a bit worried with the storm that came in off the Solway last night and had to lower the shelters down to the ground to prevent it being blown out of the camp site. Despite the appaling overnight conditins all was clear and sunny for todays special and linking stage.

Special stage was in Mabie Forest and was a 10km relay loop. Dan took the 1st leg 5km climb to hand over to Cookie for the descent. The team had an excellent smooth ride finishing 6th in the team competition. We'll have to wait until tonight to verify the overall standings and check the results but I'll txt you (Ged) later. Gav's result not available yet.

They are now linking back to Moffat before a long day tomorrow and the 4th special stage - the night ride. Thanks to Jacko and USE, we should be lit up light Christmas Trees, so no worries about not being able to see where we're going and also with a high start we should be racing in last light, again to our advantage.

I've stopped in Dumfries to launder their kit so that they start the last few days clean and fresh, hopefully giving us a psychological and morale boost.

Jacko is working till late helping the many riders with broken bikes and is cementing the RAFCC reputation.

The Navy are doing well but were never a threat. Looks like the podium will be down to the wire between 4 teams based on the results from the final stage, so fingers crossed.

Sorry we can't provide pictures en-route but we'll give you what gallery pics we have through Cookie/Mark for Mon. Cheers.

- 20:50 31 May 07 -
Trev Batey has reported in.
As I reported earlier, the boys came in, in 6th place and remain in 6th place overall with a total time of 32 hours 54 minutes and 44 seconds. Our efforts so far leave us with a 9 second gap from 5th place, 44 second gap from 4th place and 1 minute 28 seconds from 3rd. It's sounds like a mammoth task but it is closely fought.

Tomorrow is a very long day indeed and will be extremely taxing to all and sundry. 65km linking stage with over 2100m of climbing followed by the fourth and final special stage a night stage which will be around 10km and starts at 2200hrs. It's all to play for and this night stage will be the make or break for final placings.

The Royal Navy are in a commendable 17th place overall and our awesome solo rider Gavin Brown is now in 31st place with a time of 33 hours 17 minutes and 58 seconds.

Wish us well.