Shooting Orchids

The last supporter walks into the large theatre, finds his row and, as he sits down into the plush seat, the lights start to dim. An unseen voice floats out across the huge audience over the PA system.

"The time has finally come, the entries are all in."

A hushed silence descends upon the sea of faces, with all eyes looking expectantly up at the big stage. A melodic soundtrack is building slowly in the background, it is 'The Final Countdown' by Europe. As the solo erupts , the lights flare and the stage curtain raises to reveal a large blank screen. Five words tumble into view, vibrant yellow blazing out against a black background...

'Welcome...to...the...JERSEY COMPETITION!'

As Europe rip into the chorus again the Shooting Orchids stride out onto stage, five from each side, each wearing a different cycling top. Then silence. The haunting PA voice reaches out to the audience again.

"These are no ordinary cycling tops. They have been painstakingly designed by several top designers from London, Bristol, Exeter and the Isle of Wight.'

A murmur sweeps the audience. The voice continues.

"You have been picked by our panel of discerning fashionistas to make the final decision on the actual tops the Shooting Orchids will wear on their epic journey from London to Samoens. It will not be easy, but you have one week to cast your votes. Good luck everybody.'

And with that, the doors lock and the crowd goes wild.

* * * * * * * *

...is how we could have done it. However, the theatre was was too expensive so we opted for an online poll instead! Have a look at the designs below and once you have fallen in love with the design you wish the Orchids to wear on their expedition, vote for it on the right hand side! We hope you like them!

Just to clarify, the poll will be closing at midday on Sunday 31st May. The voting is limited to one vote per hour, so keep your eyes on the board!

It is my sad duty to report that one of our beloved 'Silver Hornet' bikes has been stolen. I had many great times on that bike and feel like a small part of me has been taken with it. So if you see a gloriously shiny silver vintage masterpiece of a bike in the Guildford area be sure to let the new rider know what a bad person they are. I would like to extend a thank you to Gerry and Sarah for allowing me to share the mere months i did with Silver Hornet II, I can only take solace in the fact that there is still one in the safe hands of fellow Orchid Mike.

On the bright side however, I must finally now buy a bike that will actually make it to Samoens!

The last few months have been full of numbers:

weight 94kg (and dropping!), 3 training rides a week, 5 orchids on the Isle of Wight, 3 more fundraisers, thousands more pounds to raise etc.

 The big number that we wanted to keep was a'0' in the 'number of broken bits of body' column. We failed. Well, Matt failed. I'll let him set the scene

M (matt)"It was a long long day at work and, after having a training review, I needed a bit of a blast of some exercise. Went home, ate a ton of food and set out for Richmond from Wandsworth common"

J(jonny) "Sounds like the perfect end to a day, matey. So what happened?" 

M "Cruising up trinity road at a casual 20mph I noticed it was really windy and thought to myself, 'ooh, this is fun - its like extreme cycling' what an idiot. Basically as you get up to mid 20mph the gusts of wind really have an effect, and shove you maybe even a metre into the road...."

J (intruiged) "yes..please continue"

M "I had got just outside of Richmond when a particularly large blast shoved me in front of a car and I swerved back in to avoid but had turned too quick and the bike flipped... Ooooof... Gotta love those gloves (thanks Birdies) as my hands would be shreds..

J And pretty lucky that you were also wearing your helmet! take note, kids!

M "I managed to graze my nose on the floor too."

J "you are the second Orchid to injure their nose this year.! Mikey bloodied up his snout when we were skiing. At least yours

Here are the facts

3 days, 160 miles (256km), umpteen mars bars and 1 pair of socks!

The bank holiday weekend saw a few of the Orchids head south to take part in the Isle of Wight Randonnee - 100km around and not in the slightest bit flat.

Jo, Dave A and I set off from London on Saturday morning and cycled the 70 miles down to Portsmouth, combining sleepy Surrey/Hampshire towns with the terrifying experience of lorries on the A3. The ferry provided a nice 20 minute break before the final 10 miles of hills to get to Mike's house on the island. Ben met us at Mike's as he has come over from Bristol on the Southampton - Cowes ferry.