Guy and Andy on Team PIG's epic ride to France.
After months of training, plenty of miles in the saddle and more than £40,000 raised for Hospitality Action and The Drinks Trust, Team PIG has made it all the way from THE PIG-in the New Forest to Maison Bollinger in France.
There were hills, sore legs, questionable amounts of snacks and, thankfully, plenty of laughs along the way. We caught up with Guy Freedman and Andy Wright to hear all about the ride – from the highs and the lows to the bits that definitely tested their legs (and their sense of humour)...
Congratulations! Now that it's all over, how are you feeling, physically and mentally?
Andy: Physically great, legs a touch heavy, as was my bum. Mentally fantastic, slightly deflated it's over.
Guy: Knackered but elated, such a good team to be around. I pushed myself harder than I had planned, but smiles all the way and gutted it is over now. Such a vibe being with everyone, a very special group of nine and humbled by the support we've received.
Tell us how this challenge came about. Whose idea was it, and what made you decide to take it on?
Andy: Guy wanted to raise money for charity whilst doing an extreme challenge; something to test us, hurt us, bring us all together. Guy offered me vice captain.
Guy: THE PIGs have always completed cool and crazy challenges for charity, we just wanted to go a little bit further this year, plus being called an 'international ultra endurance athlete' has a nice ring to it.
Why was it important to you to take on this challenge for Hospitality Action and The Drinks Trust?
Andy: We have worked with Hospitality Action since day one, they are the industry protector, there for anyone in need 24/7.
Guy: The Drinks Trust supports education, welfare and financial assistance. Both are incredible charities we adore and know many of the team, and friends, who have used their services.
What was going through your mind as you rolled out of THE PIG on day one?
Andy: This is going to be epic, don't let the team down, don't fall off first! Have we got everyone?
Guy: Did I pack enough snacks? I've trained all year for this, why am I nervous? Why didn't I order a larger jersey than Andy, gosh he looks good!
How did cycling through England differ from cycling through France?
Andy: England was two very different legs - New Forest vs urban. Good vs bad. France was carless, quiet and stunning scenery.
Guy: England has horses, ponies, cows, tooting staff driving past, buses, traffic and sooo many pot holes. France had none of that - just long open roads and amazing pastries.
The route took you through some incredible countryside. Was there a particular view that stood out to you?
Andy: Day 3, early morning cycling through the mist.
Guy: Day 1, last leg: Kempton and Saltdean on a cycle path with huge chalk cliffs to the left and the sea to the right.
Was there a moment during the ride when the team spirit really came to life?
Andy: All the training rides laid the foundations, however Kamil's ice breaker of emergency bailing out to get a £1 coin on the floor.
Guy: Day 2, 2nd pit stop - looking around having banked 100km and some tired faces, knowing we had so much more to do. Everyone got the message, everyone dug in. Everyone ate masses.
The best adventures rarely go completely to plan... did you experience any unexpected mishaps, moments or wrong turns along the way?
Andy: Many wrong turns, including going down a hill past a lady pushing her pram up to only turn around and go back up again.
Guy: Showers on the first night, not quite as I had planned! Hills not being registered as climbs on the bike computer. Georgie getting a flat and her shoe stuck in her cleat.
When your legs were telling you to stop, what kept you going?
Andy: Team support and knowing everyone was hurting just as bad and we were in it together. Being given the honour of riding number 2 and there having the younger, fitter teammates take wind and reduce my effort required to keep pace! Very grateful to the whole squad especially Chris & Olivia the snack givers, smile revivers.
Olivia and Chris wore many hats over the three days. What was the most valuable thing the support crew did for the team?
Both: Nutrition, toilet location, water boys, snack provider, giver of caffeine, bread purveyor, pre buttering the baguette (huge hit), luggage porter, driver, matron, first aider, team cheerleader, head of awards ceremony, bedroom allocator, deckchair positioning, picnics to rival the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.