Every year the youth of the church challenge themselves to a strenuous task to raise funds those less fortunate than ourselves. Once again, we decided to support the very good cause of the Olney-Newton Link.
Instead of the usual long walk, we decided to do something different this year and a long cycle beckoned.
And so it was on a balmy late morning in Spring we found ourselves setting off for the pleasant surroundings of Rutland Water to attempt to complete either the 23 or 17-mile circuit, fortunate enough to be joined by friends and family for moral, spiritual, physical and emotional support.
Here's what happened....

Gathering outside the church before setting off, it's big smiles all around....Why not? - it's a lovely day....and we have no idea how sore our bottoms will be later....

How hard can it be - they tell me it's pretty flat around here.....And besides, we have a tandem so we can go twice as fast right...?

Lance Armstrong made a guest appearance and couldn't hide his eagerness to get going.

Smiling as we gather before setting off, we're all blissfully unaware of the enemy that lurks beneath....

And we're off

Nice and flat here...making good progress...it's been 5 minutes already....

Whheeeeee!!

A bit of Hollywood style.....

Aah...Rob and his 'see me coming' bike and shirt, slightly redeeming himself with the iPod strapped so manly to his arm...

'Afternoon ladies

Whizzing across the wall...now we're cookin'

Rob to the rescue with the pump from his Aladdin's Cave of a rucksack containing all the essentials you need on a bike trip....you know.....gaffer tap, a hammer etc.

Amazing scenery as we ride through all the Bluebells

Coming out of the forest and having worked up an appetite, there's a vicious rumour the lunch stop is just up ahead - ain't nobody eatin' mine!

Whew, made it up the hill, but where's the support crew with the food?...Bella - have you been at the sandwiches...?

Aaah, at last, a chance to replenish those lost calories....

Who said it's pretty flat around here....next thing they'll be telling us we're half-way around already....

That's better, we can make some good progress here....just don't yawn else you'll have a mouthful of midgies for dessert....

Whew, survived another of the many 'its flat around here' hills on the peninsular!

Look at that colour....fantastic views....

If you're happy and you know it, er...ride your bike?

Spot the missing item.....Rob...you got a tow-rope in that rucksack?

At last we reach the end of an eventful but thoroughly enjoyable day and everyone completed either the 17 or 23-mile ride - well done to all! Now, let's give that ice-cream shop some well-deserved business...