NEARLY 50 cyclists conquered the Mosel Marathon commencing at Trier and venturing northeast to the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) in Koblenz covering over 200 km in 4 days in the saddle.
The excellent Major (Retired) Pete Doherty arranged another successful cycling expedition and, on this occasion, cycled it. The keen cyclists took part in a four day team development event for Rheindahlen based military and civilian staff over the period 25 - 28 June 2010. The aim of the exercise was to present a physical challenge in completing the course and to provide the time and the environment to increase awareness of each other’s roles and responsibilities through interaction during the cycling or within a social environment.
 Travelling to Germany’s oldest city Trier by coach to meet up with the cycles was the beginning of the journey and then the cyclists rode northeast checking in at checkpoints at middle of the day and then at the end of the day. The checkpoints also allowed the cyclists to visit historical places along the Mosel valley such as; Bernkastel-Kues, the jewel of the Mosel, Traben-Trarbach, Cochem, the main tourist part of the river and Koblenz where both the rivers Mosel and Rhine meet “Deutsches Eck”.
Some of the riders arranged to cycle off the beaten track to cycle alternate routes with greater physical challenges, whether it was to go steeper into the vineyards or cycle to the start checkpoints instead of taking the coach. Bryan Abell actually cycled from Mönchengladbach to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the group at the end of day one, an approximate 180 km and said: “I didn’t think it was that far!!”
Managing to cycle faster on day three enabled the riders to meet up in the Irish Bar at Cochem to watch England lose against Germany in the Second Round of the World Cup. At least one of our German riders, Andrea Sanders and the Scottish, Welsh and Irish contingent amongst us were able to celebrate. We can understand Andrea of course. To celebrate the event, Mrs Jackie Doherty composed a poem and on the coach back to JHQ she shared it with us. With her permission we have reproduced the words here:
Day one….with JHQ behind them….and Trier so far ahead
The expectant crew of cyclists had risen early from their beds
In eager ‘ticipation….for a great weekend away
They relished nights relaxing and awaited cycling all the day.
The money was paid, the cases were packed
An early fresh start, the bikes were all stacked
Then, a sleepy journey down, a joke told here and there
A quick stop on the motorway then on….toward Trier
Then the fun began….
The bikes were waiting ready, prepared by Jup’s own hand
And one by one they rode off, to begin the trip long planned
Even Pete, the toothless terror, graced the disco floor
Despite his grand old age, he was fleet of foot for sure!
Day two - as keen as mustard, the group set off en masse
The scenes their eyes all feasted, no other could surpass!
The ambience and beauty, the river in full flow
The flora and the fauna, the vineyards yet to grow….
Team Virgin had the most fun, whilst sampling many wines
They weaved their way back to the bus, wobbling in and out of the vines!
Some brave ones upped the challenge, Brian to name but one
(Who cycled from Mönchengladbach, before the ‘Mosel’ tour begun)
The sun shone on and on, but no-one gave a care
Paul Burley’s bike was broken, but Support Crew had a spare
A barbecue on the Terrace, just to end a perfect day
Some went to town for ice creams….
To relax a different way.
And so to sleep….or not!
As the heat wore on and on
And bodies through the hotel
Lay awake with little on!
Day three it was a Sunday
And ‘Fussball’ ruled the day
And England WON-at losing
So Andrea enjoyed the day.
The cyclists by now all bonded
Even Jackie knew most names
And Peter “decked” the minibus
Claiming “Ghana” to win the games!
Support men working tirelessly
Off loading the bikes all day
Helping here and helping there
Real assets in every way.
Even Geordie puched the ‘bus’ out.
And overtook a car!
He’s driven us here and driven us there
A ‘canny’ lad….by far
And so to bed again….
As the heat intensely grew
And all and sundry felt it
The riders and the crew
Day four’s the last leg of the journey
Koblenz….now to the rear
And all have cherished memories
That they will all hold dear.
Tomorrow….it’s the “BIG HOUSE”
As you recount your cycling tales
The high points and the low points
The ‘bum aches’ and all that that entails
You’ve had a great adventure
Slightly spoiled by the dusty ends
There’ll be no “ticking off” again
And trust your now, all friends
So that’s it! The trip is almost over
Four days, just spent like that
Please show your appreciation
As we pass around the HAT.
This trip could not have been achieved without the assistance from the able support crew, namely Jackie Doherty, Roger Martin, Josef Konig and Geordie Engleby. Special thanks go out to them. See you next year. |
