#TeamWaverton on the #TAMCharityCycle from Brussels to Amsterdam

After months of training and carbo-loading, the big day had arrived. On Thursday, 18 July, eight Waverton colleagues and 58 other riders from across wealth and asset management met at 6 am at St. Pancras for the Eurostar to Brussels and a 220-mile, three-day cycle to Amsterdam.

While getting changed and applying the requisite creams in the narrow cubicles on the train was not ideal, I, for one, was immensely grateful for the decision to start the ride on the continent this year, forgoing the time pressure of the ferry departure, the foul-mouthed abuse from Kent’s motorists, the non-cycle-friendly A-roads, and the atrocious weather of the UK.

Together, the 66-strong team were raising money for Elizabeth's Smile – a charity founded by the late founder of Nutmeg, Nick Hungerford – and for Winston's Wish . Both fantastic charities support bereaved children, and, at the time of writing, this cycle has raised more than ￡63,000 to help them continue their work.

DAY ONE

We arrived at Brussels-Midi at 10 am and waiting for us was our 10-strong support crew with our bikes and enough energy gels to fuel an army. The station entrance became a hive of Waverton-teal-clad riders reattaching their front wheels.

All was not smooth sailing, however, as we had already encountered our first hiccup.

One unnamed individual (not from #TeamWaverton) missed the train, so, not wanting to leave a good man behind, we took the opportunity to fuel up, lube our chains, and in James Laws ’ case, purchase a helmet. His was left beside his bed back in Finsbury Park.

Alas, this is where I personally met the second hiccup.

On the way to a local cycle shop with James, I decided I could not be outdone by his moment of absent-mindedness. While navigating the winding roads looking for VeloFixer, my front wheel got stuck in a tram line, and I flew off my bike and into the gutter. A passing commuter hoisted me off the floor, and while shaken, I was able to recall my French language skills sufficiently to tell him that his calf muscle massage was wholly unwelcome. My wheel looked like someone took a 12-gauge to it from point-blank range. My elbow, knee, bottom, and ego were all in pieces.

Thankfully, the bike shop sorted both James and me out—I dusted myself off and got the hell out of Brussels, catching up with most of the group by the first water break.

A barbecue and a fully stocked bar were waiting for us in Breda, and with James Mee, CFA and Matthew Parkinson, CFA representing Waverton in the vanguard, Dominic McLachlan , Charlotte McIntyre and I selflessly took on the roles of backmarkers, stopping for a couple of beers as we crossed the border into The Netherlands.

123km down and everyone had arrived safely at The Novotel. After a delicious barbeque, most of the group wisely decided to retire before 10 pm - the thought of an even longer day-two ride to the small town of Garderen with a hangover was not appealing.

DAY TWO

As we woke and got into the day-two kit kindly sponsored by Wellington Management , the cold, hard fact that not all of us are built for a life on the road dawned on James Laws. A nasty throat infection caught up with him, and he wisely decided to call it a day. We wished him well, saw him off in a taxi to Breda station, and off we set on the 143km route to Garderen.

A few hours later and the Terminator group aside, several of us were deeply envious of James and his inflamed tonsils. We were on the road to nowhere in 30°C+. Deep in the Dutch countryside, down lanes that I can only describe as being ideal for individuals in their witness protection programme.

Passing the odd windmill but few other signs of life, we finally arrived at our hotel after cycling on fumes for the last 20 km, unable to speak for fear of passing out from the exertion.

DAY THREE

The final day was one of the best days cycling I’ve ever experienced. A doddle at a mere 90 km, with pristine cycle paths along the waterfront on the way into Amsterdam. The pace of the group seemed to take a step up as we could smell the finish line – although that did not stop a sub-group stopping for a quick dip in the sea.

A huge thank you to James Penny and the Team at TAM Asset Management Ltd for the meticulous planning. To the support team for keeping us hydrated, fed and for the emergency support.

Thank you also to all of those who have donated to the #TeamWaverton Fundraiser, played Euro 2024 Bingo or purchased from the drinks trolley. We are just shy of our target – so if you would like to contribute, please follow this link to donate.