The Annan team was captained by Billy Henderson and consisted of Gordon Carmichael, Andy Black and Gary Coupland as drivers and support, and Sean and Thomas Buckley, Graeme Hogg, Tom Sloan, Craig McCann, Barry Graham, Dek Reive, Roy Thorburn and Billy as bikers.
The cyclists covered 555 miles, with an elevation of 26,556 feet. They only suffered one punctured tyre and a minor fall, which had no lasting adverse effects.
Upon completion of the challenge, Annan team captain Billy said: “What a fabulous event to take part in. Our reception along the length of the 555 miles was exceptional and the friendliness at each stop was tremendous.
“Stand out moments for myself include meeting a lady in Welshpool who had been involved in my ‘Isle of Coll Beach Rugby Tournament’, and being the first team to bike into Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, before the police escort to the game. What a rousing and inspirational reception we received.
“The bike ride through the streets of Edinburgh to Murrayfield made us all feel ten feet tall with all the supporters cheering.”
Following breakfast at 8 am on Thursday, the Annan team departed Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to begin the ride, which was led by Doddie’s former Scotland and British and Irish Lions teammate Rob Wainwright with the aim of delivering the match ball for the Doddie Weir Cup.
Annan were in Peloton A which comprised of 16 teams, including players from the 1997 British Lions team.
The lads travelled through Wales on Thursday with stops at a number of clubs along the way. After a short rest, the team crossed into England at Chester on Friday.
They travelled across the country, visiting various clubs, to Darlington where they enjoyed another short rest.
At midnight the team left Darlington and crossed into Scotland where they were greeted by a lone piper at Dunbar RFC, before arriving into the capital city for the final stop at Edinburgh Accies RFC.
On Saturday afternoon the cyclists gathered in Charlotte Square. A police escort then took them to Murrayfield where the match ball was presented to HRH Princes Anne prior to the kick off of the Scotland v Wales Six Nations match.
So far, the Annan team have raised nearly £42,000 for the foundation and donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/team/team-annan.
The Annan Rugby 555 team would like to thank Rob Wainwright and the Doddie Ride 555 Team for the chance to participate in such a great event, their team sponsors – Annan Rugby Club, Atkins, Annandale Distillery, Halbro, Isle of Coll Distillery, Albie Forestry Ltd, Endura, Select Drams Strathaven and Annan Academy (Home Economics Dept) for their support, all of the individuals involved at The Principality Stadium, Kidwelly, Llandovery, Llanidloes, Welshpool, Wrexham, Orell, Wharfedale, Darlington, Alnwick, Dunbar and Edinburgh Accies, for their hospitality throughout the ride and everyone else who has donated or supported the ride either at events, during collections or by donation.
