Northern bikes

A sense of foreboding gripped the team as the plane landed in Stockholm's torrential rain. Most had not had any sleep and the enormity of the task was beginning to set in. All had resolved to meet a sporting challenge and raise some money for Vision Aid Overseas but riding in heavy rain was not something most had contemplated.

By the 2am start time little rest had been taken but the rain had stopped. As the brisk wind kicked up waves onto lake Vattern's shore the team assembled for the countdown to the group's start. At the buzzer the riders clipped in and set out into the dark.