Nightrider 2012

The event, in its third year, as well as being long and arduous takes place at night - from 12.30am onwards. It promised the sights of London in its quietest moments with a magnificent summer sunrise over our capital's landmarks. It delivered the manic, drunken streets with more traffic than at rush hour and a sunrise in Brixton. If you add to that one of my riding companions dislocating his shoulder and the subsequent hour long wait for an ambulance, it really was a night to remember.

The camaraderie of these events is always fun and 19 brave riders rode for WJR and raised a fantastic amount for our clients. Between the long stretches of agony there were moments of pleasure: some breathtaking views of London - especially from South London which is a vista I do not appreciate often; a gorilla on a bike overtaking me at 3am; banter with the tandem riders we rode with for a few miles; and the companionship of my friend Lawrence Radley with whom I have shared too many of these painful experiences over the last 20 years. Alan Reich who dislocated his shoulder was the keenest of our small crew and he told me yesterday as I promised him I would not be joining him on the ride next year that I would, like with a pregnancy, soon forget the pain. To him, I say there is as much chance of me riding next year as there is of me falling pregnant.

Thanks to all who rode for WJR. We are fortunate to have so many supporters who increasingly are prepared to undertake great feats of dedication for our amazing cause. There will be plenty of spots next year for all who rode and others. I will be joining the knitters.