The formal/physical part of the BB 2010 is now over - leaving me to enjoy some R&R with my son before flying back home. After a prolonged stay in Kalimpong we are now in Darjeeling. I’m sitting in the garden of my hotel basking in the warm morning sun – relaxed sans all muscles aches and pains! Jonathan is resting - still suffering from ‘Delhi Belly’ picked up in Kalimpong. (At the time of posting we have since left Darjeeling for Siliguri and yours truly is also 'running' with 'Delhi Belly"!!)

Earlier on we took a walk down Hooker Road to visit the Zoo and the Himalayan Mountain Institution – both were closed as it was a Thursday; then heading towards the rope-way station that used to ferry people over to the Rangeet River – only to discover it was no longer in operation for some years now - following a fatal accident!

Not our day for local sightseeing but the perfect time to express my gratitude, extend thanks and acknowledge all those who've contributed in some way to this cause. Without the concerted efforts, big or small, this event would not have been possible or successful.

But, before continuing I should mention here that the next bike event will not take place from Kolkata. The significant increase in heavy traffic on the much improved National Highway - poses considerable risks to the cyclists that we absolutely cannot ignore. The event will continue and we are considering other alternatives, suitable and safer routes. Rev. John Webster plans a reconnoiter trip this autumn so we should have an indication by the end of the year as to where that start location could be.

As someone with a very personal interest in the well-being of the school, I’d like to sincerely thank (and I’m sure both Vanda and Tony join me in this): Tina, Jackie, Caroline, Christine, Janice, Archie, Richard, James, David Willis, David Fisher, Sandy, Ray, Clive, Phil, Andrew and Jonathan for their participation. They not only gave up their personal time, footing their own expenses but also put in enormous effort raising approx. £70,000 for the Homes. I hope this 'one-of-a-kind' experience left a memorable stamp on each and everyone of you!

In addition, the OGB Association of Kalimpong, contributed a grand sum of £1,100 (Rs.75,000). For this , I’d like on behalf of Rev. John Webster and the Bike Bengal 2010 team to thank - Hiranya, Mahendra, Sonam and Miku and all the other OGB’s for their sterling effort in raising this sum. Thanks, also goes out to the many individual donors – too many to be mentioned by name but you know who you are; many thanks also to the ‘Heat Flexi Connections’ team under Prakash Gupta. They supported us superbly from start to finish – all our requests – ranging from the ordinary to the not so ordinary - were met with patience and a smile!

Finally, for the welcome we got from Kalimpong, the children of the Homes, the CEO, the Bursar and the Headmaster – you were fantastic and we were overwhelmed with your greetings. Thank You!

Last but not least - please keep the donations coming in: Donations can be made through JustGiving donation or the UK DGH site if you are having problems: Links below:

https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/ donation.asp?ref=8401 (the UK charity site) or my JustGiving site: http://www.justgiving.com/Ken-Hammond