Remember those warm, balmy (barmy?) Spring days back in May when a group of intrepid friends (still?) banded together on a single dedicated mission - to traverse across the beautiful Highlands of Scotland using only their legs and bottoms for transport (OK so Bob was in the van) – enjoying stunning scenery and having deep spiritual conversations – watching their muscles grow and ripple with each passing mile – letting the fresh air into their inner recesses - being at one with their bike (especially around the saddle area!) – and at the end of the epic journey sneering at the ease of it all and longing for the next Challenge?

Well you should remember because that was the Bouncy Bike Challenge 2003 across the Great Glen and a wonderful time was had by all (I hope!).

One of the most popular items of equipment with wheelchair users who visit Badaguish is the ‘Duet Wheelchair Tandem Bike’. This allows the wheelchair user, and a carer or friend, to get out and about enjoying trips around the forest trails and paths around Badaguish. Our existing ‘Duet’ is quite old now and starting to show its age needing regular repair and too often ‘off the road’ and out of use whilst it is fixed. So, with such an amazing amount of money raised, and not really wanting to let it just sit whilst we wait to find out if we got the Trampoline grant, we have decided to purchase a new ‘Duet’ (which will cost nearly £3000). This will be really popular and very welcomed by our visitors (and staff!) and will get plenty of good use providing enjoyment for those who use it.

Now then, not being one to let an opportunity pass I am hoping to have the new ‘Duet’ bike here before the 6th December. I also know that a lot of the BBC team from ‘afar’ will be here that weekend for a social (Pam, Jan & Rob, Colin & Susan, Carol, Bill & Morag, Smudge & Heather, Norrie & Elaine). So it would be really good if we could all get together at Badaguish for a photograph with the new ‘Duet’ and a BBC Presentation Cheque.

It wouldn’t take too long (trust me!) and we could have a cuppa, renew friendships and show off your scars to each other! We ‘local’ BBC-ers (Morag & Paul, Penny, Ingrid, Emma, Simon and Bob) plus family, friends and Staff could all arrange to meet up here at the appropriate time. So as a first go at a time for this meet up why don’t we say 2pm on Saturday 6th December at Badaguish. I’ll arrange the tea and biccies, cheque and camera.