The end is nigh!

'Am I going quackers?' asks Mr Gnome as he contemplates the amazing final figure from this year's Pedal to Paris bike ride.

Fear not, Mr G, all is well.

To date Rory's sponsors have contributed an incredible £1899.05, which with the addition of Gift Aid, adds up to a stunning more-or-less final figure of approximately £2125.00.

Rory says: 'A heartfelt thank you to all my wonderful sponsors. Your kindness, interest and generosity helped me truly to ride with pride throughout the 277 exciting miles from Greenwich to the Arc de Triomphe.'

Mr Keegan and Mr Gnome salute their sensational sponsors and say: 'Au revoir, merci beaucoup and over and out!'

Update from Mr Gnome

The cycling is over. The sponsorship collection is very nearly complete. And the news is sensational.

£1851.55, which with the addition of Gift Aid is equal to well over £2000.

Man and Gnome are approaching the final figure before decaring the Pedal-to-Paris project closed.

Once again, a million thanks ot all who have helped us to reach this amazing total.

Hurrah for you!

Approaching the target!

Post-ride blues? No way!

Mr Gnome is fizzing with excitement as our fantastic sponsors bring our total-so-far up to an amazing £1470.30!

Triomphe!

Stop press! Goal achieved. Ride a success!

Delighted to announce successful completion of the 2007 Royal British Legion Pedal to Paris event. All 277 undulating miles of it!

More news very soon!

Mr Gnome's radio activity...

Mr Gnome guested today on Bob Brolly's popular afternoon show on BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire.

What fun! Producer Sarah James (so friendly) welcomed us to the BBC's gleaming, state-of-the-art studios in Coventry city centre.

Mr G basked in the celebrity status afforded to him by all at this tip-top station.

And after a brief wait, we were in the studio being quizzed live on air by Bob Brolly.

Bob gave us ample opportunity to chat about the ride, the excellent work of RBL - and about Mr Gnome's inspirational role in Rory's training.

Thanks BBC Radio Cov and Warwickshire! And thank you, Bob, for your generous personal donation to the funds.

Hurrah!

STOP PRESS!

The total has reached £1340.30!

Wow!

Hurrah!

Gratitude!

STOP STOP STOP PRESS!

Gnome apparel has arrived....

Spa to Spa!

Brilliant sunshine blessed Mr G's (and Mr K's) final training ride from Leamington Spa to Cheltenham Spa.

Cleeve Hill was bit of a huff - but afforded a glorious view (above) over to the distant Malvern Hills.

Mr K and Mr G were feeling chipper. The fundraising total-so-far is an astonishing £1220.55!

(Yes, £15.00 lower than in last posting. Mr K forgot to ask Mr G to check his adding up. Blush.)

The bike is now proudly be-poppied and man and gnome are eagerly preparing for the off on Thursday morning.

New to the blog? Read on!
Rory Keegan is cycling from London-to-Paris at the end of August - many people have already generously agreed to sponsor his efforts. If you haven't already done so, perhaps you'd like to join in....

Rory says: 'I'm preparing to take part in the Royal British Legion's exciting London to Paris bike ride. My chum Mr Gnome, a keen cyclist, is my trainer and principal encourager.

Huff and puff
'We depart Greenwich, London, on Thursday 30 August - and arrive at the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday 2 September.

'The route covers 277 miles. Click here for details of the itinerary.

'The event is organized by RBL and is professionally marshalled and monitored - and Mr G and I will be part of a large group of cyclists of all abilities taking part in this enjoyable, energetic event.'

Mr Gnome says: 'I have been supervising Mr K's training programme. I'm convinced that my human protégé will complete the course.'

High hopes
Man and gnome are hoping to raise £1000 in aid of the excellent work of the Royal British Legion.

Rory says: ' Why RBL? Quite simply it's a way of saying "thank you" to the thousands of men and women whose courage and perseverance ensured the freedom and relative peace that we enjoy today.'

Shameless invitation
Would you like to sponsor Mr K's effforts?

You can do so in several ways:

• Secure online service: Donate via the Royal British Legions's website
  

• Make a pledge to Rory Keegan via an e-mail.

• Or simply contact Rory and Mr G by phone or the traditional postal method and they will be happy to send out sponsor forms and further info.

Gift Aid
Mr G adds: 'If you're a UK taxpayer, please don't forget to tick the Gift Aid box - it makes such a difference - at no extra cost to you!'

Gnome country

Mr Gnome (pictured on the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge) had a tip-top weekend break in the USA. Hurrah!

He's home, jet-lagged but eager to thank all who have donated in his absence.

The fund stands at a gnometastic £1235.55.

Thank you!