Robert Jones

I've been working at the Escape since time began and remember the first day I met the Make-A-Wish team. I was taken back by their kindest and generosity. I remember coming back to the Escape office and telling my partner "they're all like fairy godmothers".

I'm absolutely delighted to take part in this years event, so dig deep and think how it's all about the kids remember! It's a fantastic cause and it will benefit children not as fortunate as you or I. Make-A-Wish are an ideal charity partner for the Escape and we hope we can continue to grow as they do.

My Cycling Career

My cycling career began at the age of 12. My father used to say to me about what cycling has to offer larger people. "Even a person who's very overweight can still ride a bike" he said.

I remember he took me to Harry Quinn's. They had a cycle shop in Liverpool (Harry Quinn Cycles, strangely enough)!! to get my first proper racer. To be honest I never really took to joining any clubs but a do enjoy going out and about with a good picnic and lashings of booze. I completed the 2004 Wishpedlars in 4 hrs, which I didn't prepare for, couldn't walk the following week!!

My First Bike

My very first bike was a yellow CHIPPER which got nicked from outside our chippy funnily enough. Obviously it wasn't at the time and I was in tears holding me chips, mushy peas and gravy. I may of had curry sauce on that as well?

I then progressed up to the cult daddy - the CHOPPER. Who'd of ever thought that was going to be Raleigh's best ever selling bike, not me. Did you ever experience going over those handlebars? And, I've got the scars to prove it!!!

Looking back where there's blame, there's a possible claim?

After that experience I pushed on to a GRIFTER and used to bite the rubber bits out the handlebar crossbar - if you had one you'll know where I'm coming from.

Good luck to all my fellow team mates - remember it's the winning that counts, not the taking part.