Despite weary legs, a tired but delighted Nick Walkley has finally completed his 250 mile cycle challenge to raise money for the James Watson fund.

Tight schedule

As reported on 4BR, Nick rode the Trans-Pennine Trail from Southport to Hull, making significant musical checkpoint stops along the way. Despite a tight schedule he achieved each daily target, as well as meeting several bands as they prepared for the British Open.

50 miles a day

He told 4BR, the promise of a warm welcome at Fairey, Black Dyke and Grimethorpe rehearsals provided the motivation to get through an average of 50 miles per day of hard pedalling.

"There were moments where I actually thought I wasn't going to make it and instead face a locked door.

With Grimethorpe I made it with only minutes to spare! It’s been a mad adventure and I'm bruised and exhausted, but it has been completely worth it."

Tribute

The trip was planned in tribute to three heroes, all professors at the Royal Academy of Music from where Nick recently graduated.

The route had special connections with James Watson, Rod Franks and Derek Watkins, with the final visit of the tour to see Richard Smith (above) at the Smith-Watkins workshop, which provided a fascinating insight into the innovations he has been making to instrument design over the past 30 years, and to learn more about his partnership with Derek.

Stories

At Fairey, Nick also paid tribute to Jim Cant, a former trombone section colleague of his father, as well as Maurice Murphy who had begun his career there.

Maurice famously headed to Black Dyke, which was Nick's next stop where he enjoyed hearing stories of Jim Watson, as well as retracing Rod Frank's early playing years.

It’s been a mad adventure and I'm bruised and exhausted, but it has been completely worth itNick Walkley

Raise funds

Each band had been contacted before the event and gave full support to the initiative which aims to raise funds to support dedicated and talented brass students through their studies, which can often be expensive and demanding.

It was established between Tom and Will Watson and the Royal Academy shortly after Jim's death in 2011.