"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." So says 67 year old vision impaired cyclist, Joe Bollard, of his 25 day 3,000 mile cycle from San Diego on the west coast of the USA to Charleston on the east with 30 other Blazing Saddles team members in October 2000. Each raised £10,000 which was used to contribute to the National Council for the Blind of Ireland's services to over 6,500 blind and vision impaired people in Ireland.

Many memories were re-lived at the official closing ceremony held in the offices of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland on Wednesday 15 May 2002. Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy, Mrs. Jane B. Fort, presented each participant with a commemorative trophy on behalf of the NCBI in recognition of their significant contribution to the organisation. Each participant also received a souvenir copy of the Telegael produced video, which captured all the highs and lows of the lifetime experience.

"The Coast to Coast Ultimate Challenge was more than just a fundraising event," explained Des Kenny, Chief Executive of the NCBI. "It was the challenge and the experience of a lifetime, one that NCBI and all the Blazing Saddles who participated should be proud of. The significance of the event was such that we at the NCBI felt it appropriate to commission a special piece of sculpture from Rynhart. The piece portrays a tandem bicycle set against a backdrop of mountains with the participants name included. It is a beautiful and appropriate souvenir of the experience."

The 31 strong cycling team of 28 men and 3 women, led by the legendary Sean Kelly and directed by Eamon Duffy, were drawn from professions such as the pub trade, the Gardai, law, financial management, cardiology and glass blowing and from 16 counties in the north, south, east and west of Ireland. All worked together to complete an average of 120 miles per day over 25 days covering 10 states - California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama (twice), Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina.

"I guess it was the ultimate challenge for us" said one Blazing Saddle member, "but it was also the ultimate achievement and the ultimate experience of my lifetime."