Aycliffe Today Business Aycliffe Today Business Issue 36 | Page 14

14 | Aycliffe Today Business
ROF 59 founder John
Finley is leading the way
again with another unique
attraction for Aycliffe
Business Park.
LEAP OF
FAITH
Another first for Aycliffe
as ROF 59 install hair-
raising zip wire
ROF 59 on Aycliffe
Business Park have
installed a hair-raising
new zip wire. Aycliffe
Today editor Martin
Walker tried it out, and
gives his verdict…
I
’ve known John Finley a long time, so I
trust him.
But that trust was put to the test when
he told me… sorry, I mean asked me to
have a go of the new zip wire at his fabulous
activity centre.
How hard could it be, I thought?
Well, once you finally reach the top of the
staircase, which starts in the bowels of ROF
59 before spiralling to the very top, and step
outside on to a 19 metre-high platform that
virtually sticks out the side of the building
like a cockatoo’s perch, and with the wind
whistling around your ears, the adrenaline
quickly takes over – adrenaline laced with a
tinge of fear (sounds like one of ROF 59’s
exotically-named cocktails).
The last time my palms perspired like this
was prior to meeting one of my idols, Bryan
Robson, for the first time nearly 20 years
ago.
But Captain Marvel couldn’t help me now.
Already strapped up like a risk-averse
school teacher on a field trip, I tentatively
stepped forward.
Despite my last-minute assertions that it
isn’t my turn yet (lead instructor Matthew
Breadin reminds me there’s nobody else
up there with us) I quickly realise there’s
no turning back. I actually have to do this,
whether I like it or not.
Mistake number one was looking down.
Actually, no, mistake number one was
agreeing to do this in the first place. Mistake
number two was looking down. Don’t look
down, they said. I forgot. At this point, I’m
thankful that earlier in the day I somewhat
coincidentally chose to wear my lucky brown
trousers.
My first attempt was pathetic. It reminded
me of my younger days – not that long ago
– trying to jump off the top diving board at
the Dolphin Centre swimming baths back in
the day.
I managed to jump at my second attempt.
And after a split-second dip – that split-
second seemed a lot longer, by the way – I
was away, flying across the Aycliffe Business