Raised: 114%
Target: £650.00
Raised so far: £738.80
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My story

 

According to the website, the Devon Coast 2 Coast:

- "is a multi-sport traverse that journeys through some of Britain's finest landscape."

- "passes through two spectacular National Parks: Exmoor and Dartmoor; and finishes in the sublimly beautiful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the South Hams."

- "has become an absolute must-do, bench-mark event in the UK."

So having been fully taken in by this compelling propoganda, and some persuasive friends, we decided to enter.

And then read what it actually involves...

 

Classic Two-Day Route: 140+ mile (225+ km):

 

Stage 1: Running - 9 miles / 14.5km (mixed terrain)

This 'warm-up' section involves some lovely trail running alongside a wooded river valley, before gently ascending to give fantastic vews of this stunning coastline of Devon. Sounds ok so far...

The route returns to the Event Base via footpaths and quiet tarmac tracks.  By no means an easy run due to the undulating nature of the topography. Right, ok. Not sure I like the word 'undulating'...

 

Stage 2: Cycling - 55 miles / 88km (road)

The longest stage of the event has participants riding through the simply majestic National Park of Exmoor.  Expect to see expansive views over moorland with steep sided valleys cutting into it.  Be aware of Exmoor ponies and sheep on the roads as you climb and descend your way across the landscape. Ponies sound good, could give the legs a rest...

When Dartmoor appears on the horizon, look out for its highest peak - to later be negotiated, High Willhays (621m). Arghh, definitely have to hang on to that pony then...

 

Stage 3: Trail / Mountain Running - 4 miles / 7km (trail / fell)

A short run leads up to the summit of High Willhays, the highest peak in southern England.  This climb of over 1100ft (340m) passes over terrain typically found on Dartmoor.  The coarse heather, grassy tusocks, and boggy moorland can make the going very tough. So I suppose running up a massive hill is too easy, they have to make it boggy too...

 

Stage 4: Cycling - 23 miles / 37km (road)

The route continues along the disused railway of cycleway 27, that contours the edge of Dartmoor. Cyclists return towards Dartmoor, with yet more climbing and descending.  The final stretch of road works its way agonisingly towards Princetown and the end of Day One.  Despite the glorious views across the expansive bleak landscape of Dartmoor, the final few miles are sure to hurt. Do they really have to use words like 'agonisingly' and 'sure to hurt'???

 

Overnight Camp

A fantastic spot, situated at the very heart of Dartmoor, and gives cause for a semi-celebration - half down, half to go.  This is the perfect opportunity to relax in a beautiful setting, re-fuel, recover and socialise amongst other participants.  Always a great atmoshpere and a highlight of the event. Because we're clearly we're going to be feeling in the mood for a party at this point...

 

Stage 5: Mountain Biking - 23 miles / 37km (mixed terrain)

A real mixed bag of terrain, allowing for some superb mountain biking.  Technical in places, this section is a mountain bikers paradise and will require an aggressive tread on the tyre to cope with the conditions. Sounds great, if my legs were actually likely to be functioning still...

 

Stage 6: Kayaking - 8 miles / 13km (estuary)

A simply stunning paddle down one of the finest rivers in England, the River Dart.  Tree and flower clad banks will accompany you as you weave your way towards the picturesque town of Dartmouth. We covered 2km in a kayak in Ireland. My arms nearly fell off...

 

Stage 7: Trail Running - 19 miles / 30km (mixed terrain)

This run is a true epic.  Brutal yet beautiful.  This will sap any remaining energy from you, but will fill you will elation as you cross the finish line.  Focus on the elation Gill. Do not focus on the fact that this is only 7 miles short of a marathon.... NOOOOOOO!!

 

So there you have it. Having had the horrible realisation that we now actually have to do all this, I figured at least someone might as well benefit from the pain - so Practical Action is the charity of choice for me. To give you an idea of what you could be helping to fund:

- £8 could buy a fireless cooker in Western Kenya to help reduce deadly smoke inhalation caused by traditional cooking methods.

- £20 could buy a Sudanese family a goat, providing enough milk to keep the whole family healthy.

- £40 could provide a water tap in Zimbabwe, give families threatened by drought and cholera life-changing access to reliable water supplies.

- £72 could provide seeds, compost and a littleknow-how to help farmers in Bangladesh grow gourds and pumpkins on otherwise barren sandbars to eat, store and sell.

- £650 could buy a Wind Turbine in Nepal, bringing the huge benefits of an electricity source to a remote mountain region.

- £1825 could buy the electro-mechanical equipment (turbine, generator and controller) for a 3kW Pico-Hydro Scheme in Peru.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

 

Thanks very much!! I'll let you know how it goes. Once I've recovered that is...

Gill xx

 

PS: My trusty team adventurer is Shirley - she's raising money for Action Cancer which provides invaluable funds for cancer research, detection, prevention and support for local communities within Northern Ireland. To donate go to http://www.justgiving.com/Shirley-Pim/ Thanks!

Good work, great charity. Donation by Cat 11/10/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Well done! Great cause and super effort. Almost looks like fun!!! ;-) Donation by Ceri Angood 02/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

In the South East the local news was called 'Coast to Coast'. It was a great show. Well done Superdude!! POWERO Donation by Robert Power 30/09/09  

£35.00 + £9.87 Gift Aid

Heh Hey you crazy fool. Glad to see your still as mad as ever! Say hi to Shirley & Hanna for me. Good luck and enjoy it. Donation by Gaz 23/09/09  

£7.80 + £2.20 Gift Aid

Good effort Gill. Looks like a good challenge - best of luck!! Donation by Andrew Meehan 23/09/09  

£17.00 + £4.79 Gift Aid

Nice work Gill! (You crazy nutter) Donation by Pete K 23/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck - you'll need it ;-) Donation by Peter & Claire 22/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Trust this pays for the story and pics! Donation by Mike Brighton mtb 16/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Sounds pretty nuts Gill. Good luck! X Donation by Rory Renshaw 15/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good idea. Nothing like a nice leisurely stroll and boat in the countryside...... Donation by John Mitchell 14/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Anything to get out of Russian lessons! Donation by Anthony Seaman - MML 12/09/09  

£3.00 + £0.85 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Bel Camargo 11/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Dorothee 11/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

sheer masochism - enjoy Donation by janet laing 09/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

I hope my 1 and a 1/2 goats (or 4.6% of a wind turbine) help you survive what sounds to me like torture. Go for it, and best of luck! Donation by Sarah L 09/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

madness... Donation by Stavros Tassos 09/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Gill, you'll definitely earn the sponsorship with that 19 mile run. Can I have you bike if you die? Donation by rhodri 09/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Go for gold! Have a wonderful time.. xxx Donation by Meals 09/09/09  

£20.00

You're so brave Gill !!! Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Kendrick xx Donation by Kendrick 08/09/09  

£20.00

Mad, completely mad!! No need to thank me - you already have..... Good luck. xx Donation by Hannah Grant 04/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck madwoman. xx Donation by Ash and Rob 03/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Nice one Gill. Have it x Donation by Joe Bull 02/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

GOOD LUCK GILL!!! You are mental! Hope we are around to cheer you on. Donation by Ali and Emily XX 02/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Willie, you are totally bonkers! I so wish I could do it with you... hmmm - lying? me? Have an amazing time!! xxx Donation by Char 02/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I think you're insane..Jon wants challenge next yr! We'll have 2 goats towards herd, u can borrow them for final epic climb! Gd luck!! Donation by Katie & Jon 29/08/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

So much luck. Think you're completely bonkers. Can't wait to hear all about it. Love Katie and Dave xx Donation by Katie and Dave 29/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

I am exhausted just reading about it - you are mental! I hope this goat spurs you on - few more donations and you'll have yourself a herd! GOOD LUCK!x Donation by Claire Jones 28/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Go for it! Donation by Richard Kellett 28/08/09  

£6.00 + £1.69 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £478.80
  Offline donations: £260.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £123.76

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