We arrived at River in West Sussex at 9.45pm after 135 miles and 15.5 hours on the road. A lot more hills than expected and the wind and rain was not part of our plan, however it cleared up in the afternoon and we enjoyed the challenge and took in some great countryside views.
Looking back after resting my bum for a few days this was almost fun. A huge thanks must go to Ian who really helped as I am no good with maps when hyper-ventilating and resting my legs lying down on the side of the road. He also planned all food and energy bars although none of that illegal cheating stuff unfortunately.
I have attached some photos as evidence that we did it and prepared well at our old university favourite venues being the OVT and the Dilshad!
Thanks so much to all those who have been so kind to generously donate money to this worthy cause. We have raised over £3500 to date and the RNH have written and thanked us and this means all of you for the funds.
Thanks
Piley and Ian
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Final Update - It's tomorrow.
So last mail before the 'pedal off'. Not sure if camping was the best preparation last weekend unless hops loading has the same beneficial qualities as carb loading!
Ian managed another 40 miles at the weekend, I don't think he actually realises we are going nearly 4 times that but he seems to like that distance. I was thinking, do marathon runners train over 6.5 miles? Shame he had to go out every night this week with his client who did not turn out to be the quiet non drinking type, but the tiredness and fuzzy head is keeping him ignorant and therefore confident! Thanks very much Ian for getting involved and helping with the planning as well.
We are staying at my old university tonight where I first met Jezza. We all had many happy times there and in London thereafter and I am glad to be able to finally do something in his memory. He would have laughed a lot at the sight of me in lycra on a bike that looks like the wheels might buckle. Mind you at least I will have clothes on and no waiters chasing me!
Thanks so much to everyone for your kind support.
Piley and Ian
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Quick update - 17 June 10 - I have been away on holiday for a week eating and drinking and Ian is away now doing the same. So training going well and feeling confident!!
We will do it, just not sure how quickly.......Thanks everyone for their support.
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As many of you know our great friend Jezza died 10 years ago from a brain aneurysm and I have always wanted to do something for charity in honour of the "Big Man".
Rowing across the Atlantic and climbing Everest is so done and no doubt 3 year olds will be sailing around the world soon so I thought of a new unique challenge never done before, then I thought again and decided on a long bike ride. I was thinking 200+ miles but then a mate told me about erectile dysfunction after being in the saddle too long so I decided after some good advice from my friend and fellow biker for this journey Ian, that we would cycle from Selly Oak in Birmingham to River near Midhurst in Sussex. Thinking about it, this route probably never has been done before, why would you?
Anyhow, this is our plan. On 16th July we cycle 150 miles in a day with very little training and a 15 stone tummy. Ian I must say is a lot thinner and with his endurance event history I believe he will be a great help. Well I believed this before he told me he had to go to bed last weekend after cycling 40 miles.
There may be others joining us for this journey and I will update as we know but for now Ian and I are the team and we are cycling for The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. This is a national medical charity providing assessment, rehabilitation treatment and care for adults with profound and complex disabilities caused by disease or damage to the brain or other parts of the nervous system. I know Izzy is a big supporter of this charity and it would be great to raise as much as we can for them.
Thanks for your support.
Piley and Ian (maybe more?!)
