I have been persuaded by two of my sons to join them on the Pedal for Scotland charity bike ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh (51 miles) this Sunday. We are raising money for Maggie's Centres.
A Maggie's centre is a place where anyone affected by cancer can turn to for help. People can go there if they've been recently diagnosed or have been living with cancer for decades. The unique centres create calm and uplifting spaces where anyone affected by any type of cancer can go for help. The centres are also open to friends or family members supporting those with cancer. With one in three people facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the role Maggie’s plays in the community has never been greater. See www.maggiescentres.org for further information.
Please make the pain a little more bearable by making a small donation.
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We made it!
We had to queue for about 45 minutes before leaving Glasgow Green at 10.00. I've never seen so many bikes in one place. The weather could not have been better: sunny but not too hot, dry, with a gentle breeze behind us. The main problem was dodging the other 9,000 riders. It would be an understatement to say they were of mixed abilities and the slow ones had a tendency to wander all over the road, requiring some rapid stops. There were 50-60 bikes at each set of traffic lights out of Glasgow, usually mixed in with some cars and lorries, so it was a bit hectic. Much better on the sections of closed and quiet roads.
My 'team-mates' helped by setting the pace, at least I think that's what they were doing when they disappeared over the horizon. I did catch up with them from time to time and we met at each of the 4 feeding stations along the way, but they were not making any allowances for my advancing years or tiring legs.
The worst bit was just on the outskirts of Edinburgh; a deceptively gentle but long incline. Lots of people were walking by this stage I was determined to carry on riding and just about managed it. The last 4 miles on flat paths were OK but I was very pleased to see the finishing line and the welcoming crowd.
We arrived at 3.30, so 5.5 hours from start to finish, about so about 4.5 hours on the road. I am now the proud owner of a finisher's medal and a strange collection of free samples in a rucksack.
Today (Monday) I am not feeling as sore and achy as I expected. My knees are a bit wobbly though. Hopefully that will improve.
Many thanks to everyone who has donated so generously. It is a very good cause and the whole event should have raised a lot for the wide range of charities represented. Maybe I'll do it again next year. On the other hand.................
