Mon 21 May 2012 – My back aches, my knee aches, my hip aches, my stump is a bit sore and I am very tired but I am pleased as punch that I took part in the event and even more pleased that I completed it. A massive, massive thank you to everyone that has helped me, supported me, trained with me, sponsored me, donated gifts to the raffle for me, the list is endless. Thank you all so much. Through all of your help and efforts, between us and once the money has been collected from the raffle and the places that Les has put sponsorship forms, we have almost raised £1500. However, if you are reading this and haven’t yet donated, it’s not too late. This page will be open until August 2012, so please donate and help the worthy causes that Champneys have chosen to support this year. Thank you all very, very much xxx

Sun 20th May 2012 - The big day seemed to have come round very, very quickly. In actual fact, it was only six weeks ago that I first got very nervously back on to my bike, with a lot of encouragement from Les. I have to admit, I did feel a wee bit apprehensive on the journey to Champneys. None of my rides so far, had taken me up to the full 22 miles, so I was still concerned that I would make it all the way.

However, I got there and the place was buzzing with atmosphere and activity. I finally got to meet Jez, who definitely looked the part. Les and the team were all there in full force. We signed in and collected our visual safety tunic and water bottles and then made our way to the start line, ready for the off. I believe there were 287 riders – amazing. I was concerned it would be a bit of a bun fight to find some space on the roads but everyone set off at their own pace and spaced out nicely.

Reality hit home immediately as we started peddling and I realised we actually had to cycle 22 miles. However, having Jez for company was brilliant, as he offered lots of support, encouragement and tips and watching him ride, has given me more goals to aim for. Sounds silly but even the way he starts and stops is brilliant and seeing him do it gives me hope that at some point , I too will be able to do it, given a bit more practise and muscle build up! At the moment, my setting off is more like being on a scooter, with my good leg paddling away on the ground, until I get enough speed up to get it up on to the pedal and cycle.

We seemed to get to the first checkpoint fairly quickly, about an hour I think, and I could see the Greyhound Pub in Haynes looming at the top of the hill. I didn’t think there was any way that I would get there without walking the last bit but with Jez’s encouragement and tips, I actually made it to the top, without getting off! However, it wasn’t a pretty sight, me wheezing and gasping for air. I don’t think that Jez even broke into a sweat! Someone said that that was the worst hill – phew, thank heavens for that! We stopped there and had light refreshments and replenished our water bottles and the pub very kindly let us use their facilities – thank you.

Then we were on our way again. We passed through some of Bedfordshire’s most spectacular places and enjoyed the scenery and wildlife along the way. Jez thought that he heard parakeets in the woods! We had another long, slow hill to climb and sometimes they can be worse than short, steep hills but again with Jez’s encouragement and the adrenaline flowing from the buzz of the day, I made it up to the top again. I’m sure a lot of other people did too and to some, it may not have been too much effort but the people that have been cycling with me regularly in training, particularly Chris, know that I have struggled a bit with hills – partly due to lack of fitness and muscle mass.

We followed the Champneys signs and made it to the tea rooms at Southill. What a fabulous place for our lunch stop – well worth a visit. We went inside and had a hot cuppa and sat in the warmth for a while – very cosy and very welcome, and welcoming! Jez was a bit cold, as this route was quite minor league stuff for him – he is used to doing MTB marathon championships. However, he is still an amputee, like me, so good effort Jez.

We figured that we had about seven miles left to go and seeing as we had been asked not to get back before 2pm, we left the tea rooms at about 1.15pm. I knew that the route back was now quite flat, except for the sleeping policemen through Langford and Henlow and we cycled very sedately back to Champneys.

Yeeeaahhhh – we made it – all 22 miles. Not sure how long it took because of the stops but it wasn’t a race anyway. I was delighted to see that some friends had turned up to welcome us over the finish line – thanks guys. We received our certificates and headed to the marquee where refreshments and dinner was served. Speeches, photos and entertainment followed and a good time was had by all I think. The rain that had originally been forecast, stayed away and so once again, I dodged getting rained on! What a great day! Thanks to all at Champneys for hosting the event and looking after us all so well. And well done to everyone who took part in the event.

Next year – 36 miles and yes, I will endeavour to raise my seat higher before then. Lol!