Alan Greatbatch
Alan Greatbatch Charity Cycle Ride Sense
Fundraising for Sense
Story
My 19 year old daughter Helen is profoundly deaf, autistic and has learning difficulties. Earlier this year I spent 9 weeks cycling 4,200 miles across the US to raise money and awareness for two charities which have helped my family cope with Helen's disabilities : Royal Schools for the Deaf and Communications Disorders and Sense.
I dipped my rear wheel in the Pacific near Seattle on 19 June, headed East, and soon wished I had studied a 3D map of the US before starting out. The Cascade, Teton and Bighorn Mountains all seem flat in 2D! Even though I was quite fit at the start of the tour, I was not fully prepared for the mountains, for temperatures often more than 100oF, or even for cycling an average of 80 miles a day for 9 weeks. By the end of the tour, I had climbed 150,000 feet (the equivalent of 5 times Mount Everest!).
In the first 600 mile week I suffered badly, particularly on Day 3, and only sheer determination got me through, inspired by Helen and the cause, despite breaking my bike and ending up in the middle of the highway. I bought another bike and carried on to other challenges, such as the final 5 ½ mile 1 in 10 climb over the Teton Pass in week 2 which nearly tore my lungs out.
There were many wonderful, inspirational experiences along the way: seeing "Old Faithful" erupt at sunset in Yellowstone Park; emerging from a tunnel to see Mount Rushmore ahead of us; seeing the awesome majesty and power of Niagara Falls close up, camping in the shadow of Devil's Tower, or visiting Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory.
Perhaps my most satisfying day was a beautiful 96 mile ride up the Bighorn Mountains, including 60 miles of 5% to 7% climbs to a maximum height of nearly 10,000 ft. Even though it took me over 10 hours, I managed to complete the day when a third of the riders quit. The wildlife everywhere was spectacular: bison, elk, moose, antelope, coyotes, the odd bear, eagles, ospreys and butterflies galore. Vast areas of the US are unpopulated, mobile phone coverage is limited, and "history" in many places only seems to begin in the early 19th Century. Entertainment in some very small towns is unusual, to say the least, and in a place called Interior (pop 67) consisted of riding a 2,500 pound steer through the only bar! I finished my ride just North of Boston on 20 August, 11 lbs lighter and having raised nearly £25,000. My target is £30,000, and if you would like to sponsor me, you can do so if you log into www.justgiving.com, click on 'Sponsor a Friend' and type in Alan Greatbatch. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has already sponsored me, and to my boss at Royal Bank of Scotland, Johnny Cameron, for allowing me to take 9 weeks (unpaid) leave. Anyone interested in cycling across the US from Coast to Coast can check www.CycleAmerica.com NEWS From Alan: -------------------------------------------------------- Alan arrived safely in the US and has begun his epic journey. Scroll down past the first update to read the Charity Cycle Ride Summary. There is a link to some Photos under the 10 August 05 update. 16/08/05 -------- Dear All We've now completed nearly 4,000 miles and will soon be dipping our wheels in the Atlantic at Boston. We spent the weekend in Lake Placid, which was very pleasant, but wet, so no bobsleigh ride. The last week of the tour takes place in New England and will be hilly, but beautiful. See you soon Alan 08 August 05 ------------ Dear All Last week (Week 7) saw us move into Canada for a few days in Ontario. It was a good to see the Queen's head again on coins and notes. The countryside was quite flat, but the crops were a bit more varied than on our US stages, and included tobacco (not that I have any use for it). Over the weekend we had a party at the home of one of the riders, and spent Sunday sightseeing around Niagara Falls. Spectacular! I am in very good shape now, and the cycling is not a problem, even when it is 80 to 90 miles a day. Week 9 will see us back in the mountains. Alan 02 August 05 ------------ Dear All Week 5 was relatively easy, with quite low daily distances (70 miles) and pleasant temperatures in the 70's and 80's. On Saturday we crossed into Michigan, and Week 6 offers longer days of 90 + miles on average. The temperature is on the rise, and is now in the 90's, with high humidity. All the efforts of the early weeks are paying off, though, and the riding is not a problem. This week I will visit a Charter One Branch in Richmond, Michigan, before heading for Canada and Niagara Falls. Best wishes Alan 10 August 05 ------------ A link to some photos! (copy and paste the link in a browser) http://homepage.mac.com/tenneyx2/cycleAmerica/Menu34.html You will spot the odd photo of Alan in the following sections in the link: Everett to Missoula Missoula to Jackson Jackson to Devil's Tower Northfield to Scottville Scottville to Niagra 25 July 05 (Postcard) ----------- Dear All This week we left the dreaded winds of South Dakota behind and moved into the more scenic Minnesota. That said, it has been cornfields to the L and R, or soya beans to the L and R, or sometimes corn L, soya R, or soya L, corn R. Deep joy on Saturday, when we reached Northfield and I finally got a mobile signal. Still no Blackberry service, but I am confident Jim'll fix it. Northfields's claim to fame is that it is the place where Jesse James had a bank raid foiled - this is re-enacted every year, apparently. Best wishes Alan 18 July 2005 (Postcard) ------------- Dear All I hope you are all well - I feel a bit out of touch as there is still no mobile or Blackberry service. During Week 4 we moved into South Dakota, which has contrasting scenery. Custer Stare Park was stunning, but other parts are very dry. It has been very hot - 108o which makes cycling 90 miles or so a bit difficult. I feel strong, but have lost a lot of weight. Best wishes Alan 11 July 2005 ------------ (Another postcard update from Alan) I hope everybody is safe and well after the bombings - details are limited here. No Blackberry or mobile signals since Thursday of Week 1 - primitive! I am enjoying a well-earned rest in the shadow of Devil's Tower. Last night we watched 'Close Encounters' - spooky. Unfortunately I was not abducted by aliens, as I need a new body. 1540 miles completed so far, with over 66,000 ft of climbs. Thursday was particularly tough and I didn't finish until 4:45 pm - but many people didn't make it and came home in the van. Friday and Saturday temperatures 105o- 110o. I am drinking vast amounts of water, but seeing limited output - a sign of dehydration. Take Care Alan 5 July 2005 ------------ (This update was received 13 July on a Postcard, postmarked 5 July. We remain uncertain if Alan is electronically enabled!) Dear All, This is proving much harder than I ever expected. Day 2 was a killer. Day 3 even tougher. 600 miles in week 1, and 450 miles in week 2, which ended in a 6 mile climb, 3 at 6% and the last 3 at 10%. We have climbed the equivalent of 10 vertical miles so far, and I am feeling pain. 3 punctures, 2 trashed tyres, and I broke my bike at the end of week 1, so I had to buy a new bike. We've been through some stunning scenery in the Cascade Mountains, the Tetons, Yellowstone and now Wyoming. I have seen eagles, ospreys, buffalo, elk, antelope, a coyote, but no bears or moose(some people have seen bears and moose).Thursday 7/7 is supposed to be the hardest day of the whole tour - 91 miles, with 28 miles of 6% climbs. Alan 24 June 2005 ------------ I tried to send a photo to your Blackberry number but it failed and told me to check multimedia capability. I will try again tomorrow to your other number. Network availability is patchy. I almost died again today - 100 miles into a headwind. Tomorrow "only" 70 miles but we have a 9 per cent climb lasting 6 miles to a height of 5000 ft. Alan 23 June 2005 ------------ I am in Spokane at the end of the 4th day. Day 1 was fairly easy at 65 miles. Day 2 was torture - it started with a 16 mile climb, including going up 2000 ft in the last 6 miles. Highest point was over 4000 ft. I had 3 punctures over the total distance of 80 miles. Day 3 was the toughest experience I have ever had. Amongst other things, there was an early 7 mile climb of 1 in 6, followed by 50 miles of upward rolling hills against very strong headwinds. Temperature of 103 deg F. Total distance 100 miles with nearly 6000 ft of climbs. All the guys who tour regularly said it was the hardest day they have ever known. Many quit. I have no idea how I managed to finish but it took me over 10 hours. Today was much better. Another 100 miles but only one 13 mile climb. Easy ! I'll try and send a photo soon. Alan first update received 19 June 2005: ---------------------------------- "Just completed the first day (Sunday). It wasn't too bad, although I have pains in all the expected places. Tomorrow and Tuesday are expected to be brutal going through the mountains." Alan ------------------------------------------------------ SUMMARY of Alan's Charity Cycle Ride ------------------------------------------------------ This year, I am going to spend 9 weeks cycling 4,200 miles across the United States to raise funds for two charities which have had a significant impact on my family: The Royal School for the Deaf and Communication Disorders Manchester (RSD) and Sense. This page is dedicated to RSD. I have set up another page dedicated to Sense (Alan Greatbatch Charity Cycle Ride Sense) within the justgiving website. None of us ever expect to have a child with disabilities, but when it happens, the impact on the child and on its family can be absolutely devastating. RSD is a non-maintained special school which caters for deaf and deafblind children and young people who have additional or complex special education needs. My daughter Helen (19) is profoundly deaf, autistic and has severe learning and communication difficulties. She has attended RSD since she was 5 years old. Without the skill, love and dedication of the staff at RSD, my family and I would not have been able to cope fully with the difficulties and challenges presented by Helen's condition. Please help me to make a difference to RSD by pledging your sponsorship support for my cycle ride which starts on 18 June 2005 and lasts (legs and other parts permitting) for 9 weeks. All donations go directly to RSD, and if you are a UK taxpayer, the charity will also receive a 28% tax reclaim bonus automatically.
I dipped my rear wheel in the Pacific near Seattle on 19 June, headed East, and soon wished I had studied a 3D map of the US before starting out. The Cascade, Teton and Bighorn Mountains all seem flat in 2D! Even though I was quite fit at the start of the tour, I was not fully prepared for the mountains, for temperatures often more than 100oF, or even for cycling an average of 80 miles a day for 9 weeks. By the end of the tour, I had climbed 150,000 feet (the equivalent of 5 times Mount Everest!).
In the first 600 mile week I suffered badly, particularly on Day 3, and only sheer determination got me through, inspired by Helen and the cause, despite breaking my bike and ending up in the middle of the highway. I bought another bike and carried on to other challenges, such as the final 5 ½ mile 1 in 10 climb over the Teton Pass in week 2 which nearly tore my lungs out.
There were many wonderful, inspirational experiences along the way: seeing "Old Faithful" erupt at sunset in Yellowstone Park; emerging from a tunnel to see Mount Rushmore ahead of us; seeing the awesome majesty and power of Niagara Falls close up, camping in the shadow of Devil's Tower, or visiting Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory.
Perhaps my most satisfying day was a beautiful 96 mile ride up the Bighorn Mountains, including 60 miles of 5% to 7% climbs to a maximum height of nearly 10,000 ft. Even though it took me over 10 hours, I managed to complete the day when a third of the riders quit. The wildlife everywhere was spectacular: bison, elk, moose, antelope, coyotes, the odd bear, eagles, ospreys and butterflies galore. Vast areas of the US are unpopulated, mobile phone coverage is limited, and "history" in many places only seems to begin in the early 19th Century. Entertainment in some very small towns is unusual, to say the least, and in a place called Interior (pop 67) consisted of riding a 2,500 pound steer through the only bar! I finished my ride just North of Boston on 20 August, 11 lbs lighter and having raised nearly £25,000. My target is £30,000, and if you would like to sponsor me, you can do so if you log into www.justgiving.com, click on 'Sponsor a Friend' and type in Alan Greatbatch. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has already sponsored me, and to my boss at Royal Bank of Scotland, Johnny Cameron, for allowing me to take 9 weeks (unpaid) leave. Anyone interested in cycling across the US from Coast to Coast can check www.CycleAmerica.com NEWS From Alan: -------------------------------------------------------- Alan arrived safely in the US and has begun his epic journey. Scroll down past the first update to read the Charity Cycle Ride Summary. There is a link to some Photos under the 10 August 05 update. 16/08/05 -------- Dear All We've now completed nearly 4,000 miles and will soon be dipping our wheels in the Atlantic at Boston. We spent the weekend in Lake Placid, which was very pleasant, but wet, so no bobsleigh ride. The last week of the tour takes place in New England and will be hilly, but beautiful. See you soon Alan 08 August 05 ------------ Dear All Last week (Week 7) saw us move into Canada for a few days in Ontario. It was a good to see the Queen's head again on coins and notes. The countryside was quite flat, but the crops were a bit more varied than on our US stages, and included tobacco (not that I have any use for it). Over the weekend we had a party at the home of one of the riders, and spent Sunday sightseeing around Niagara Falls. Spectacular! I am in very good shape now, and the cycling is not a problem, even when it is 80 to 90 miles a day. Week 9 will see us back in the mountains. Alan 02 August 05 ------------ Dear All Week 5 was relatively easy, with quite low daily distances (70 miles) and pleasant temperatures in the 70's and 80's. On Saturday we crossed into Michigan, and Week 6 offers longer days of 90 + miles on average. The temperature is on the rise, and is now in the 90's, with high humidity. All the efforts of the early weeks are paying off, though, and the riding is not a problem. This week I will visit a Charter One Branch in Richmond, Michigan, before heading for Canada and Niagara Falls. Best wishes Alan 10 August 05 ------------ A link to some photos! (copy and paste the link in a browser) http://homepage.mac.com/tenneyx2/cycleAmerica/Menu34.html You will spot the odd photo of Alan in the following sections in the link: Everett to Missoula Missoula to Jackson Jackson to Devil's Tower Northfield to Scottville Scottville to Niagra 25 July 05 (Postcard) ----------- Dear All This week we left the dreaded winds of South Dakota behind and moved into the more scenic Minnesota. That said, it has been cornfields to the L and R, or soya beans to the L and R, or sometimes corn L, soya R, or soya L, corn R. Deep joy on Saturday, when we reached Northfield and I finally got a mobile signal. Still no Blackberry service, but I am confident Jim'll fix it. Northfields's claim to fame is that it is the place where Jesse James had a bank raid foiled - this is re-enacted every year, apparently. Best wishes Alan 18 July 2005 (Postcard) ------------- Dear All I hope you are all well - I feel a bit out of touch as there is still no mobile or Blackberry service. During Week 4 we moved into South Dakota, which has contrasting scenery. Custer Stare Park was stunning, but other parts are very dry. It has been very hot - 108o which makes cycling 90 miles or so a bit difficult. I feel strong, but have lost a lot of weight. Best wishes Alan 11 July 2005 ------------ (Another postcard update from Alan) I hope everybody is safe and well after the bombings - details are limited here. No Blackberry or mobile signals since Thursday of Week 1 - primitive! I am enjoying a well-earned rest in the shadow of Devil's Tower. Last night we watched 'Close Encounters' - spooky. Unfortunately I was not abducted by aliens, as I need a new body. 1540 miles completed so far, with over 66,000 ft of climbs. Thursday was particularly tough and I didn't finish until 4:45 pm - but many people didn't make it and came home in the van. Friday and Saturday temperatures 105o- 110o. I am drinking vast amounts of water, but seeing limited output - a sign of dehydration. Take Care Alan 5 July 2005 ------------ (This update was received 13 July on a Postcard, postmarked 5 July. We remain uncertain if Alan is electronically enabled!) Dear All, This is proving much harder than I ever expected. Day 2 was a killer. Day 3 even tougher. 600 miles in week 1, and 450 miles in week 2, which ended in a 6 mile climb, 3 at 6% and the last 3 at 10%. We have climbed the equivalent of 10 vertical miles so far, and I am feeling pain. 3 punctures, 2 trashed tyres, and I broke my bike at the end of week 1, so I had to buy a new bike. We've been through some stunning scenery in the Cascade Mountains, the Tetons, Yellowstone and now Wyoming. I have seen eagles, ospreys, buffalo, elk, antelope, a coyote, but no bears or moose(some people have seen bears and moose).Thursday 7/7 is supposed to be the hardest day of the whole tour - 91 miles, with 28 miles of 6% climbs. Alan 24 June 2005 ------------ I tried to send a photo to your Blackberry number but it failed and told me to check multimedia capability. I will try again tomorrow to your other number. Network availability is patchy. I almost died again today - 100 miles into a headwind. Tomorrow "only" 70 miles but we have a 9 per cent climb lasting 6 miles to a height of 5000 ft. Alan 23 June 2005 ------------ I am in Spokane at the end of the 4th day. Day 1 was fairly easy at 65 miles. Day 2 was torture - it started with a 16 mile climb, including going up 2000 ft in the last 6 miles. Highest point was over 4000 ft. I had 3 punctures over the total distance of 80 miles. Day 3 was the toughest experience I have ever had. Amongst other things, there was an early 7 mile climb of 1 in 6, followed by 50 miles of upward rolling hills against very strong headwinds. Temperature of 103 deg F. Total distance 100 miles with nearly 6000 ft of climbs. All the guys who tour regularly said it was the hardest day they have ever known. Many quit. I have no idea how I managed to finish but it took me over 10 hours. Today was much better. Another 100 miles but only one 13 mile climb. Easy ! I'll try and send a photo soon. Alan first update received 19 June 2005: ---------------------------------- "Just completed the first day (Sunday). It wasn't too bad, although I have pains in all the expected places. Tomorrow and Tuesday are expected to be brutal going through the mountains." Alan ------------------------------------------------------ SUMMARY of Alan's Charity Cycle Ride ------------------------------------------------------ This year, I am going to spend 9 weeks cycling 4,200 miles across the United States to raise funds for two charities which have had a significant impact on my family: The Royal School for the Deaf and Communication Disorders Manchester (RSD) and Sense. This page is dedicated to RSD. I have set up another page dedicated to Sense (Alan Greatbatch Charity Cycle Ride Sense) within the justgiving website. None of us ever expect to have a child with disabilities, but when it happens, the impact on the child and on its family can be absolutely devastating. RSD is a non-maintained special school which caters for deaf and deafblind children and young people who have additional or complex special education needs. My daughter Helen (19) is profoundly deaf, autistic and has severe learning and communication difficulties. She has attended RSD since she was 5 years old. Without the skill, love and dedication of the staff at RSD, my family and I would not have been able to cope fully with the difficulties and challenges presented by Helen's condition. Please help me to make a difference to RSD by pledging your sponsorship support for my cycle ride which starts on 18 June 2005 and lasts (legs and other parts permitting) for 9 weeks. All donations go directly to RSD, and if you are a UK taxpayer, the charity will also receive a 28% tax reclaim bonus automatically.