On Friday 12th June we embarked on the largest recreational bike challenge in the World - the Vatternrundan - for Cyclists Fighting Cancer, a charity which promotes cycling as an appropriate activity for those undergoing and recovering from cancer treatments to aid both short and long term rehabilitation and to provide support for cyclists who have been diagnosed with cancer and who wish to have contact with other survivors.
The Vatternrundan takes place every year around Lake Vattern (hence the name) in Sweden. It is a total distance of 300km (186 miles) to be completed in one day. A physically demanding challenge it is also made mentally demanding by the fact that the majority of the ride takes place through the night. Of the 18,000 riders who took part last year 3,000 did not make it. We vowed that wouldn't happen to us and so set out with an unrelenting training plan to give us the best chance of completing it.
Here's a bit of an update on how we got on - we really earned your money!!
We were both more than a little apprehensive before we flew out but once we were there we found there was plenty of support and helpful advice from the trustees of the charity and the other 27 riders in our group. There was a fantastic team spirit and by the time Friday evening came round we were well and truly geared up and ready for the 300km ahead. NB we have never, ever eaten so much pasta in our entire lives!
The weather left a lot to the imagination - the worst in the events 44 year history... stirling timing we thought! But as we came down to the start line, cheered on by the locals who had turned out in their droves, it really didn't seem to matter.
We set off at 20.22pm to loud cheers and the time up until 23.30pm seemed to fly by chatting to people, taking in the scenery and waving at the locals who had set up party huts by the side of the road to cheer us through the night. We felt like stopping more than once to join them... when we passed the party with the hot tub especially!
However, once darkness fell it was a different story altogether. The sensation of riding along with no awareness of what speed you're doing, where you are or how far people are in front or behind you was bizarre. For about 40 odd miles or so all you could see was a trail of red bike lights in front of you and the patter of rain. It was certainly the most mentally challenging section of the ride. But then, out of nowhere, there would be an oasis of light and people as you pulled up to a 'Depa' (stop) for food and water. I'm not sure we'll ever queue up again for salt gherkins, fish paste ryvitas, blueberry soup or 'Grot' (porridge to you and me) but at the time it was a joy to behold. This tells you something of our state of mind at this point!
After about halfway things started to brighten up. Personally, this was the point at which I stopped feeling nauseous from the dubious food and knew I had enough in me to make it to the end. I cycled pace for pace with a girl in my group and we really supported each other along, finishing hand in hand over the line. Karen managed to talk back a fellow rider from dropping out and motivated him to continue and cross the finish line with her. For both of us this was about staying the distance but we also managed it in a respectable time. Well under the 24 hours. Karen did it in 18hours (14.5 hours on the bike) and I did it in 15h26 (13 hours on the bike).
We've both had an experience to treasure and made friends for life but much more importantly, to date we've raised well over £3000 for Cyclists Fighting Cancer so thank you so much for all your kind donations, your support and encouragment has been fantastic! We're still counting in the donations and would love to make it up to £3500 so if you haven't already sponsored and would like to there's still time. We're hoping to link our sponsorship money directly to a bike award in the North West area and to give you an idea of the impact these awards can have, please check out www.cyclistsfc.org.uk.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Cyclists Fighting Cancer gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure a 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thanks again for your generosity and support!
Carla and Karen
