Story
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You may have seen or heard about the Dallaglio Cycle Slam during this season's 6 Nations from Rome to Edinburgh via Paris, Twickenham, Cardiff and Lansdowne Road. http://www.dallagliocycleslam.com/
The DCS is supporting the following charities:
Day 8 - We are joined by my old friends Gavin Hastings, Andy Nicol, John Inverdale and also Gill Douglas for the final, triumphant ride into Edinburgh and Murrayfield. Scottish football legend Walter Smith joined us for dinner last night, regaling us with hilarious stories of Gazza and McCoist. Our hotel last night was at the bottom of a very steep zig-zag drive, so it is the start from hell, first thing. Then the charge to the finish began in earnest. The first 30km of the day was tough and mostly up hill but then the fun started and we enjoyed a fast 25 km gallop into Edinburgh and the elation of completing the journey. I am absolutely knackered and never want to see a bike again but it has been a great pleasure and honour to be part of such a momentous event. Lawrence and the other core riders, who have cycled the whole way from Rome, ride through the guard of honour, the champagne is uncorked - WE HAVE MADE IT! Lawrence and I have been friends for almost 20 years and I feel as proud of him now as ever, having completed this amazing quest. The news that we are very close to the £1m mark raised for our charities makes it all seem wothwhile. My sincere thanks to all who contributed to making the Dallaglio Cycle Slam happen and to those of you who have supported me with sponsorship.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sportrelief/news/120310_dallaglio.shtmlDay 7 - Andrew Croker, the DCS Chairman wrote - A steady 92km north to Lanark today. Looking at the profile I knew that we only climbed 300m in the first 50km, but we were going alongside and against the River Nith so could tell it would be steady hard work on heavy roads, against the prevailing north east wind. The website for Stage 5 said 70 km making a total of some 80 km more than I had originally signed up for. I had never ridden a bike with my shoes stuck to the pedals before and never for longer than an hour during my minimal training. I thought I was in good shape but this is a whole new ball game and my body is screaming. The odd moment of reflection as to why we are doing all this jolts me back to reality - my suffering is nothing compared to those we are seeking to help.It's a sobering thought and an important one and it drives me to the finish - almost there now.
Day 6 - Billed as 103 km's, we actually covered 110 and with my sense of distance now honed to the centimetre the extra 7 km is purgatory. The only saving grace is the stunning backdrop of the Galloway Forest National Park bathed in sunshine but this just makes me think "I wish I was playing golf instead". My left quad, just to the inside of my kneecap, is very sore and requires me to make a visit to the physio after the stage for a bit of tlc and ice.
Day 5 Rest Day - We took the ferry from Belfast to Stranraer where Kenny Logan showed his curling skills on the ice at the Stranraer Curling Club beneath the hotel. I am shattered and everything hurts.
Day 4 Complete - Good Grief, why did I sign up for this? 7.5 hours in the saddle over 133 kms including the most ridiculously steep and long hill you have ever seen. I cannot recall doing anything so hard, ever. Give me a charging number 8 to tackle over this anyday.On the up side there is a great bunch of people and Lawrence and his team have done a fantastic job with the organisation and logistics. Dinner each night is hilarious with stories of funny experiences from that day. We still need some help to get over the £1m mark so please contribute if you can. Thanks.
Days 2 and 3 Complete - Around 80 km's each day from Arklow up to Dublin on Saturday and on to Dundalk up the coast road on Sunday. Very hard work but manageable with a great team effort. We ride in groups of around 8 people and try and help each other through as there is a real diversity of cycling ability and experience. This enables a great sense of team bonding and achievement at the end of each exhausting day.
The DCS has already raised 3/4 of a million £'s and we are all determined to reach that milestone. PLEASE DONATE ON BEHALF OF THESE GREAT CAUSES and help us along. I have to justify the aching limbs and sore backside somehow and a few moments thought about any of these charities and helping them just a little bit does that every time.
Please give something, even if it's just a fiver - it all helps!!
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