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Here follows our big blog! Coast to Coast completed and now its almost time for the Great North Run. 

During a moment of madness we appear to have agreed to don highly unattractive gel padded pants and saddle up for the Whitehaven to Whitley bay Coast to Coast cycle ride.  150 miles over three days, up hills and down dales, following on from the thousands who have bravely gone before and secure in the knowledge that when the going gets tough we will happily dismount and push. But as ever, its all for a good cause.  Our team of seven ladies are part of, or linked to, the Newcastle RVI's childrens cancer day unit, and as such, have day to day experience of the importance of the work that NECCR do. Cancer knows no boundaries and there is no doubt that its effects will touch each and every one of us in some way.  We'll then start our training for the Great North Run which takes place on Sept 19th.

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Thank you x

12/06/2010

Having just completed the northern rock cyclone 63 mile ride, myself (julie), jagoda and lesley have just had our first taste of a long bike ride!!

How did we find it? Pretty bloody hard! How up hill was that?

However, we made it.....I have to say the 45mile point was a bit of a low point for myself. This also coincided with the riles hill......a very steep incline. I have to be honest, i got off and pushed. The only hill i pushed up, the official camera man took 3 pictures of this!!!

A drink at the top, a stop at the pub and all was good again! Not for jagoda though, who managed to flip over her handle bars post pint of john smiths!

No harm done....in fact it didn`t even hurt, apparently. The beer clearly relaxed her!

We pulled it back for the last section, which we managed to complete in faster time than my dad and arthur, much to their dismay!!

How does it feel now? Immediately post ride.....knackered but buzzing! Bit of a sore undercarriage...and for the last part of the ride i had no feeling from the waist down......but if thats as bad as it can be, i reckon we`ll be ok!

Julie.

x

 

19/06/2010

Well Julie can speak for herself when she reckons we'll be ok!! I've just been on the bike ride from hell.  32 miles in the wind and rain.  I nearly got blown off my bike cycling uphill.  I thought it would be a good idea to try out my new panniers but they just added to the weight at the back and at one point I thought I was going to topple over. 

Apparently it'll be ok when we're cycling together - I hope so!!

Vikki

 

21/06/2010

I decided to get back on the horse (well, the bike) and did a hilly 20 mile route today.  I must say that cycling in the sun is a far better experience.  Lets hope the weather is nice when we're away!! I really enjoyed it again and have the cycling bug back once again! 

Vikki

x

22/06/2010

16 days to go!!!

How`s the training coming along? Managing to get out about 3-4 times a week. The undercarriage is coping well!

However, my legs are feeling tired....my brother thinks is due to a lack of protein intake and kindly gave me a enormous tub of protein shake to drink.........no wonder it was given away soo easliy....it tasted like sour sick!!

Hence, i have managed half a pint and thats it.....im opting for the chicken diet instead!

Riding tonight...we`ll see how it goes.

Julie

x

25/06/2010

2 weeks to go and the team has depleted somewhat!!

2 members down, 5 left and everyone is excited and preying for nice weather, especially Vikki.

My bike needs a wash....might do that tonight!

Julie

x

29/06/2010

10 days to go and after the problems with my gears, now my brakes are sticking. I'm sure these signs are being sent to say that I shouldn't be doing it.  But I won't be defeated, I'll get there come rain or shine, and Jagoda and Lesley attended a bike course on Saturday so they can be in charge of bike maintenance.  The wine is on route to our accommodation for the Friday, and for once I think it'll be a well earned glass (Not Bottle!) each night.

Thanks to all those who have sponsored us so far.

Vikki

x

30/06/2010

ladies, if you are relying on jag and my ability to perform a rear wheel hub service en route you may be somewhat disappointed...  changing a tyre or two and providing chocolate raisins yes, tick tick!! I can confirm that the eagle has landed in Greystoke this evening, dropped our overnight gear, including supper and wine and now all is set for next week. following on from our running programme, jag and I have discovered it is possible to bike in the early hours and still be back before the kids are even awake. "Rising Sun" monday 5.30a.m, just a quick 80 mins in the lovely first light...maybe my cynicism that cycling gave no payback was ill founded. its true, the sweat count is far lower than running, and yes the option of granny gear feels like a cheat, but I am beginning to almost enjoy the satisfaction that  miles in the wheels brings. Just pray the weather stays good, otherwise the tempation to ring for a lift home may yet become overwhelming. Goodnight  Lx

06/07/2010

So it's 2 days until we travel to Whitehaven.  Training is officially over.  The weather forecast is for heavy rain and gale force winds (I really hope that it is wrong!!).  I'm not feeling prepared as I have no mudguards or waterproofs, but at least I have a bag to carry things in, unlike Julie.  :-).  Catchphrase of the week is "It'll be fine". Well we'll soon find out. Its a scary thought but I think we are all looking forward to the challenge.

Vikki

x

07/07/2010

Mudguards - check! Very bright waterproof jacket - check! New gel seat - check! Hairdryer - No room ;-(.

Vikki

x

02/09/2010

After a very successful bike ride, it is now only 2 weeks until the Great North Run - some of us have trained a lot and some not so much, but as it is for a good cause we will all be there at the start - and hopefully the finish too!

Vikki

x