Bonjour everyone...

I am back...and yes having completed the full 300 miles with my own legs, 2 wheels, handlebars, seat, brakes, frame, 2 water bottles, saddle bag and full cycling gear…think that helps paint the picture!

The nerves set in on the first day seeing all the very keen cyclists with their top gear and even better bikes...utter panic ensued!  We got out of London and I ended up following someone who got lost and subsequently added 8 miles to the first day which brought the mileage up to 103!  After a tough start and a few moments to myself I broke all sound barriers to get down to Dover for 16:00...and made it by the skin of my teeth.  Arriving on the other side in Calais we had another 6 miles to cycle to get to the hotel.  Then it was a cold bath and bed!

The second day we woke to 50mph head winds and lashing rain, another moment to myself before leaving the hotel and braced myself for what became a horrific morning whereby I hardly managed to get my wheels over 5mph.  Thankfully the afternoon turned out much nicer and we cycled through rural villages with exquisite gardens to Abbeville for another cold bath and bed…another 85 miles on the clock.

The third day in the saddle…the weather was pleasant but the knees were now starting to feel the strain however after about 10 miles the pain turned to numbness...we cycled through poppy fields and where the Battle of the Somme took place, again another moment to myself remembering the men who died there from Northern Ireland.  We then arrived in Beauvais, notching up another 75 miles, cold bath and bed (the cold baths do work!! grim…but work).

The final day was amazing, the picture was set with clear blue skies and the excitement of ending under the Eiffel Tower...the excitement alone of reaching the tower seem to make the pedals move faster and ignore any pain or exhaustion in my body.  After lunch on the river Seine we made the journey into Paris along the cobbled streets...every so often the excitement of reaching the tower came over me like a wave...we regrouped at a park 3 miles from the tower so everyone on the challenge could reach the tower at the same time.  What a feeling cycling through the streets of Paris, along the Champs Elysees, through the Place De La Concorde, Arc De Triomphe and finally under the Eiffel Tower.  It was one of the most amazing feelings in the world arriving there and completing what I had been training for over the last 8 months.

Ironically the physical challenge became secondary during the time on the trip, it was the people I met that left a lasting impact on me.  I met so many people from many walks of life with stories that often brought me to tears, people who had cancer, people who had lost loved ones to cancer, people who had been in commas due to health complications...these stories are just but a few.  I never once thought I would have walked away from this challenge being affected the way I was.  I met people who I know will be in my life always and I am honoured to have met them and shared this experience with them.

I also learnt how privileged I am to have the most amazing family, friends, business contacts and acquaintances who have supported me throughout the build up to this challenge.  Even when I was away the text messages and calls from friends and family was comforting at such a difficult time.  The ongoing support has been phenomenal and one which has reminded me significantly the importance of those dear in my life.

I know there might be some who wanted to wait until the challenge was completed to sponsor me so you can still do this via this website or alternatively you can send a cheque addressed to The Stauros Foundation C/O Cornerstone Recruitment, 73-75 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AF.

I haven’t managed this cycle on my own…you have done something amazing this year by donating to this challenge, not only have you challenged me personally in many ways but you have helped to financially support a local charity who conduct a 24/7 extraordinary work with workers who have hearts as big as the universe…now isn’t a good feeling?

Thank you so much again for your generous support.  What’s for next year?.....don’t worry I’ll let you know, I am looking into it!