Hi all!  Finally, I made it!  Cuba saw me cycling 390 kms in 5 days, the longest day being 101 kms - a demanding challenge, to say the least!  We were up by 6am every morning and ready to cycle by 7.30ish to avoid the hottest part of the day in which temperatures soared up to 40 degrees.  To add to it, on day 5, I cycled 79 kms feeling very sick and with a poor tummy - not pleasant!

We went through some beautiful scenery and experienced things that were definitely out of the ordinary for me, like witnessing a pig being slaughtered in one of the villages.  Diet consisted of rice, chicken and beans for the whole week so I don't think I'll be eating that for a while!  Also, you'll be stunned to know that I had very little alcohol during my time in Cuba, although I'm pleased to say my consumption levels have returned to my normal pre-Cuba quota!

I took crayons and notepads for the kids and gave them toiletries and clothing too.  People there have very little and were so appreciative!  I understand we have raised £500,000 for the charity so thank you once again to all of you who sponsored me and, if any of you are reading this and have not sponsored me yet, there is still time!  So dig deep and help me raise as much as possible - deadline is 31st Jan 2009!

---------------------------------

Me again!  I promised I would update my log so here it is!

I can't thank those of you enough for sponsoring me so far and for those of you who haven't, please dig deep and get your hands in your pockets!  The deadline for sponsorship is getting closer so hurry up and pledge your donations!

As the picture shows,  I've commenced my training regime which consists of bike riding twice a week (of course!), badminton and golf (once a week, each) and the occasional pilates class and circuit training sessions.

I intend stepping up the bike riding closer to D day but, at the moment, I'm taking the train from Buxton to Whaley twice a week and biking from Whaley back to Buxton after work.  A constant uphill struggle but with fabulous scenery of the Goyt Valley so worth all the effort!

I also spend early Saturday mornings bike riding with Lynne, my training buddy.  And of course, Bils & Pegs (my two Border Terrier dogs, in case you're wondering) take me for long walks twice a day - their little contribution!

I'll keep you posted on my progress and update the photos soon.  Again, many thanks for all your support and generous donations.

Max

Hi Folks!

I am going to be taking part in Cycle Cuba from 21st - 30th November 2008, a women only cycle ride which raises funds to improve the health of women and babies.

I'll be joining hundreds of others including celebrities like Fern Britton in order to help Professor Robert Winston's fundraising appeal.  This will be the 8th women only cycling challenge with over £1.5 million having been raised already from similar cycle rides in Jordan, Egypt and India, to name but a few.

I'll be cycling approx. 370 kms through Cuba, the Caribbean's largest and least commercialised island.  I'll be paying for my own flights, food, accommodation etc but I'll need to raise a minimum of £3,000 to take part.  In order to do this I will be holding a number of fundraising activities throughout the summer months - I'll keep you posted as to what these are during the coming months.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Women for Women will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Please give generously.

Many thanks for your support and I'll keep updating this website with my progress.

Max