... Attempting to become a cyclist

As the new year begins, prompted by resolutions for the year ahead, get-fit gestures after too much Christmas pudding, fairy tale dreams of open road adventures, the approaching Commonwealth Games in Queensland, and encouragement from so many friends for whom cycling is the sole mode of transport… My ‘New Year’s Resolution’ is … to start cycling!

I don’t like doing things by halves, if you’re going to do it – well, full commitment.  I enjoy project planning, target setting, and developing exciting inspirational goals… so on that note…No tandem or stabilizers, secret motor or ejector seat …  I attempt to go from novice to master, as in mastering  balance, use of gears, covering respectful distance without embarrassment or causing safety issues for other road users , preparing for the UK’s leading closed road sportive.

I must admit, way back on those early attempts at moving beyond a wobble on first introduction to transport on two wheels, parent’s nerves were sorely tested and my daredevil attitude frustrated progress, resulting in some significant bruising, ripped trousers, injured pride and very anxious friends and family. My father likes to remind me I posed a challenge when even travelling in a baby seat or by pillion due to dramatic gesturing and apparent lack of comprehension regarding basic laws of physics essential for continuing to move in a straight line and remaining upright. I’m sure it’s exaggerated family folk lore but I am also saddled with a bad reputation for non-stop commentary on such assisted rides, loud and persistent enough to irritate those trying to concentrate on navigation and basic survival.  Dad also has recently taken to reminding me of the common belief that it takes about 10,000 hours of practise to master a complex skill . . . “ That’s  basically the teenage years when you never rode a bike”, he gloats. There’s nothing like proving a dad wrong to add extra motivation to your ambition. 

 But this particular challenge will help raise money for palliative care. That’s a worthy charity to support.  As a young teenager, I vividly recall how Marie Curie supported our family through very difficult final stages of my grandfather's illness; the efficient, dignified, friendly, and professional care through such a painful and distressing time was invaluable.

My first charity challenge for Marie Curie was as an eighteen year old before going off to university. That Yorkshire Three Peaks is imprinted indelibly on my mind as it is the soles of my feet. Has it taken so long for me to recover or has there been some other major distraction since then? My many hours walking zig zag tracks of mountain paths don’t readily transfer to straight line geometry necessary for riding a bike competently along roads in the company of hundreds of two wheel enthusiasts. As a newcomer it honestly feels like a significant challenge.  Time to face some demons (a million midges waiting to ambush me) and antipathy to the bicycle and support a good cause.

My first introductory ride on new bike, chaperoned by alert, patient friends (thanks, Rob and Roisin) went surprisingly well with no mishaps . . . no multiple pile ups, chewing of grit, or next day walking like Robocop with a serious case of rust in his underpants. A long way to go yet,  but . . . wheels will roll! For anyone interested I will post some bulletins of the struggling, novice cyclist.

Etape Caledonia is a mass participation cycling event, with 5,000 riders racing closed-road across the spectacular Scottish Highlands. The route is 81 miles long consisting of rolling hills and forest-lined roads around Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel, combined with the demanding, twisting climb of Mt Schiehallion (1,083m). An average of 13mph is the slowest possible speed any cyclists can travel across the course.

Hopefully my efforts will draw some attention and sponsorship for Marie Curie. I would be appreciative of any donations however small to help my fund-raising. I respect there are many charities deserving support and many people do so many charitable acts and frequently offer much needed financial assistance. This can be related to many circumstances so important to maintain the charity’s profile and create opportunities for continued support. I am looking to support a very worthy charity that has affected me in a very personal way and of which I have some first- hand experience of their care and support through terminal illness. One hour of nursing care in someone’s home costs £20, and it costs Marie Curie £4,460 to keep nursing service running across the UK for one single hour. Every pound donated will help make a significant difference to a family genuinely in need of care and support.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Many thanks for bothering to read and if interested I shall keep you informed.