Dyanne Holland
Dye's Triple Challenge
Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support
Story
Dyes 3 cycling challenges for MacMillan Cancer Support...
3 events, 3 days, 502kms and 8900m of elevation gain/climbing...
Challenge 1: Etape Caledonia 16th May - a big ride!!
- 130 kilometres in the Scottish Highlands with approx 2000 metres of climbing. I have participated in this event the last 2 years, so although this will be by 3rd time, I have set myself the challenge of completing this under 4hrs 15 minutes.
COMPLETED in 3hrs 53 mins, 3rd lady and finished in top 5%
Challenge 2: The Verenti Dragon Ride 6th June - an even bigger ride!!
- 190 kilometres in South Wales with around 3000m of climbing.
- The route takes in the classic Milk Race/Tour of Britain climbs of the Bwlch, Rhigos and Brecon Beacons mountain roads. The Dragon Ride was one of the first annual cyclosportives to be held in the UK and the first to gain a place on the UCI calendar.
-Apparently the Dragon Ride offers the only compatible climbs in the southern UK for anyone traiing for L'etape du Tour - that would be me!!
COMPLETED in 7hrs 30mins (riding time of 7hrs 5mins), longest & possibly toughest ride I've ever done. First 100 km included 2000m of climbing and 20km through the moors into a fierce headwind. The descents were brilliant!!
Challenge 3: L'etape du Tour 18th July - THE BIGGEST RIDE!!
- On the 18th of July, 9500 riders including myself will start from the city of Pau to climb 3 monuments of the Pyrénées: col de Marie-Blanque, col du Soulor and the giant Tourmalet with a total distance of 181 kilometres and 4000 metres of climbing. About 130 km out of the total ride is going up hill.
- Without a doubt the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken and one of the most famous & toughest bike rides in the world.
Participants: 9500 (only 300 women!!)
Finishers: 6900 (almost 1/3 eliminated or could not finish) My place: 23rd lady, or 3824 overall.
Finishers: 6900 (almost 1/3 eliminated or could not finish) My place: 23rd lady, or 3824 overall.
Time: 9hrs 32 mins
Undoubtedly the toughest day I have ever had on the bike, but what a fantastic event. I loved all the supporters, they cheered so loud when they saw me – la femme, bravo…they shouted. I even got a couple of pushes on the final stretches of col duTourmalet when I was in pieces. Tourmalet I will never forget. The last 6km I was thinking I would not make it. Other riders were taking refuge in the shady spots, lying on the side of the road looking broken, and other just walked alongside their bikes. I was determined to finish on 2 wheels so just concentrated on turning the pedals and I would say I almost got into a trance like state, not noticing what was going on around me at all until 2km to go – then I knew I could make it. The finish line was a very happy place for me – I felt I could not have crossed that line any sooner that I did and I gave it 110%. Whatever my time was I would be happy. I rode in my Macmillan jersey and my without Will Moolmans wise words in my mind in my time of need I doubt I would have made it – “don’t think of the pain, just look around and think if how lucky you are to be here”. Thanks Will!
For a fantastic cause:
I am collecting money for MacMillan to show support for a very good friend of mine. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 1 year ago - just a few weeks after his wedding day. He is my inspiration and motiviation behind this challenge as even through the last 12 months of turmoil and chemo he has always remained positive and high on life. In a bid to show support to my friend I want to raise as much money as possible for our chosen charity - MacMillan.
Well what a day it was on Sunday. Undoubtedly the toughest day I have ever had on the bike, but what a fantastic event. I loved all the supporters, they cheered so loud when they saw me – la femme, bravo…they shouted. I even got a couple of pushes on the final stretches of col duTourmalet when I was in pieces.
How you can help:
If you could sponsor me that would be great and truly appreciated. Remember that Gift Aid allows the charity to recover a further 28% from the Revenue (and results in a tax rebate for the donor). 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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.
THANK YOU!!