Following the sad passing of a dear colleague, Simon Field, last year, we have decided to take on the challenge of cycling 180 miles from Southampton to Paris in June.

Simon had Muscular Dystrophy, and was a supporter of Muscular Dystrophy UK; a charity which seeks to find a cure for the condition, and aims to improve the lives of all those affected by an MD diagnosis.

****UPDATE****

My rides so far have taught me a few things...

1. I can push beyond the boundaries of my mind telling me to turn home or take a shortcut! 

 
2. I can push beyond the fear of cycling over some sharp stones/glass and getting a puncture... I have "all the gear but no idea" when it comes to fixing a puncture - something I definitely need to sort out soon after getting a puncture whilst cycling on my own into work one morning. In the middle of nowhere, no one in sight, no phone signal to call my husband for guidance... ahhh! Luckily for me, a knight in shining armour finally came cycling my way and assisted me. He even gave me his number in case I got stuck again... how kind - right..?!!

3. My legs can keep going... even when they hit that wall and my body is telling me to get off (and I want to literally chuck my bike aside), just around the corner is an "easy" bit, a downhill maybe, where those tired legs can get some well earned rest.

4. Cycling is very therapeutic (to me... most of the time). I can clear any number of issues that have been in my mind during my solo 3-4hour rides. And I can get through a number of songs in my head - some favourites are:
- what a beautiful day (the levellers) - my daughter asks Alexa to play this tune almost every morning, and luckly for me, most rides have been absolutely stunning in the new forest - see pictures.

- we're on a road to nowhere (talking heads) - I literally am when cycling on my own!

- keep riding up that hill (Kate Bush) - I don't like hills!

- I gotta get through this (Daniel Beddingfield) - probably the most sung song in my heading whilst riding.

5. Padding is most definitely needed - it doesn't look great, I admit, but it doesn't matter how blessed one may be with natural padding in the derrière... man-made padding is a necessity. AND I NEED MORE OF IT!! OUCH!!

6. Don't be afraid to ask for help/guidance. Not just cycling/sport related, any time you need it - ask. There's always someone out there willing to listen and help if they can.

7. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. That's my biggest take-away so far this year. It doesn't have to be a cyle to Paris or an athletic achievement, it could be work related, family related, anything you want. But I truly believe that where there's a will, there's a way.