Nicki's page
Nicki Emanuel is raising money for The Big Cycle Challenge
Story
Cuba is a vibrant place on many levels and in our quest to cycle 250 miles round the central west region along coastlines, through the countryside, villages and towns we were greeted as if we were the 'tour de France'. The colours of the landscape, the buildings resonated with sounds of salsa on the streets and in restaurants/cafes. Despite the poverty about the place, what happy, smiley, friendly people. Che Guevara is everywhere. We visited his memorial at Santa Clara (ironic, after all these years when he adorned the walls of my college room). This, most definitely, is a unique way to experience any country, cycling off the beaten track under the guidance of locals - highly recommended.
The event was extremely well-organised from start to finish. We cycled between two coaches (the one upfront carrying our baggage; the one to the rear carrying spare bikes/parts); the back-up team comprised two mechanics (one, Guillermo, is a national cyclist for Cuba - which explained the sculpted thigh muscles!); Doctor Rosa; Emilio (a tour guide); Enildo & Orlando (drivers); Jeanette (tour rep) and Claude, our Israeli tour manager, fluent in 6 languages, who briefed us every step of the way so we knew exactly what to expect re: the terrain, distances, breaks, lunch etc. When we arrived at a town i.e. Trinidad, Emilio would tell us all about the history and anything else of note. On our return to Havanna, we were due to stay at a hotel complex on the outskirts however, in Cuban tradition, we were bumped off to another hotel as it was double-booked; only to Ambos Mundos Hotel in old Havanna where Ernest Hemingway stayed and wrote numerous books! The final evening we found ourselves in the world reknown Buenos Visita Social Club, meeting the band, dancing and listening to some amazing jazz.
Despite the heat, which reminded me of living in Greece, the cycling was great! In fact, it was the heat that kept me going. With water breaks (head-water & drinking water) every 5/10 miles and a diet of fresh fruit, rice, beans and meat, I was powering along. As you know, I was a little concerned if I would be fit enough, having only trained solo. However, none of the hills seemed as step as the ones getting out of Hythe! Each day seemed easier and easier ... I realised that all the training had paid-off and that I haven't been this fit in years.
There were 17 of us from 24 years to 60 years (mostly 40s and 50s) mainly from Scotland and Northern England; and a lovely couple from South Africa. We bonded well - the commonality being the fight against cancer. Barry had recently lost his wife after nursing her for 4 years - it was an emotional journey for him as you can imagine (he was showered with love and support). And Sam 26 yrs had successfully fought off lymphoma a couple of years ago - a very, brave lass. In fact, we all got on so well that a reunion has already been organised. The group as a whole has raised over £60,000 for Cancer.
Update: Also in memory of Ryan's Gran, Yvonne Marsh (67yrs) who died on 20th July of pancreatic cancer and Chris Jefferies (54yrs) who died from lymphoma after 3 weeks diagnosis. And Chris Renwick who died from cancer of the intestines Friday before last.
Since my first entry, a few months ago, much as happened: on the 24th April 2011, Jacob Barnes (21 yrs old) lost his heroic, two year fight against leukaemia. A hugely talented, concert pianist studying at the Royal Academy of Music, he was much loved and admired as much for his musical excellence as for his humanity and joie de vive. In his short life he achieved so much, and touched so many. As most of you are aware, tragically, Jacob is one of a disturbingly long list of dear friends whose lives have been torn apart by cancer. Even though, I have decided to dedicated my cycle challenge to Jake, I will ride with all those who have suffered, and are suffering, in my heart. The money raised is divided between 4 charities: Children with Leukaemia; Lymphoma Association; Marie Curie; Ovarian Cancer Action).
Some may think, why not cycle 350km round Hythe? Sure, but the level of commitment it far greater (training for months not only to get fit but for acclimatisation), leaving my son for the first time, & also the reaction from people I know, and don't know, when asking for sponsorship for an activity I am prepared to do on the other side of the world.
To date, I have raised just over £3,000 (there is the £5 club up to the £300 club - only one member in that club!) I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank those who have sponsored me so far:
Cameron, Pat, Artemis, Agapi, Bryan, Alison, Scott, Karen, Ruth, Gaby, Hazel, Gunseli, Linda, Zoey, Darren, Lesley, Mandi, Pauline, Bev, Dave, DJ, Clare, Andy, Barbara, Gosetto, Colin, Terry, Bob, Maureen, Tracey, Berni & Mick, Ufuk, Patric, Colin, Cheryl, Patti, Warren, David, Phillip, Dolly, Chis, Rosemary, Sandra, Janet, Liz, Pat, Caroline, Judie, Thom, Francoise, Mark & Warren, Jesse, Geoff, Pat & Colin, Stephen, Dave, Alison, William, Dawn, Kevin & Bea, James, Tim, Kyveli, Jane & Tony, Mary & Gerry, Anthony, Sebastian, Liz, Antonia, Irene & Kev, Elisabeth, Penny, Helena, David, John & Anabella, Guy, Deborah, Steve, Bob, David, Rod, Martin, Alan, Ollie, Joe, Alison, Phill, Marina, Leo, Christine, Andy, Karen & Martin, Roger, Ernie, Maureen, Gilly, Guy, Heather, Nik, Elizabeth, Stephen & Dan, Martin, Cherry, Val & Alan, Jessica, Jackie & Clive, Colin, Steve, Chris, Julia, Paul (Poster), Aisha, Fraser, Natalya, Michael, Ola, Neil, Bill, Nick, Dave, Dick, Simon, Heman, Bob, Andy, Nigel, Martin, John, Dan, Brian, Andrew, Lee, Mary, Sue,
I have been taking advantage of the good weather lately and been cycling round trips to Folkestone, Lydd and further afield visiting friends as well as increasing my stamina and fitness. Watch out, I could be visiting you next!
Not long now til 'Cuba Night' - it's been full-on juggling work/domestics/training/fund raising and organising this event. I have to say that I have been so heartened by people's (friends, cricketers, the local community, the charities, the Cuban tourist board ...) tremendous help and support for this event in a variety of ways from printing the posters to the supplying of raffle tickets. Just got to see what happens on the night. The 'A-team' will be armed with buckets for donations and selling raffle tickets. Whatever happens it should be an fun evening with music from the Cuban Restaurant, Canterbury and Cheryl Preston singing Jazz/Latin (she used to sing on the cruise ships; I've heard a couple numbers and she's pretty good) ...
So once again, it is big love and big thanks to many generous and kind-hearted people who, in different ways, have shown their support for ultimately combating cancer.