Story
The last time I was asked such a seemingly innocuous question was in 2010 and it ended up in a kayak- …..
A decade on (and I obviously haven’t found a suitably robust alternative to ‘yes’), I find myself swapping a kayak for a cycle, which may be advantageous from the speed point of view, but the increased mileage cancels out any gain.
This time it was my sister Sarah who popped the question -
“Land’s End to John o’Groats?”
“Of course, why not?”
This was in 2019 and we were set for autumn last year, but like most things, we have had to wait.
This delay has at least given me the chance to familiarise myself with a road bike and ‘clippy in shoes’ ( terrifying) and Lycra ( also terrifying!), and how not to fix a puncture (disastrous).
I have peddled over and around the Brecon and Surrey hills and discovered infinitely more about the places I have lived in for so many years.
I have had some fun encounters and made new friends along the way and found a great deal of joy.
And there have also been less joyful days too, when getting motivated for 4-7 hours in the saddle seemed much less appealing than a sofa.
My sister Sarah and I will be setting out on September 4th from Land’s End (along with about 1,000 other cyclists) organised by Deloittes. It’s called ‘Ride Across Britain’. (more of a ride up Britain -‘uphill all the way’ some of you have suggested).
We will hopefully cover the 980 miles in 9 days ( if we are too slow on any day we get swept up in the ‘ broom van’- 3 sweeps and we’re out!).
They provide tents and a campsite (and I hear some rather good food and medical help).
( and I am also confirming that the full cost to Deloittes has been paid by ourselves and any donations will go entirely for charity).I am writing to you now, purely on the back of So many generous and enthusiastic offers of sponsorship.
If however you are not among those who volunteered sponsorship and feel already beleaguered with much giving, please please ignore the request!
For those of you who are happy to contribute , the charity is called ‘Go Beyond’ (formerly Chicks).
They provide active, outdoor, countryside holidays in one of their farms in Devon, Cornwall and Derbyshire to inner city kids who are struggling with difficult and often traumatic situations at home.
The holidays can be transformative.
It costs (£525) for one child for one week.
Many contributions of £5 or £10 would add up quickly and substantially ( or more if you are comfortable!).
If sponsorship is not something you’re up for right now and you wanted to contribute in a different way - the odd thought, supportive message or a prayer or 2 - would be SO gratefully received.
If none of the above, I equally understand, there are So many requests of this sort.
And lastly, if any of you happened to be interested (or very bored) in glimpsing our progress, I will have a tracker attached and you can follow our location live!
For those of you on Strava I will have that with me too.If you would like details - just send me a text and I will let you know once I know.
A strong South West wind would help ( a very strong North East wind is forecast), but your encouragement in any of the above forms would mitigate the head wind and enhance the following wind.So just 4 days to go and excitement alternates with sheer terror .
With thanks and love
Fiona