Thank you for taking the time to visit the JustGiving page for Standing Together's fourth 112 Charity Bike Ride, which took place on May 12th 2012 at Windsor Great Park.

The 112 – 2012

This was the day we had worked towards. Would it rain? Would people turn up? Would the gazebo work? We need not have worried. Everyone arrived at the start line in Windsor Great Park knowing we had a great foundation for a fantastic day. The fundraising had gone well (before a pedal was even pedalled we had raised over £12K), the weather had turned, the organisation worked and the gazebo allowed us to turn a mass of canvas and poles into a form of shelter.

Every year we wonder if people will continue to come and support us, help us and ride to defeat domestic violence. And on this occasion, our fourth 112, they were there in numbers. Over 100 people assembled to ride, in a variety of ways, distances that were way beyond their comfort zones. At the start of the challenge (the full 112km distance) many were people relying on historic fitness not having ridden a bike for years. Others were confident they could do the trip but were worried about the hills (very wisely as it turned out). Probably the majority did not have a clue how it was going to be but were nonetheless determined to give it a shot.

Of course our worries about the weather (rain) meant that a clear sky was what we thought we all needed. It would be fair to say that the wind was of secondary interest but riding up the never-ending slope to Stokenchurch in what could be described as a significant breeze made the riders examine their inner selves. There was a rumour that if you had a head wind this would turn into a tail wind at some time on a circular tour. Apparently not.

Most people felt that the food and welcome at the checkpoints gave them the energy and will to complete the distance. Some impressive times (not that it was a race) were posted – and those who did it just in just over four hours were clearly impressive. Punctures seemed to occur with boring regularity and one of these may have stopped one of our consistent returners from finally achieving the finishing first tag. Next year? It was also interesting to note that those who had been policing this patch for years decided to patrol a greater area of the route than was strictly necessary. A fine example of neighbourhood policing whilst off duty. Stories of note were those of the 68 year old finishing in 5.5 hours and a couple of women beating most of the men. Gender equality at its finest!

This year we also had the offer of hiring bikes from British Bike Hire and this was met with enthusiasm by a good number of those taking part. They were nice bikes too!

For those who had the more relaxed pleasure of riding the 11.2 miles around the park itself, the crowds of pedestrians and dogs made the tour a little challenging. A working bell helped and so did patience and forgiveness. Particularly impressive were those riders who felt that it was essential to repeat the roundabout route three times. And whilst this article is about celebrating everyone who participated it is only fair to name Carla, Hannah and Konrad, who are 9, 10 and 11 years old and were determined to do the distance and raise funds for Standing Together – well done to you three!

All those who took part seemed to be feeling pride, exhaustion and relief. The massed cheering every time a rider appeared certainly raised the spirits and the fairy cakes and a hot drink soothed all the aches away. Great thanks are due to all those who rode but also those who worked so hard on the day and previously to make it a success.

This was a very important day for Standing Together. Obviously we cannot do our work combating domestic violence without fundraising. More importantly, though, we have again raised awareness of the issue of domestic violence itself and perhaps, in a small way, we have moved society on towards a world where abusive behaviour towards ones partner is recognised and treated as unacceptable.

Thank you for helping us to do that.