Training has begun and I just got a new bike, a Trek. I was zipping along the first time I took it out - very encouraging. I look forward to, and also feel daunted by our 330 mile bike ride. Just what a 50th challenge should be.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Hi from Vanessa
Mike asked me to write a couple of words about why I'm cycling. This summer I turn 50 and I wanted to do a physical challenge to mark it. I was thinking selfish and exotic - climb Kilimanjaro, cycle Ethiopia. But Mike (ever practical and generous) suggested joining him on a charity bike ride at home in the UK.
Training has begun and I just got a new bike, a Trek. I was zipping along the first time I took it out - very encouraging. I look forward to, and also feel daunted by our 330 mile bike ride. Just what a 50th challenge should be.
Training has begun and I just got a new bike, a Trek. I was zipping along the first time I took it out - very encouraging. I look forward to, and also feel daunted by our 330 mile bike ride. Just what a 50th challenge should be.
Friday 26 March 2010
Start Serious Training!
We went out training today, 17 miles, it was beautiful sunshine before we went... and the heavens opened after 5 miles. Ho hum.
Hugh, Graham, Vanessa & Steve
Graham, Hugh, Vanessa & I have recently been on a bike but Steve has not been cycling for over 8 years. We went up some long gradual hills today and nipped into a croissanterie for a strawberry tartlet! Bonne santé.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Things To Do
We still have to sort out the exact start date of the trip, the least hilly route, our mileage per day, a support vehicle, accommodation, fundraising, gift aid, press coverage and a training schedule.
All of this and we start cycling in under 3 months! A couple of the team members have not been on a bike for years but I have the upmost confidence in them.
My aim is to raise £10,000 for Different Strokes, as I am personally aware of the costly help that’s needed for young stroke survivors. Most of us think stroke only happens to older people but 10, 000 people under the age of 55 suffer a stroke every year within the UK - 1,000 of these are under the age of 30. I was 32 when I had my 2 strokes. Different Strokes directs their support to these people.
Organising this event (never mind the actual cycle ride) is a big challenge but I’m optimistic.
All of this and we start cycling in under 3 months! A couple of the team members have not been on a bike for years but I have the upmost confidence in them.
My aim is to raise £10,000 for Different Strokes, as I am personally aware of the costly help that’s needed for young stroke survivors. Most of us think stroke only happens to older people but 10, 000 people under the age of 55 suffer a stroke every year within the UK - 1,000 of these are under the age of 30. I was 32 when I had my 2 strokes. Different Strokes directs their support to these people.
Organising this event (never mind the actual cycle ride) is a big challenge but I’m optimistic.
Monday 22 March 2010
About Mike, the Blogger
I had 2 strokes (subarachnoid haemorrhage) when I was 32. I lost my speech and was paralysed down the right side of my body. I am now 46 and recovered most movement though I don’t speak so well (according to the folks in the pub!).
Two years ago I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). I've had 3 phases of chemotherapy and countless blood transfusions. I’m in remission now, though blood is removed each week - I have too much iron due to all the transfusions.
However, bad luck aside, I am a happy man. I along with some good friends, have decided to undertake the physical challenge of the 330 mile bike ride from Land's End to Oxhill to help young stroke survivors less fortunate than myself.
(Editing by my beautiful wife)
Two years ago I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). I've had 3 phases of chemotherapy and countless blood transfusions. I’m in remission now, though blood is removed each week - I have too much iron due to all the transfusions.
However, bad luck aside, I am a happy man. I along with some good friends, have decided to undertake the physical challenge of the 330 mile bike ride from Land's End to Oxhill to help young stroke survivors less fortunate than myself.
(Editing by my beautiful wife)
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