Cycle Land's End to Oxhill

Update

2010-08-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

We have raised more than £5,000. Again, thank you for your support to Different Strokes.

Thank You to Everyone

2010-06-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone for your participation and support of Different Strokes Land's End to Oxhill Cycle Ride!

Thank you to all the people who made donations on the blog, who put coins in our collection box and who signed the pledge forms.

Sponsors of our Minibus include: The Peacock Oxhill, Wixey's Transport, Spencer Outfitters of Shipston, Red Horse Fuels and Hortec Horticultural.

Total donations raised to date is more than £3500!

There is still time to donate to raise our total even higher. Please give anything you can for young stroke survivors.

Day 7 - Gloucester to Oxhill (Home!!!)

2010-06-26T01:55:00.000-07:00

Home at last!!

45 miles on our final day. In total we did 325 miles - 50 hours of cycling and 5 hours of map reading.

Andy Fog joined us at 7 am at the breakfast table in Gloucester. He left his home in Warwick at 2 am and cycled 45 miles to meet us only to cycle the whole way back (and he still held the lead). He is leaving today to France to cycle the Marmotte - a cycling event in the Alps in which 8000 people start and only half make it to the finish! Go Andy Go!!

Graham & Andy

Andy led us out of Gloucester without a map - in fact not a single stop for map reading all day. As a result it was the first day we did a bit of sight seeing (railway station in Toddington), stopped for ice cream in Broadway, chips in a pub in Mickleton and still it was our best time yet! We arrived back home at 3:30 pm!

We arrived at Ronnie's (The Royal Oak) just as Ronnie was rolling a ciggie and having a bit of quiet me-time (sorry Ronnie). Bikes were parked, beers were poured and the wind down began.

Feeling happy we then cycled up to the Peacock up in Oxhill where we were given champagne and yet more beer!! Big thank you to Pam & Yvonne!

We stumbled home for showers and to say hi to loved ones, only to all meet up again for an early doors party at Ronnies. Penny put out a delicious spread - in appearance and taste. Thank you also to Rosemary for helping to organise our home coming party. We ate, we drank, we told wild tales of our adventure and had a wonderful wonderful evening.

I got a bit emotional at the end of the evening because Ronnie & Penny gave us (Different Strokes) £200. I was very touched!

Day 6 - Chew Magna to Gloucester

2010-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

We started at 9 am and limped into Gloucester at 8 pm - 63 miles today (and 150 stops to read the map says Vanessa).

The day started with the obligatory high hills and beating sun. I covered myself in half a jar of sunscreen. The route we chose was a bit complicated and as a result it took us longer today. But the scenary was beautiful!

Steve's always happy near a railway track

Liz has been on Brian's mountain bike for 2 days now and she is amazing - no whinging, she just gets on with it. I can tell she is suffering sometimes but she never complains.

The other person who never complains is Hugh. The rest of us are whingers.

When all hope looked lost we stumbled into a splendid pub in Ham called The Salutation which has just won Gloucestershire Pub of the Year Award 2010. The landlord opened it up especially for us (we looked that desperate) and supplied us with tea and thick cheese and onions sandwiches. Once revived we headed off again into the searing sun.

At the pub.

Ten miles later Graham got a puncture. Luckily I had a spare inner tube that fit his tire, because his spare was flat!

Fixing Graham's puncture.

While the men fixed the bike, Vanessa and Liz had a nap.

We finished the day by cycling on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal towpath. It was 16 miles long and it took us almost 2 hours. Steve may never recover (we almost lost his friendship!). The path was bumpy, rocky, craggy and slow - but ever so beautiful!

Please tune into BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire at 10:10 am to hear me give an interview about our charity cycle ride. Let's hope we find a quiet cafe on route which has mobile phone reception before 10 am.

Tomorrow is our last day, which is somewhat bittersweet. We all want to finish and yet the journey has been so wonderfully memorable.

Day 5 – Wiveliscombe, Somerset to Chew Magna, Avon

2010-06-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

We did 57 miles today! The Quantock Hill was the highest yet. None of us cycled all the way to the top but we tried!

Steve reaching the top

Thank you to Monica, Brian’s elder sister, for her delicious flapjacks which we ate at the top of The Quantocks. (We noticed that Brian was rather deferential to her when she visited us at the hotel, unlike to us.)

Almost at the top of The Quantocks

After the Quantocks was a wonderful flat bit for 15 miles - a welcome relief.

Then came the dreaded but beautiful Cheddar Gorge. I had the misfortunate of cycling up just behind Liz & Vanessa. Vanessa stopped suddenly on a steep corner & Liz smacked into her. A car was passing at the same moment, so I was trapped between the car and the girls and had to stop. It's a shame because I really wanted to say I climbed Cheddar Gorge. Once I stop on a hill I can't get going again. Only one leg works well enough to pedal quickly and on a steep incline I just can't work it out. Not to worry, 20 metres further ahead the road was flat enough to get going again - so I guess I climbed Cheddar Gorge minus 20 metres.

Cheddar Gorge

We were hoping to catch the England World Cup game this afternoon but it took us a bit longer to reach West Harptree than we expected (not unusual) so we caught the last half hour. England won.

Hugh replaced a broken cable to his gears while we watched the game. Then it was a quick and easy 5 miles to our destination in Chew Magna.

Relaxing having a Murphy's moment at the end of the day

PS - We are getting wonderful promotional support from Hook Norton on their website courtesy of Penny from the Royal Oak in Whatcote. Read more here: http://www.hooknortonbrewery.co.uk/news2010/Royal-Oak-customers-cycling/Royal_Oak_cycling.html

And BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio are doing a special piece on us on Friday. I don't know what time yet but I will post the time as soon as I know. They want to interview me.

Day 4 – Stibbs Cross, Devon to Wiveliscombe, Somerset

2010-06-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

50 miles today! Halfway.

We started off the day with groans and moans and saddle sores. We were on the B3227 the whole day. I don’t like going downhill, especially steep hills. My sense of balance is faulty. It was the hardest day for me because of the relentless 25% hills.

3 months ago we could hardly get up the hills in the Cotswolds and now we are climbing successive steep hills. In fact we are almost forgetting what it’s like to ride on the flat. Edge Hill near home once seemed impossible to climb, but now seems easy (but I haven’t climbed it yet). Luckily the hills in the afternoon were much kinder.

You can see how the roads drop and climb in this pic.

Hugh and Graham brought their own high performance foods on the trip.

Hugh with sweet oat bars

Graham's grapefruit

Yeh Somerset!!

Steve’s legs are hurting him badly, so the ladies are giving him tender loving care – perhaps it’s all a ruse!

Steve & Graham on break

Tour de France here we come!

The gears on Liz’s expensive racing bike (which she only bought 2 months ago) shattered in the last mile before our destination. The back wheel seized up completely. Luckily Liz was climbing a hill so going relatively slowly. Brian brought a spare bike along which Liz will now use for the rest of the journey. Unlucky for Liz it’s a mountain bike, so she’ll be joining me and Graham with our mountain bikes.

Liz's broken bike

Day 3 - St Columb Major, Cornwall to Stibb Cross, Devon

2010-06-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

The worst day yet - very difficult. We did 54 miles, up and down crazy hills and along the A39 three times with dangerous fast traffic. We started at 9 am and finished at 5:30 and we only took one half hour break for morning coffee.

I felt like giving up a couple of times, but I can't give up on the charity. My right hand (the stroke hand) ached at the end of the day (still hurts).

Brian & Liz were King and Queen of the mountains today! They were the only ones who got to the top of a long hill with a 16% incline. It was difficult to push the bikes up nevermind cycle up. The hill was 3 miles before the end of our day, so well done to both of them.

Us climbing the hill that Brian & Liz cycled

We are staying in Bude tonight and we finally have internet in our room. I writing this in bed - well I'm dictating and Vanessa's typing.

Devon village names.

Vanessa wants to include beach pics of Bude:

Day 2 – Goldsithney, Cornwall to St Columb (near Newquay) (Vanessa writing)

2010-06-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

45 miles – 25 uphill, 20 downhill. It seems there are no flat roads in Cornwall!

Mike, Hugh, Graham, Steve and Brian – all the men stopped every ½ mile to read the maps (and we still got lost!). Liz and I bit our tongues and led everyone up every hill.

Brian commented twice (with a touch of resentment) that the girls were at the front the whole day – damn right! Go grrrls!

Day 1 - Land's End to Goldsithney, Cornwall

2010-06-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today we got up at 5:30 am! and got on a train at 7:02 to Penzance.

The Australia vs England rugby was on the radio and I tried to get reception for 3 people. We listened to half the match with bad interference, sharing little earphones - desperate measures.

We arrived at Penzance early afternoon and were met by John, our support driver, who took us to Land’s End where we had our picture taken.

Then we started our cycle ride and it was excellent!! We did the prelude – Land’s End to Goldsithney (18 miles). Everyone had a great time - even Brian didn’t whinge too much. Speaking of Brian...

Caption competition:

1. At the end of the first day Brian was feeling totally drained.
2. The Goldsithney Parish Council called in Brian, the font of all sewage knowledge, to examine the drains.
3. BP resort to drastic measures to plug the leak.
4. Brian gave an demonstration of the burrowing techniques of his pet Jack Russell terrier.

In reality Liz dropped her mobile phone down the drain and Brian being very chivalrous (as Vanessa pointed out) dug deep to get it, but alas no success.

We stayed at the Cornwall Golf Club in St Just overlooking the sea - a fabulous way to end the day!

We Leave Tomorrow.....

2010-06-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

.....so we had several down the pub tonight.

Two Days to Go

2010-06-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Steve & I did a 18 miles warm down cycle yesterday. Steve said he will get withdrawal symptoms not cycling in 3 days.

Last night we put all our bikes in the minibus with a tear in our eyes. The minibus left this morning but we will meet again in Penzance!

I have been cycling in excess of 1500 miles this year and 323 miles to go! Having a few falls on the way I feel on top form.

We have over £2,500 in pledges and on-line donations - not forgetting the minibus sponsors. Thank you one and all for your generosity!

If you haven't donate please do so!

Thank you.

Graham Returns

2010-06-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

We all went cycling, except Hugh, on Saturday & Sunday for a total of 64 miles. Graham chose 2 routes: one leading to Chipping Campden and other Moreton-in-Marsh, both with medium hills both and truly spectacular scenery.

Liz & Graham

Graham is back in training with us now, since Thursday, after suffering for a week with a knee injury. He took took some magic potion and is back cycling - Cycletrix!

We don't want anymore injuries before the cycle ride!

London to Sidmouth

2010-06-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Vanessa and I were 'panniered up' for cycling from our house to Banbury railway station early in the morning. We went to London for a poetry show at the Southbank. In London the cyclists have some attitude!

London Eye (Big Ben in background)

Next day we cycled round St James Park, Green Park and through Hyde Park to Paddington. A motor cycle convoy with a very posh vehicle came by and Camilla Parker Bowles waved at Vanessa.

In Paddington station we got 20 tickets to go to Banbury via Exmouth!

A Handful of Tickets

We cycled from Exmouth to Sidmouth climbing Peak Hill (above 150 metres altitude). Vanessa climbed the hill ,but I conked out 50 yards before the brow. The owners of The Salty Monk gave us champagne for achieving the feat!

On the way back in Exmouth we saw a blown down tree left for the children to climb on.

We went on disused railway cycle routes half the time. We dodged the old age drivers the other half of the time.

£1000!

2010-06-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Donations have reached £1000 on-line today! Thanks to everybody who contributed.

Everything is coming together: the b&b's & hotels are sorted; the route is (almost) organised; the train tickets have been purchased; the support vehicle has been sponsored; fuel is virtually paid for by donations; the pledges are coming in and the training is going on schedule (except for Graham who is out of action, but hopefully will be back soon).

One bit of bad news: Hugh fell off his bike tonight grazing his knee and elbow. He slipped on some grease at the side of the road. It looked painful!

Bike Modifications

2010-06-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

I took my bike to Mike Vaughan Cycles today to get modifications. I had butterfly handle bars fitted and the gears & brakes are now controlled by my left hand. I have only one brake lever for both the front and rear brakes.

Butterfly handlebars with brake and gears on left.

We went cycling this evening for 17 miles. The butterfly handlebars were excellent but the brake lever should be on the upper handlebar. I will try again tomorrow.

Canal Trip

2010-06-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

Liz, Vanessa, Brian, Steve, Hugh & I went out for a 30 mile cycle to Banbury yesterday. We took the tow path down the Oxford Canal to Cropredy. It was rather dangerous, exceedingly narrow and very bumpy.

Very, very wide bit of the tow path.

I found it no problem because I have a mountain bike, but the some of the others found it rather more difficult. Brian was whining because he broke a piece of his front mudguard and messed up the gears of his bike! I hit my wall and was cycling squares at the end of this ride. I’m having a day off from cycling today.

Today Vanessa & I will contact the newspapers, radio & tv to try and get the Different Strokes cycle ride publicised.

More Animals

2010-06-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Vanessa & I cycled 36 miles yesterday and the road was blocked by a herd of cows going to be milked.

Today Hugh, Steve, Brian & I did 42 miles. We started early - 8am! We apologise to Liz for not telling her the cycle time had changed. Sorry.

We cycled by a traffic jam caused a pair of swans and their eyrar of cygnets. The river is 400 yards away.

Graham has a knee problem and has abstained from cycling this weekend. We wish him well.

I cycled 210 miles this week, my legs feel tired.

Animal Magic

2010-06-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Brian found a tawny owl, 3 weeks old, when we were out cycling Thursday evening. Brian deduced that the owl fell out of the tree when it tried to fly. He said that its mother would call him/her when it was dark.

Near the owl we saw a wing and scattered feathers. Brian, a font of all farming knowledge, said it was a duck killed by a fox, because there were feathers stuck with the spittle on the grass.

When we went out for a cycle yesterday (36 miles) the tawny owl was not there. Either the mother had rescued it or the wiley fox has killed it. Vanessa was sad to leave it the first time, so I told her the mother probably got to it first.

Torturous Hills

2010-06-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

6 of us cycled to Stratford on Sunday over 40 miles of flattish ground. The day was warm and the ride was fairly easy.

But Graham had an evil idea on Bank Holiday Monday! He took us over torturous hills covering 42 miles. (Graham is our excellent coach & sage.) We started with a full 7 man crew, but Steve left us after 21 miles. His excuse was 'I got a rendezvous', but maybe he just couldn't hack it?! (Sorry Steve.)

Liz's chain came off going up those steep hills. Brian was a hero succeeding where 3 other male cyclists failed and got her chain on. (There's a joke there somewhere.) Liz cycled past me at the start of a steep hill saying 'girl power', but I was gracious when I cycled passed her walking at the top of the same hill!

Hugh, Liz, Vanessa, Brian & Graham

We were joined at The Norman Knight & brewery by Sarah & Rosemary. We had a delicious hot soup & warm bread to warm us up. The day was cold & difficult.

Evening cycle

2010-05-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

5 of us cycled last night for 22 miles. Nick joined us, he usually goes cycling on his own, because he lives in a village that's 5 miles away. He is very apologetic, but he can’t make the Land’s End to Oxhill charity cycle ride because of his work commitments. Nick will be sorely missed.

Nick, Brian, Vanessa & Lycra Liz

Liz's mirror was coming loose and drooping down. Brian tried to be a hero and fix it, but his 'functional multi tool' was not working....that's his excuse.

Brian & Lycra Liz

I would like to thank: Graham & Steve for getting the route sorted; Steve for organising the railway tickets; Vanessa for arranging the b&b’s & hotels along the way and editing my inane waffling.

Cycling alone

2010-05-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

I've cycled every day this week, Sunday to Wednesday, which amounts to 105 miles!

Yesterday I cycled 40 miles alone - I've got to build up my stamina. In the first 5 miles I was not enjoying it, but over the next 18 miles I was like a pig in muck! I ate a lovely warm spinach & sesame seed pie half way round. Things went down hill at 23 miles and I wanted to cancel the whole trip. But by 26 miles, with 14 miles remaining, I got over the hurt and concentrated on going home to a relaxing bath.

My strokes paralysed my right side, so shifting the gears with my right thumb is difficult. I also tore the ligaments on my thumb when I was dry slope skiing at the tender age of 16 - a common injury called Dendix thumb.

My haemoglobin is increasing since I had blood pumped of me last week. Touch wood everything is splendid and I don't have to go to hospital again! I will go cycling tonight.

6 turns into 7

2010-05-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we cycled the same 42 miles of last week, but in the reverse direction. 6 of us started and we met a lonely Hugh going the other way on the Greenway, he turned round to join us.

We did a photo shoot in the morning for my old school magazine, before Hugh joined us.

Graham, Brian, Liz, Me, Steve & Vanessa

'Lycra' Liz looking sharp with her new racer. But a couple of miles later she ended up cutting off the rear mudguard with first aid scissors.

We briefly stopped at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Dragon Boat Race: 2 boats overflowing with oarsmen and a coxswain, racing each other to the sound of a solitary drummer. On land the ‘Sambassadors of Groove’ played in the band stand. There was a great festival ambience. Steve and I could have stayed there all afternoon, drinking beer and soaking up the atmosphere but the others had different idea – On your bikes!

I cycled 103 miles last week!! & I feel fine as one could.

The Rollright Stones

2010-05-22T02:18:00.000-07:00

We cycled to The Rollright Stones today (26 miles). We were disappointed & dumbfounded by what we saw...

6 stones round a campfire!

We met a couple of American tourists who had driven far to see the stones. They said ‘Is this it?’ and left disappointed.

We went back to our bikes and saw a small sign and path leading to the main stones. Poor tourists! Have a look at the King's Men and Vanessa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzdZNEwvFJA

King's Men

A bit of good news: My blood iron levels are correct and I no longer have to go to hospital to get a pint of blood removed....Hallelujah!

5 go cycling

2010-05-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

5 of us cycled 41 miles today – the most yet! We picked a relatively flat scenic route which included the Stratford Greenway, going along the Avon, Walton Hall and some spectacular countryside.

The Stratford Avon

We tried to dump Steve, but couldn't away with it! Brian has a new touring/racing bike so he was hardly out of breath. Graham's sure and steady cycling goes on and on like a Duracell, and true to form he was the first one to reach the pub.

Graham, Brian, Steve & me on tea break

I got my cleats stuck in the pedal, fell off my bike and bloodied my knee. Déjà vu. I’ve now taken off the left cleat.

The last 5 miles were difficult because 4 days ago I had a pint of blood pumped out (left over issues from chemo treatment). Must keep training!

Cycling in Île de Ré

2010-05-06T04:36:00.001-07:00

Île de Ré boasts over 100km of cycle paths, though the island is only 30km in length.

We experienced a head wind which almost stopped us in our tracks when we were going to the light house, but on the way back we hardly had to pedal. We cycled over 50 miles today and it was truly the best cycle day I've ever had.

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Île de Ré is a truly magnificent island. Life is laid back and appealing, I wouldn’t mind retiring here. I also recommend our hotel, Le Peu Breton, where the patron was most cordial & good humoured.

Cycling in Médoc

2010-05-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

I suffered from a tummy bug for 36 hours in Bordeaux so I was cautious being on a bike at Médoc.

We cycled around the vineyards of Pauillac, viewed Château Mouton-Rothschild & Château Lafite-Rothschild and others.

We cycled easy for 24 miles, sipped the wine, had exquisite food and relaxed.

Lourdes

2010-05-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

I went to the grotto, wanted a miracle to happen, but unfortunately it didn’t.

Lourdes is a place where they thwack you down and then some. The hotels are basic and the food is appalling (sorry but that's the way it is, call me a sinner).

We enjoyed cycling the ‘Route de la Foret’. 5 million people come to Lourdes every year and the forest is empty. C’est la vie!

Route de la Foret

Lourdes is in the Pyrenees and cycling (as with skiing) means going downhill is a nightmare because my gyratory system is all out of whack. I have to get off and walk when the gradient is too steep. I use the rear brakes with my left hand, while my right hand, affected by the stroke, cannot pull on the front brakes, so I only stop with one brake. I must put both brakes on my left handle bar for the long cycle trip ahead.

Cycling in San Sebastián

2010-05-01T01:58:00.000-07:00

It was like being in a movie. The promenade was full of suited gentlemen and expensively dressed ladies dripping with costly jewelry. There was a white swan in the sea to top it all!

Vanessa poses

We were just idling along on our bikes having tapas and cervezas. In the afternoon I froze- up when getting out of the funicular with our bikes, Vanessa came to rescue me.

View from the top of the funicular

In all the day was relatively flat with plentiful good cycle lanes.

Cycling in Bilbao

2010-04-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

Guggenheim Museum

Vanessa speaks Spanish and she asked a cyclist for the directions to the sea (we had only started cycling 2 miles earlier) and we followed him 26 miles over some truly spectacular scenery: beaches, gentle climb lasting 10 km, viewing fireworks, train home again, eating tapas in a square etc. We did 32 miles today.

Benito, our Guide for the Day

No Pain No Gain

2010-04-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

All of us except Liz, cycled for 20 miles today. Two days ago I had a pint of blood pumped out and today I got my cleats stuck in the pedal, fell off my bike and bloodied my knee. No pain no gain...

4 straight days of cycling!

2010-04-12T06:34:00.001-07:00

Friday: Vanessa, Graham, Steve, Brian, Nick & myself cycled 18 miles over plodding, repetitive hills but the views were stunning. Nick is a new young man to the Team - well - middle aged.

Saturday: Vanessa, Liz and I did 13.5 miles. Liz bought a spanking new racing bike 3 weeks ago. She cycles with Hugh on the weekends and plays tennis - so she's fit.

Steve, Me & Brian at Draycote Water

Sunday: Brian, Steve, Vanessa & I went out to Draycote Water, a 4.5 miles circumference, flat as a pancake but there was a strong wind. We went round 3 times.

Monday: I cycled 40.07 miles on my own, my most miles ever!! My behind is now very tender.

My Birthday

2010-04-05T01:21:00.001-07:00

For my birthday, this weekend, we went to the Forest of Dean. Over 3 days we covered 45 miles (mostly off road) in driving rain and slippery mud. It was exhilarating – and painful! I fell off my bike on the first day and grazed my knee and knocked the mirror off my bike.

Up to Symonds Yat Rock, watched a Peregrine through binoculars, then descended a slip road for emergency vehicles to Peregrine Cycle Path.

Down the Peregrine Cycle Path we came across the suspension bridge and crossed it gingerly!

As the day went on I climb up the stairs wearily in Redbrook.

In all the trip fore-warned me that it's hard to do the charity cycle ride but I am sure it will be rewarding.

Hi from Vanessa

2010-03-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Start Serious Training!

2010-03-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Things To Do

2010-03-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

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.

About Mike, the Blogger

2010-03-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

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)