for the Charity Male Cancer Awareness
Report from Geoff Godschalk, CC Ashwell cycle club, 26th August 2009
How to describe this “challenge”... arduous... WET… rewarding… revealing. Some statistics... nearly 470 miles... very lumpy (haven’t analysed the total climb yet)….biblically wet (4.5 days almost continuous)….head wind (70%)
The Route
• Drive from London / J10 A1 / Stratford U Avon / to Campsite SW Newcastle (camp)
• Mon… Quayside(promo)West / Greenhead(lunch)Brampton / Carlisle(camp) 70miles V.Hilly
• Tues... Gretna /Annan / Dumfries(lunch)Crocketford / Newgalloway / Newtonstewart(camp) 90 miles V.Hilly
• Wed… Newton Stewart / Stranraer / Ferry / Belfast /Legonie /Antrim / Randalstown / Ballyronan / Coagh / Cookstown / Six Towns(camp) 80 miles X hilly
• Thurs… Greencastle / Gortin / NewtownStewart / Castlederg / Ederney / Kesh(lunch)Belleek / Ballyshannon(camp) 90 miles Hilly
• Friday… Bundoran / Sligo / Ballsadare / Colooney / Cloonacool / Tobercurry(lunch)Charlestown / Swinford / Castlebar(camp) 75 miles Hilly
• Saturday… Ballinrobe / Headford(lunch) Galway 60miles long climbs … FINISH
• Sunday….. after a well earned night out!! pack up and drive to Dublin to catch ferry / Holyhead / HOME
Click the picture to enlarge [the picture...]
Support Staff…
Kirstie, Laura, Reda……unfailingly helpful,cheerful,organised and decidedly capable…..Reda was our chef and in all weathers managed to produce outstandingly tasty and nutricious food as well as drive the support bus between meeting points. Laura and Kirstie, identical twins at Uni. coped with everything we, the weather and circumstances threw at them coming out on top. Add to that their ability to arrange hot spa’s at each termination for us to recover in and the arranging of interviews and publicity along the way simply amazed us all.
The Founder Patrick and his Chairman Graham chose to sample the total experience of the challenge by cycling the route……The responsibility of trying out this new challenge and seeing us all delivered safely to start and home again was a heavy burden which they ably shouldered.
Rhod and Charlie were two Uni. friends who took the challenge despite little cycling experience. Their determination and suffering all sorts of new horrors brought on by 6 days in the saddle was remarkable. Their improvement, especially Charlie’s, was amazing. How I envied their youthful recovery.
Terrance had cycled some long events but mostly alone and wasn’t experienced in group or continuous cycling and was suffering from a weakened back. How he managed to complete this ride is testament to his determination and guts.
Our Pro Cyclist Michael came equipped to see the riders safely through the 6 days with cycling knowledge,tour experience and all manner of cycling spares and tools. Sadly he had to return home on urgent family matters after day 1. The help and knowledge he managed to impart to everyone seeing all through the first and very tough day served us well for the next five days. He was sorely missed by us.
That left myself, the oldest but more experienced cyclist. Save for Mike, no-one had done 6 days back to back cycling before…my best being 3 days but with a private room with toilet and shower ready at each days end to relax and prepare for the next. For me this was to be a test to see if I could do the miles, climbs, conditions and stay in one piece.
That no-one else save Mike, Myself and Terrance had cycled any significant distance gave me cause to wonder if we could do this challenge. I needn’t have worried as everyone rose to the challenge and surpassed their own expectations. I am proud to have ridden with these people and learnt what can be achieved by maintaining good spirits through all adverse conditions.
Click picture to enlarge.
Expectations and realities
There should have been 14 riders, but various circumstances whittled this to only 7 before the day and these to 6 on day 2. No matter, as the need to pull together and ride as a group was sufficient. As a trial run to test the concept before going full-out next year I think we served as a very good spread of abilities and ages.
We set camp each night after the long ride and packed up again the next morning before riding out.We cared for our own bikes and learnt much that will stand all in good stead in future rides. Whilst most of the country was suffering a heat wave we were being pummelled by rain, and I do mean hit rather than simply rained on.
The head winds were almost continuous and the normal reward after a long climb of a fast freewheel down the other side was withheld from us. To attain any speed we had to cycle hard downhill also.
Despite such conditions we were still amazed at the beautiful scenery , so much so that I will return next year in the hope of seeing the true beauty in better conditions.
We proved that if you want to do this ride there is nothing to stop you save yourself
So, what else would make me return?
The people we met, and their open generosity without a doubt. We were provided with access to pools, spa’s, saunas and steam rooms at each stopover. Some locations provided us with hot meals in the evening. Some gave food for our chef to prepare.
The campsites we stayed gave freely of their grounds and facilities. Much needed as most nights we had a late wash and drying of kit in order to feel human when riding the next day. Hot showers were a blessing after a damp night. The conditions couldn’t have been any worse.
The wonderful cooking by our chef, Reda. His calm and unflappable nature never saw a problem that couldn’t be overcome.
The unquenchable upbeat nature of Laura and Kirstie. Their ability to organise and support everyone however grim things became.
The humour of Patrick and Graham who kept spirits high despite suffering the lurgi and carrying overall responsibility for the project.
The sheer determination everyone showed, to complete the challenge come what may, was enough to lift anyone suffering their own personal doubts.
The reaction by strangers and their cheerful support and good wishes as we progressed on our journey.
Most importantly of all however was the growing feeling we all shared that this whacky, off beat, tough and brilliant challenge, the brainchild of Patrick Cox, was doing precisely what the label said; Raising Awareness of Male Cancer. Our extrovert garb was an instant ice breaker, enabling us to engage with all sectors of the public and discuss the serious issues surrounding male reticence and embarrassment when facing up to cancers specific to males. Simply stated, our struggle against the conditions regardless of previous cycling experience seemed to strike a chord and resonate with those struggling with their own personal fight.
This event deserves to become an annual ride. It is not for the faint hearted. It is not for those who are fair-weather cyclists.
It is however a real test of your resilience and resourcefulness. If you want to learn something about yourself and at the same time help to raise awareness of male cancer then this event is for you.
