It was GREAT, really GREAT. Do it – that’s what I say, if for nothing more than the selfish sense of achievement you get when you cycle past that finish line and high five the waiting ride organisers knowing that you’ve raised so much money and done such a good thing. As I said to many of the girls – what better way can you think of spending a May Bank holiday? I tell you, I am not one for blowing my own trumpet but it is enough to make you puff out your chest in pride.
It’s also emotional, so so so emotional. I cried when we set off, knowing that we’d smashed our group target of £30,000, and I’d started to cry little tears of joy under my sunglasses when we were about five miles from the finish. I just could not imagine what the reception would be like when we arrived ‘home’, and I knew I’d be a real cry baby. I had a lump in my throat which was conveniently the size of a cola cube.
Upon crossing the finish line and doing a few ceremonious laps of the car park I came to a halt, promptly saw my Mum and set off wailing in spectacular proportions whilst trying to hide from all the camera flashing and videotapes rolling. I was relieved to see, however, that I was not alone. As I turned to the team there were very few dry eyes around me and hugs aplenty. It was such a sense of pride at not only going the distance, but in enjoying it and raising so much money in the bargain.
It was odd though– you’d think after living on a bike for 4 days that we’d want to get off them, but not one
of us jumped off the bikes upon arriving at the finish line. Instead we stood astride them, not quite believing we’d made it and wishing it wasn’t all over. Two women even staged a sit down protest at the fact that it was all over. The only thing that made us dismount was the issuing of cold beer and champagne and the promise of one last rude aerobics session (this time tailored to the family market ).
It was a bit odd too saying goodbye to my hire bike – that thing had been damn good to me. I’d had no punctures and my chain never so much as came off once. I know it’s only a hunk of metal (and it was not even pink!), but I felt sad to walk away and leave it……….that feeling lasted about 10 minutes until I realised the benefits of not having to cart bikes home and wash them Joyous! Instead I could concentrate on tracking down that champagne bottle ……now where did it go again?
If you are even so much as tempted to join one of charity adventures cycle trips I would say do it, do it, do it! Just make sure you put the effort in to prepare yourself for the cycle beforehand and it’ll be a walk in the park 
And what’s more, it does simply wondrous things to your thighs
Marie
x
Posted: June 2nd, 2008 under the ride.
Comments: none
boo hooooooooooooo!
(yes, I have one….or is it two???)
