Dear Sir
I completed the Charity Bike Ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in 9 days. I cannot quite believe that at 55 years young I managed the ride and it was a fantastic experience. I had pledged to raise £1800, and I am up to £1421, so still a little short, but hoping to hold a Pie and Peas Supper and appeal for more sponsorship.
The photo above is at John O’Groats at 2.30pm where all the other riders cheered me in. I was only 20mins behind the riders in front of me and there were plenty of tears,
The other riders presented me with the ‘yellow shirt’ for the “Rider of the Tour” which really humbled me, and I was touched to see how much they appreciated the effort I had put into the ride.
I couldn’t afford time to stop to take photos as 100 miles is a long way to cycle each day. I have some amazing scenery captured in my memories. This was an amazing challenge and I still cannot believe I did it.
I thought I would have time to think while cycling, I did think. . . . how on earth do I get up that next hill? Will there be any food left at the next pit stop, how far behind everyone else am I, can I really eat my evening meal straight off the bike with no shower? (yes!)
I was first rider away every morning and at least 30 mins before everyone else. Up at 5am, eat breakfast and on my bike by 7.15am and I arrived into evening camp up to 2 hours behind the riders in front of me.
I thought about each section at a time to the next rest stop, and there were often tears of relief as I arrived. Without the amazing support behind me I couldn’t have done it, thank you to everyone.
Many thanks, Lesley Thompson