This is an 'adventure'... a 'once in a lifetime' trip.. it will be a challenge and an amazing experience..
It will provide incredible memories and bring together two people from different generations with different life experiences on a journey together... because of one person they both loved - 'Trudy'
... this trip will be our tribute to her, whislt at the same time raise funds to help others who sadly find themselves in a similar situation..
The Epic Begins....
Alex and I will be partaking in a 'Women v Cancer' cycle ride - a mere 400km across Cuba. The funds raised will be divided equally between: Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.. some money will also be donated to help women fight cancer in Cuba....
So NOW all we need to do is ... get fit ... and raise £3,000 each.... Oh yes, and Alex will be losing weight too :-)
Poster and tickets are sorted (thanks to Sandhy Robinson-Jones).. they look brilliant - decided I'd better get sorted as I was asked for 8 at work yesterday :-)
All systems 'go' now .. please come along to the night - should be great fun .. tickets are £12 each - or £20 for 2.
Pie and pea supper will be included - the pies will be supplied from Wilson's Butchers at Corby Hill... everyone raved about how good they are - tried one today... they were right!!
There will be a raffle (and hopefully and auction) as I've had some really good prizes given including a meal for two at The Thin White Duke in Carlisle, a night's accommodation at Acorn Bank in Wetheral.. as well as a football (from Chivers) and Ipod docking station (from Peter Tyson's) and a Foot fish spa treatment..
The bar will be provided by Bars2U - think they're from the Penrith area
Northern Crisis are playing at the Brown Cow in Cockermouth on Easter Sunday - prior to my event .. so if you're looking for something to do over Easter check them out!! Northern Crisis are a local band from Carlisle (a fireman, a builder, a social worker and a surveyor) - one of them (Dave Kay) I used to work with and have known for many years. The singer I do not know - but bizarrely met his wife at DW Fitness whilst Spinning this week!!
Met with Lyndsey of DW Fitness this week.. going to have 3 Spinning Classes (back to back) on 28th April .. if all goes to plan - reckon charging £2 - £3 a class would be a reasonable price.. then need to plan the others in advance..
Today met a friend from my Garden Design Course and then went to Keswick to find something for Alex (birthday tomorrow) and called in at Keswick Mountain Bike Shop . Looked at the helmets - mine are pretty basic and I thought it about time I got something a bit more robust. The guy was really helpful .. there was so much kit in the shop (above a brilliant cafe Lakeland Pedlar) anyway long and short of it was I went back to the new shop to see the helmets there. The guy I met the previous time turned out to be a part owner Andy (but wasn't in) - I met the other partner Amos who after an chat ended up giving me a pair of Endura cycling shorts and a gillet!!! He was really interested in my trip and sponsored me individually for Cuba - I got a new helmet too .. a Cannondale (special rate).. and am signed up for 10% reduction as a local.... but they may give me more - think I have to create a case.. He also invited me on the Summer Solstice event - no entry fee .. just turn up - at 6am in Keswick - says it's a very special (not too difficult) event... really fancy it - but might try it out first .. section by section perhaps..
So events and sponsorship looking good.. just want to get out on my bike tomorrow - looking forward to meeting up with Alex on the Solway.. might do another ride earlier at home - SO enjoying all of this :-))
Me very pleased with myself an hour down and 13.8km
Ok so I planned to go out tonight and I planned to choose a different route too...the map sort of made sense...but I still headed off without a clue where I was going. I rode out through Bearpark and onto the Lanchester Cycling route. At first after a lovely breezy downhill section I came to a fairly steep incline and was worried I had made a bad desicion. My legs were aching and my body was just telling me to turn round for home...but I was determined not to listen and to continue because I am doing this for so many good reasons and I am not going to give in! Another cyclist breezed past me and really put me to shame, but to be honest thats not going to deter me either because I know I will be on par with her one day, and one day soon!
Lanchester.
I have been having trouble with my gears again, I have to anticipate a hill in advance because if I change to late it doesnt change and I end up struggling up a hill in the wrong gear with my chain making odd noises....and when it does give I nearly fall off. So an important note is to ensure I am thinking about whats coming up in front of my and judging my gear changes well in time before I do myself an injury :-/ Hubby reckons I should easily be doing 15km in an hour but currently I fall short of that and today I managed only 13.8km in an hour so I need to work on my speed and my stamina, although I am sure practise and training will achieve both of those it is something I need to ensure I work on. I know spinning is good for both of these so I need to look into when and where I can participate in a few classes.
Bike was tired so it had a rest!
I nearly forgot that as I was keeping on pedalling as if my life depended on it to push up my distance before the hour was up that I was heading quite a distance from home and would have to go back the same distance again. I was also panicking that I would get a puncture or another maintenance problem would occur and I still dont know what to do in either event, so another note is to contact Simon at DCP.co.uk to arrange my maintenance lesson before I end up in hot water in the middle of nowhere!
Beautiful views
Lovely....its just a shame I know I have to go back up to the top over where the houses are!
Langley Park hill.....the photo does NOT do it justice..a very steep incline.
So on my way back I decided I wanted to see the views from the top of Langley Park, I had passed over many times in the car and been in awe at the amazing views. I decided to come of the track onto the road and head home that way......to be perfectly honest it was a terrible decision!! I am not yet ready to tackle long steep inclines that go on for a long distance (another reason to build up stamina) steep short hills I can cope with, or long mild ones but not long steep ones. I gave it a go and as I was riding I kept thinking about how pleased I would be if I achieved it and the euphoria I would feel if I did it.......but alas my gears were as low as I could go and I was still struggling, I was extremely slow, I think a snail may have beaten me! At this point since I was also on the road I decided for the safety of myself and other road users I had to dismount and push the bike up on the pavement! Further up the hill I gave it another go....I was ok....but out of the corner of my eye I saw some steep steps...straight up the side of the hill it looked like the better option...not sure if I was right or wrong lol as I had to carry my bike on my shoulder.....1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.........90,91,92......200....who knows what the real amount was through my puffing and panting I lost all sense of my counting I would estimate in the region of 300 steps for the sake of arguments..I know someone will know the real number! Alas at the top the views were as spectacular as always and even though I wish I had been able to ride to the top (one day I will!!) but for now the fact I had carried my bike to the top was an achievement too since all I wanted to do was phone hubby to come and get me :-)
The Short cut I chose to take with the bike on my shoulder! Approx 300 steps, I was counting but lost count as I was puffing and panting, lol.
The view from the top was worth it once I had my breath back!
What a view!
An even better view...The Pub :-)
Did I mention there was a pub at the top of the hill?? Haha it did keep me going, but I didnt go in...I decided I would head home to my lovely hubby and kids to enjoy a nice BBQ and a guilt free drink or two :-) There has to be some bonus to my training lol :-) Cheers!
So Alex and I have now signed up for The Great Shakespeare Ride on Sunday 12th August - apparently this is the last day of the Olympics (and although we'll get a medal for completing it) I can't imagine we'll be breaking any records!! Still it'll be fun and nice to meet some of the other 'girls' who will be cycling with us in Cuba next year as I believe several are going to be doing the event... should be fun - and hard work!!
It's a sportive cycling event in it's third year and is described as 'a demanding course taking in some of the Cotswolds' and South Warwickshire's most beautiful villages, challenging climbs and rolling terrain'. There are 3 distance options - we'll be doing 100km Challenge (64miles) with 3 main hill climbs.. on looking at last years results it would appear that the competitor that took the longest came in at almost 8.5 hours... so that's our challenge Alex - to beat it!! http://www.thegreatshakespeareride.org.uk/the-event/routes-info/100-km.html
We've been having some amazing weather since last friday.. with Keswick being the hottest place in the UK on friday - hey that's when I went up Catbells!! Knew it was a glorious day - but didn't realise that we'd had it the hottest!!
So after going to LBT last night and finding it rather too stuffy on such a beautiful evening, I decided tonight I'd cycle home after work... it was hard not to finish early and get out on my bike - kept thinking about the ride home all day!!! Anyway it was a stunning evening and I managed to avoid the busy A7 (which would not have been nice) - I found a cycle trail (part of the coast to coast route) that ran parallel - nice :-) An hour and a half later I was home after just over 18 miles of cycling... thoroughly enjoyed it :-) .. will do it more often!! Even thinking of getting up at 5.30 to cycle in.. there is a shower at work - but not very appealing.. however, after tonight I may just try it sometime - would be good training for Shakespeare!
Let's hope the weather continues.. unfortunately won't be cycling home tomorrow night - got a Spinning and Power Yoga class.. also meeting Lyndsey (from DW Fitness) to discuss fund raising :-)
OK so I will be the first to say each to their own and I would never push my views on anybody but my ride today was a strange one that made me push myself to an amazing 21.7km.....not a huge journey for some, but a major achievement for me :o)
The best news for me right now is hubby is off the night shift thank goodness and its back to some sort of normality, therefore I am back to slimming world this week and back on track with my cycling! I havent lost any weight over the last 3 weeks but a major bonus is I have maintained..since I have been juggling a two man job while hubby has been working I am ashamed to say I havent been very good at my eating :-s On the positive though I have been staying in regular contact with my slimming world consultant and it has kept me from going off the rails totally which is an achievement for me as the old Alex would have taken every excuse to slip off track and return to all my bad habits....but not this time!!!
OK so not quite Twiggy yet...but getting there :-)
So..back onto the cycling....when hubby came in from work I was all ready and unbelievably I was rareing to go!!! I got on the bike and set off and to be honest I felt great! I did my normal route although I am planning to diversify a bit in the future as I dont want to get bored! I can't stress how strong I felt and how I actually felt like a cyclist and not just a fat girl on a bike! The weather was fantastic and I enjoyed the sunshine, the peace from the kids and the sound of the birds singing their songs...it was beautiful! I have my ipod on my arm for company with random songs ranging all the way from West End musicals to happy hardcore from when I was 18 :-) I find that songs bring back memories from various parts of my life, mainly good ones :-)
So as I was riding along today I felt really good, my speed was good too, I managed the first 10km in approx 40 mins which for me is very good! All along my journey though I felt like someone was riding behind me and at various points the urge to turnaround was so powerful yet no one was there, I even heard twigs snapping behind me but no one was there! Further along my route I passed a lady who distinctly looked like my late Little Grandma....she was mildly thinner in the face but a strange and eerie likeness that made me smile :-) I carried on riding in the comfort that she would have been very proud of me setting out to achieve something of this magnitude and the positive effects it will have on me as a person!
I was coming up to the point that I previouslt gone as far as and I was debating whether to turn around or carry on then a strange thing happened and the song on my ipod started.......
Best I can do taking a picture of myself whilst riding lol
It was weird because for some reason this song has been going round and round in my head for weeks, every day I have been singing the lyrics in my head every time I have been on my own and I have been unable to figure out why but it seemed apt that at this indecisive moment this song should come on and give me such an urge to push on and discover undiscovered territory.......OK for you sceptical people it was just coincidence...but for me today I believe it was my mum showing me it was OK to push myself and that she was behind me all the way.....I believe it was a song of comfort yet a song of YOU CAN DO THIS!! :-))
I didnt go much further......only to the top of the next hill....yet over the hill I could see more paths to continue on but as I had done so much more and in a far quicker time I decided to turn around, athough I am eager to see what awaits me over that hill the next time :-)))) I am glad I pushed on that much further....whether it was my mum, my angels, some higher power or pure coincidence I am still glad.
Amazing scenery on a glorious day
On my way back it is always so much fun as it is on a mild slope downwards to I dont need to pedal hard to enjoy the speed and freedom whilst looking at the fantastic scenery that I am very lucky to live within and be proud of. In fact I had a bit of fun with camera and ot some dodgy pics while cycling, only stopping briefly to pick up my camera case ...oopsie :-s
Brief stop to retrive my camera case :-/
The only thing about the glorious sunshine is the fact there I more flies than normal...I think I inhaled and swallowed a number of the poor critters....oh well hopefully they are full of vitamins...
I carried on home and as I knew my dreaded V hills were beckoning I decided to carry on with my adventuring streak and take a detour, I popped out in a picnic area after climbing a mild hill, much to my dissapointment but at least I had the positive of downhill back again and the knowledge of what lay up that secret pathway every time I pass it in the future.
As I was approaching home I looked at the clock only 4.45pm I was really impressed and thought wow I can stay out to play a bit longer but then it dawned on me that the clocks had gone forward at the weekend and I though :-O I better get back because I still had the children to sort out, feed and get ready for bed......so reluctantly I headed home to meet them at football.
My total Journey today was 21.7 km...a great add to my rides and I am extremely pleased.....onwards and upwards!!!!
Oh and I forgot to mention the little boy whoI had never met before, aged about 2/3 who waved at me on the way home....felt like I had met him before yet never seen him before in my life........Strange lol!
So today was the day that Holly's replacement (The Oxo Cube) was to be tried out for it's compatibility with my bike...
The 'Oxo Cube'... so called because of it's colour, shape and the fact it's registration ends 'OXU'
... and the result was brilliant - so easy :-) can fit two bikes securely inside easily by removing the front wheel and fitting it into a bar on the floor. Once I learnt how to do it it took no time!! I'm SO pleased with my Skoda Roomster - I love the way it drives and everything .. comfortable, roomy and it's got power (1.6 turbo diesel).. Sadly (cos Holly was special to me as my mother used to have a one years ago.. and it was pretty stylish) I have to say I MUCH prefer The Oxo Cube :-)
'Loadsaroom...'
Anyway today I had company for my bike ride as we had no electricity from 9am to 5pm - odd day to arrange an organised switch off by the utility company... but didn't worry me. Guy however, couldn't watch the Grand Prix and so came with me.. hence some photos of me on a bike - may come handy in the future for the next update in the Cumberland News!!
We didn't get of to the best of starts however, we parked up at Wetheral and I discovered in my rush to get away (cos Guy was hovering and I was faffing) .. I forgot my shoes!! The only thing I had with me were my slip on clogs and my heavy leather walking boots... oh dear - never mind a quick trip back to Tesco's in Carlisle provided me with a cheap (extremely white) pair of trainers! Discovered they're not the best on pedals with cleats on them.. not very thick soles - so not able to stand up much!
Note - shiny white trainers!!!
Anyway we got going... only after a short while I discovered I'd left my iPhone (with tracker) and my purse behind in the car!!! Doh!! Think it was the confusion of having someone with me and trying to work out the new fixings in the car for the bikes... well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!!
The ride we did was a figure of eight starting at Wetheral and heading south along the Eden Valley to Great Corby, Cumwhiton, Armathwaite, Kirkoswald, Lazonby back to Armathwaite and finally Wetheral. The route was 28 miles of undulating countryside with three steep hills that took a bit of an effort on (dare I say) a suprisingly hot Spring day. The weather was fantastic and the views tremendous.. I love the Eden Valley and hope to live there one day...
Looking down over the River Eden - above Armathwaite
The 'big' mistake of the day was to stop for food at The Fox & Pheasant in Armathwaite.. not the food - it was lovely .. had a wonderful smoked salmon and prawn salad with granary freshly baked bread .. but made the next few miles hard work!! Particularly the long hill as you leave the pub .. felt like I had a lump of lead in my stomach :-( normally I'd either take something with me or get something at the end.. I won't be repeating that again!!
Lovely route though .. very scenic and well worth doing - will definately be doing it again - but without the food stop!! Good for a drink though.. two more pubs in Kirkoswald and one in Lazonby.. and several in Wetheral and also one in Great Corby... could be a 'pub crawl' ride!!! Ooops nearly forgot - there's one in Cumwhiton too!!!!
Well I thought it was a long time since I'd last put 'open to paper' .. or should I say 'fingers to keys'... but I hadn't realised quite how long it was!!! (over 2 weeks)..
So - where do I begin???
On a personal side I had another birthday and went to London to visit an old friend (Sue Cotter) .. had a wonderful time - went to see 'We Will Rock You'.. and visited a few tourist honeyspots...
Then I went on to visit friends near Bury St Edmunds for a few days.. great birthday trip.
Came back and handed over the keys for my shiny, red, convertible Fiat 500 and collected my new Oxo Cube (Skoda Roomster - musquvado colour i.e. brown).. registration ends in OXU - so the name came easily. I have to say I love it .. it drives brilliantly and has tons of room - can fit 2 bikes inside easily and all the rear seats can come out or arranged however I want. Life will be SO much easier..
The following weekend I went to see my daughter and grandson ... we had stunning weather on Mother's Day and went for a walk by Loch Lomond - can't wait to get up a mountain with Lisa again :-) Jonas is growing fast, smiling now and taking an interest in everything..
Loch Lomond
Cycling - I haven't really done much .. although I have been to Spinning, Bodypump, Pilates, Power Yoga and kayaking .. This week the weather has been so much nicer - so much so that on thursday night I broke out of work early, cancelled my gym classes and headed home for a bike ride. Only did a short circuit near home (8 miles, 472 feet of ascent/descent in 43 mins).. so not far - but so lovely to get out and get some fresh air after a day in the office...
Planning a good bike ride tomorrow though - weather predicted to be brilliant again ..
Friday saw our feature in the Cumberland News supplement - more of that later .. when I've managed to scan it in at work!
Today was glorious.. but I'd arranged to meet a friend who raises money for charities and does lots of voluntary work for mental health.. so I decided to make it a 'Cuba Sponsor Day'. It was nice catching up - got lots of ideas from her.. then decided to brave it out and ask for donations for my raffle. Although after talking to Jane, I think I might have an Auction in the middle of the gig - apparently they raise alot of money .. and would do away with the need of having tickets printed and having to sell them!!
So I then went out into Carlisle and 'braved it out'... asking the shop next to the cafe (who have already donated coffee and a cake).. they said 'yes' and I now have a Fish Foot Spa session to add to my list! Onwards to my hairdressers - voucher for cut & blow, next to a local sports shop (Chivers) - walked out with a football, the local Hi Fi specialist are going to give me something too (need to send a letter), lunch in a bar/cafe - they going to donate a meal and let me hold an event there.. the local newsagent knew Trudy - gave me £10 donation .. so so generous
Then I went to Wetheral to check the venue out - a long time since I'd been there (used to go to badminto, Youth Club disco's and many other events there).. hadn't changed - at all .. will be perfect
So decided to see if my luck still held with blagging... left Wetheral with Sunday lunch for two at The Fantails, a homebaked fruit cake from the cafe and a night a wonderful B & B... Wow!!
So a good day.. looking forward to tomorrow though...
Ok so had a fab evening last night at Langley Park Cricket Club Fancy Dress Party for Deerness Valley football I went dressed as Snow White much to my daughters delight, alcohol flowed and plent of dancing made a very good night. I got up this morning and the sun was shining......so I decided the hunt was on for the straps to fix the bike rack to the car......success:-) next to fit it.........success :-)........really pleased with my efforts so I decided that a bike ride was definately in order and I got sorted and went off..........I rode down to Broompark picnic area and onto the railway paths towards Esh Winning.I am starting to know that path quite well and I am getting used to the gears and when to change them.
I felt really strong and even though I was dreading the hills I managed them all quite well and felt really good, I rode all the way to Waterhouses at Esh Winning Pinic area and turned round to return home. I knew I had already beaten my distance record as I have never been up that far on the path so after returning home and looking at my bike computer I was very happy to read 18.2km in 1hr and 30 mins :-) OK it wasnt the fastest ride but I did really enjoy it and for me right now is more about losing the weight and finding the fun in cycling, before I get really into serious training.
So all is good, my weight is steady at the moment....but to be fair with the amount of parties, weddings and evenings out I am very happy with that....the weight will come off in time and I am happy about that..as my grandad would say "slowly slowly catchie monkey" :-)
Ok so its only a pound, but its a pound off :-) and to be fair I have had a hard couple of weeks so I am happy :-) only half a pound till I have lost a stone so I am elated :-)
OK well my plan went to plan this morning and I managed to get out on my bike yippee.......I dropped the kids off, came home and off I went....I'm not to keen on the roads leaving my house they are really boring and the first bit I always find tough but I love it when I get a couple of miles out of the way (I have had to guess as my bike computer is only successful in telling me the time!!)
I can understand the reason why people wear cycling glasses now though, cos those pesky flies were aiming straight for me today not sure i'd look to swift with a nose peg on to stop the pesky blighters from going up my nostrils though :-s
I really enjoyed the ride even though my knuckles were freezing I definately need some more cycling clothing......:-/
My Bike
Ok so we all know I havent been out for a couple of weeks, I got to the first hill, changed gear, pedalled and pedalled for my life, nearly went head over heels cos my chain came off halfway up the hill...think I changed gears too late and nearly did myself an injury :-s I was a bit gutted (put the chain back on myself :-)) but carried on............I came to the next hill this time I was prepared, I dropped gears well in advance and as I was going on the downhill I dropped down again.......on the uphill I really struggled and had to give in. I thought oh no the last couple of weeks I have lost my stamina :-( I got back on the bike at the top of the hill tried to pedal and thought :-o this is tough looked down at the gears and I had tried to go up the hill in 3.4 ooppsie what a dope I meant to go down to 1.4 and clicked up instead! No wonder it was tough, what a dope lol. So for the rest of the ride any hills I took extra care over my gears and guess what..I managed just fine :-))))))
After 8 miles, OK my hair was a mess but I felt GREAT!
The sun was nearly out but it was a bit nippy :-0
I really felt like I could pedal forever into the sunset today but as always time was not my friend and I knew I needed to head home no later than 9.30am to make sure I could be home, washed and changed to make it to work on time........the last four minutes I really pushed harder. I got home for just after 10am, got ready and set off for work!
Beautiful Scenery
Cold legs!
The weird thing I am finding is that although I dont like setting off, once I am going and when I get back I feel total happiness. Even now, I am really excited to do it again on Friday :-) I just ideally want my bike computer fixed by then.............!!! I am guessing that I did approximately 8 miles once again, when I get my bike comp fixed I am going to push 10-12 miles...maybe Friday???
OK so I have got my bike back with a big thanks once again to Simon at www.directcarparts.co.uk, it is ready to rock and roll!!!! However my bike computer is still broken thanks to my stupidity...I still need the code for my wheel size but some companies are not so helpful!! :-(......... regardless my bag is packed, including my new seat bag, with a puncture repair kit, tyre levers and a new mini bike pump to go in my rucksack with my hydration pack thanks to Simon, even though I still dont know how to repair a punture yet as I am still yet to have my maintanance lesson however.........I can certainly equip a random passer by who might be willing to help me for the time being ...or have a go myself :-).....
My biking stuff is laid out...my housework is OK ish and I am ready to go in the morning, the kids are going to breakfast club so that gives me approximately 2 hours to ride, shower, change and go to work..might be able to squeeze in 12 miles or more......shame I havent got a clue since I reset my bike computer :-/..........but since I have maps I might be able to work it out.....:-)
My weight loss has slowed temporarily, I havent given up.....but hubby is on nights and since I cant go to the class I find it harder to stick to it :-s.........I am being good but as I am so busy doing more than I would normally as hubby isnt here to help I am sometimes having to grab the "quick" option. I have set a target to maintain my weight over the 4 weeks that hubby is on nights.......if I lose its a bonus...If I don't I know why...if I maintain then I am happy. I didnt put my weight on overnight..it took me a number of years and to be honest I want to lose it realistically and still live my life too.......life is too short to not have any fun at all and I am hoping if I take my time over my losses...it will stay off forever!! You might wonder what sort of food I am actuall eating so I thought I would post a couple of pictures for your to see.........
So as you can see, I'm not exactly starving its all healthy with tons of veg and wholemeal choices but yet still "proper" food :-)
Simon has asked me if I would like to take part in the Great North Bike ride in August...I am apprehensive as it seems a daunting 58 miles in a day right now....but I think I am going to give it a go......so I am going to give my training 100% to push my fitness up and give it a go.....:-)))
Oh and I nearly forgot to mention............my Medium event evening is looking to take part on the 14th June :-)
OK so its not really that poorly it's only got a flat tyre, but after my visit today to see Simon at Direct Car Parts in Durham today to discuss how he could help me, he's kept hold of it to repair it and see what else he can do to help me. I would like to say a great big thank you..a very kind man who is going well out of his way to ensure my bike is safe and ready for the long journeys ahead :-) Simon is going to let me have a lesson in bike maintainence so I can learn to fix the bike on my journeys if I need to. He is also going to ask his suppliers if they would be kind enough to donate any clothing or freebies that may help me on my way......a huge thank you because as a complete novice I have only got the bare essentials and every bit helps me a huge amount!
I also picked up some maps today with the rabbit warren of cycling routes on, I have found a few circuits I would like to try to start with, only 12 miles but there are so many more as I progress in my proficiency and I am excited to get my bike back...I just need to fathom out how to put my bike rack on the car again, I haven't tried since we got our new car and I am not entirely sure how we did it the last time :-/ and since we've moved house I might need to locate all the straps....but I will give it a go at some point this week :-)
I still have a pretty useless bike computer as I cannot find the codes grrr and the company havent got back to me.....useless lol..........will have to give them a ring at some point this week....It's pretty useless without them!
£67 direct sponsorship - £50 from the Sandwich Shop owner at work.. Sean - v helpful, offered to help as much as he can throughout year .. even with food/equipment for the gig!!
£120 from a raffle at work from unwanted Christmas presents!!
£13 from the sale of drop scones (pancakes) on Shrove Tuesday at a meeting at work - captured audience!!
Good start .. that's £400 raised now including the Just Giving website... still a long way to go - but I've made some progress :-)
So where do I begin - so much seems to have happened since I first wrote!!
I guess the first thing was to do with my car... after my trip out on saturday and my fight with the getting the car in and out of the boot I decided I couldn't continue that way and was going to look for something more suitable. If I had to continue with my lovely little Fiat 500 convertible I was either going to have to spend a fortune on towbar and rack.. or just accept defeat and gets something that would save me time and hassle.
As luck would have it I walked through Carlisle town centre on Sunday and saw some cars on display - I had a quick look whilst passing and stopped for a better look. They were Skoda's but I remember hearing lots of good reports about them and was surprisingly pleased how 'good' they appeared and how spacious and flexible the boot was. I'd previously looked at a Fiat Quobo and although it drove well and would have served the purpose it looked like a van.. if the deal had been right I may well have gone along with it, but would have felt that I was driving a van!! The Roomster had more the appearance of a car with a boxy rear that could be used either for passengers of fitted with a bike rack to store bikes inside - easily I might add!! I had a chat about them to Sean & Debbie .. very helpful. The next day I test drove one.. ummed and ahhed about which one to have and chose a 1.6tdi Roomster Plus, complete with heated seats - will be wonderful after a cycle!! I told them all about my bike trip and managed to persuade them to contibute to the bike rack that fits in the rear of the car. Today I went to select the number plate etc and they said they might be interested in sponsoring me!!!
On the media side - CFM gave us a good mention on the radio .. although I wasn't aware of it and didn't hear it - quite a few other people did though - including Telfords Garage (where I'm getting my car from)... all good publicity.
Anne Pickles of the Cumberland News called me - I'd emailed her earlier to tell her about the trip .. she was very interested and is going to do a feature on the trip in a supplement to the Cumberland News on 23rd March (specifically aimed at women). She wanted Alex's number and photos of us both.. on a roll now - bit of a snowball effect...
DW Fitness have contacted their instructors for help putting on classes for me and will be sending me a programme of events for review shortly.
The 'gig' at Wetheral is now arranged - band Northern Crisis www.northerncrisis.co.uk hall and bar www.bars2u.net all booked.. will need to sort more out on my return - but nice to have a date sorted ... 5th May (Bank Holiday weekend) - hope not too many people away then!!
So that's it for this week... going to London tomorrow - it's my birthday and I'm catching up with an old friend that Trudy and I used to do mad things with when we were young!! Should be fun :)
Well ok so things are a bit hectic at the moment as described in my last post and I have been struggling to get out on the bike :-/ not good! Anyway hubby has been working nights and I have been dealing with all the kiddywinkles on my own and taking them to football training and such like that normally daddy would do and trying to keep up on top of the housework, going to work etc. So last night I thought right I need to use my time more effectively and I caught up on all my housework....I was still mopping floors at 11pm but the washing was all done, the dishes were done and in general the house was looking ok......ok I couldnt hoover cos the kids were in bed and the neighbours might not have been very friendly if I had, so I had to give that a miss! So, house done I knew I could go on a bike ride after dropping the kids off at school I would have about 1hr and 20 mins to do some serious riding I could easily fit in 8 if not 10 miles :-)...
I got to admit after a rough nights sleep (I dont sleep well when hubby isn't there) I got up in a grump and didn't want to go on a ride, hubby went of to bed in as equally a grumpy mood as we passed on the stairs..........I thought oh bugger it if I dont make the effort now I won't get back into it. So I prepared my camelbak in my rucksack, laid out my ipod, camera and put my phone on charge, sorted out my clothes for the bike all while preparing pack lunches, dressing 4 kids, packing school bags, doing my daughters hair and so on.......so that I could drop the kids off get back, get ready and go!
The plan went well, I was all ready to rock and roll, got my bike out of the garage, helmet on, gloves on.............then I reset my bike computer......what a dope I didnt just reset it for the trip...I TOTALLY reset it so in effect it was useless as I couldnt remember the code for the wheel size of my bike meaning I would have no clue about my distance, speed or suchlike....I decided although I was a prat it wouldn't matter I had a general idea if I followed the same track I could do approx 8 miles, so I decided to carry on regardless..I put my foot on the pedal and pushed, I nearly fell off because............yes youv'e guessed it.........I had a flat tyre :-( !!!
Looking at the clock at this point it was pushing 9.30am and even if I did manage to sort it out (need hubby really! another lesson I will need to master!!) I would not have time as I have to leave for work at 10.30! GUTTED............so theres another tale of failure for me, first inner tube down, no sponsors for my bike :-( SO I HAVE DECIDED to sit with a cup of black coffee, Jeremy Kyle and the internet and send out some serious e-mails.........I need sponsorship and I need it quick.....tbh my bike could do with a full service to start with :-s..........................
On the positive my weight loss must be going well (tmi) because my knickers keep falling down under my trousers!! Sorry, but I had to lighten the mood a bit :-)
UPDATE>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I found someone to help me maintain my bike..annnnnnnnnnnnnnd will help with fundraising woohoo.........thankyou to Simon at www.directcarparts.co.uk can't wait to meet you and get things moving :-)))))
I havent really got a lot to report at the moment, but yes I am still over the moon about this challenge and the adventure leading up to it!
Unfortunately after taking a tumble last monday down a couple of steps I injured myself a bit more than I thought, nothing serious I just felt a bit battered and bruised, I got checked out by the dr and it was all superficial but a rest from training was a must as I was aching from hip to toe.
I am struggling a bit with my time utilisation at the moment, I need to do a bit of planning and the lighter nights will help me loads too. Currently I am up early sorting 4 kids out for school, then after dropping them off I go to work, finish work and pick the kids up. Nearly every night the children have extra curricular activities such as football and gymnastics which leaves me tidying up, making tea, and doing all mummy chores while making tea and delivering the children where they need to be before picking them all up, bathing them doing homeworks, washing yet more clothes and preparing the kids and house for the next day. In the meantime on weekends they all have football and I am trying to catch up on everything I have been unable to do through the week, food shopping etc etc......I have managed to squash in a few fundraising/sponsorship e-mails, but to no avail yet.
My training is proving tough to fit in at the moment as I seem to need a few extra hours in the day, since hubby doesnt come in till after 4 or sometimes 6pm it leaves me very little time to train. His shifts are changing for the next few weeks from 6pm till 6am so this isnt going to help me much as the best time for me to train is after the kids are sorted and now I wont have a sitter 6 nights of the week......I will work something out..........xx
So on checking the weather forecast it would appear that Saturday was to be the best day for a bike ride.. FINALLY (after much sorting of new router, new Sky+ HD box etc etc) I managed to get away - only to discover I'd forgotten a) sunglasses and b) water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One I could live without - the other I certainly couldn't..
I found some stuff that I'd been told was brilliant in Asda and decided to try it - SIS Go and Rego. Go gives energy and rehydrates you and Rego puts back all the body salts etc you've lost during excercise (have to take it within 20 mins after you finishing your exercise)... seemed to work - felt much better for it.. you should try it Alex! You can get it from www.chainreactioncycles.com
So after much pushing and shoving I got the bike (in it's bag) into my car .. getting rather tedious - might have to think of an alternative!!!
Anyway, I decided on a route by the coast (near where I used to live - Port Carlisle).. completely flat - but different views (across to Scotland and the Lake District fells). I did a 33 mile circuit (half of it I knew already).. lovely route Alex - will take you round it sometime.. could just do 16 mile loop too if you'd prefer?? The weather was a mix of sun and cloud.. but windy - quite hard work pedalling into the head wind :-) but I did it .. and in 2 hrs 38 mins... It was wonderful to get some fresh air and blow the cobwebs away...
Solway Firth
So then it was a quick disassemble of the bike to rebag it and get it in the car (aaghh!!) before driving back home to get ready to go out for a meal with work friends - some who I hadn't seen for a long time... nice day :-)
BUT... where's Alex - hardly on FB and not on here... ??? Give me a shout Alex and let me know you're alive and well... and still glad you've signed up for this trip???
So today the weather was grey, gloomy - I'd had a hard week at work.. so decided to try and get some sponsorship ... oh yes - and a poster for the gym!!!
Poor Sandhy Robinson-Jones - think it nearly drove her to distraction.. but she completed it at a rapid rate of knotts ... off to printers now!!
I ended up spending all morning writing to people, writing for favours/help.. it came good with Anne Pickles (Associate Editor) Cumberland News writing back to say 'great feature piece' and she'd call me start of the week!!! RESULT :-) Will ensure Alex gets a mention in it - after all it was her who set me off on this adventure :-)
Also wrote to CFM where Trudy worked - nothing back yet .. not so hopeful there!!
Collected my bike from it's Silver Service at BikeSeven mid afternoon - down there the sun was shining .. lovely afternoon - but only had time for a walk around Talkin Tarn ... stunning!
Managed with a great deal of pushing and shoving to get my bike in it's new bag and in the car!!! WHY???? Oh well at least it's in - tomorrow it's going on the road with me!!
Ok so not the biggest loss this week, but still a loss and considering my inactivity due to falling down a couple of steps on Monday and my weekend at York, it is pretty good!!
I am going to try and do more training again this week and get my Stone award...watch this space xx
