There are times when you ask yourself why you have committed to doing something. It may have seemed like a good idea 11 months ago, but now that we are within 4 weeks of 'the off', reality is beginning to dawn. Clearly I should be ensconced in a straight-jacket and be escorted to the local mental hospital. OK - I like cycling and get out to do 70+ miles whenever I can. But this is 4 days on the trot. And the last day is the worst. My insanity is not in doubt - Ruth will confirm this.
4 weeks on Monday, about 30 people (presumably most of them also insane - and I can vouch for 2 of them) expect to be photographed under the Eiffel Tower at 6:30 in the morning, ready to start cycling in a south easterly direction. 4 weeks on Thursday we all hope to arrive safely in Geneva having raised varying amounts for various charities.
But, on the other hand, I know how much it will mean to those whose lives have been affected by MND to be able to have some of those extras that mean the difference between just fading away and being able to continue with life in a meaningful way. As an example, I think of Mike not being able really to speak for the last 2 years, but having plenty that he would like to say. He has his gimlet that allows him to type a sentence and have it spoken for him - this is such a help. Remember - MND affects the body, but the mind remains as good as ever. How frustrating it must be. Just a reminder that half the money raised will be used directly to help local people in the Bournemouth area who have MND. There are aound 35 of them.
More miles are needed to ensure the fitness levels are maintained. So the alarm was set for 6:30 (on a Saturday! - what more confirmation is needed of insanity) and out of the house at 7:45 to get to the start of the CTC ride at Wimborne. There were 6 this morning, including Mike Barrett who leads the rides - able to join in for the first time after breaking bones in his hand a few weeks ago. This was the ride to Compton Abbas airfield where egg on toast helped fuel the tanks for the return trip into the stiff breeze. There are some pretty villages on this ride, particularly after the refuelling stop, along the Chalke Valley. And there is also a particularly nasty little hill just after Broad Chalke - my 27 was needed for that - it has quite a lenthy section which must be 10% or worse.
A series of circumstances meant that we were rather late all along the ride so at Damerham, all those still with us decided to return via Wimborne while I stuck to the normal route via Fordingbridge to Ringwood and Christchurch. The mileage device reported 72 miles by the time I got home.
So, insane or not, am I ready for Paris to Geneva? I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be and there is not really much time left to change anything.
I have been hugely encouraged by the dontaions already received. If you check my JustGiving page, you will see it reports 95% of the target reached. But my own real target is a bit more than is shown there. I think that £3000 is possible. So, if you haven't sponsored me yet, please do so now.
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