Saturday 16 June 2012

Marple to Lyme Park - 16 miles in the bag

Today it is raining.  I am definitely not into this enough yet to go out in bad weather, choosing instead to blog about last weekend's cycle and watch the rain falling at a 45 degree angle outside the window, whilst remaining dry.

Last Sunday it was a lovely sunny day, cool and a bit breezy so perfect for our first cycle of any substance, and it was with enthusiasm that we set off in the direction of Lyme Park with the intention of giving ourselves a decent work out on the hills that this route entails.  You can click on the link below for the route we took


The first mile of gradual but persistent uphill left me with burning legs and slightly dented my confidence but the road levelled off a bit and became more undulating so that climbs were followed by enough of a recovery period to keep going.  It was with something akin to smug satisfaction that we pedalled through the park gates.

After successfully navigating the cattle grid (bum out of the saddle, naturally) we enjoyed a pleasant ride through the park with a short detour down a dirt track that afforded us a magnificent view over the city of Manchester.  Despite it being rather hazy we were able to make out the distinctive profile of the Hilton Hotel in the distance and the hills beyond.

View of Manchester from Lyme Park




Cycling away from the traffic is so much nicer - particularly when it's downhill!  Total rush of adrenaline!  I was still a bit cautious though as memories of my last (and only) real attempt at off roading in Canada years ago have not been lost.  In Canada, if a cycle route is described as 'Intermediate', they mean it!  I managed to launch myself down the hillside independently of the bike and went rolling off into the undergrowth.  This resulted in several nasty bumps and scratches, to my body and my pride - fortunately, none of them serious.  This time I managed to stay on board.

Just over 2:15 hours later we arrived back home, rather saddle sore, but completely exhilarated and hooked.  16.37 miles - this is just the beginning.

In Lyme Park





Bringing you up to speed

Step 1 - buy a bike.......wrong
Step 1 - photo shoot (publicity is everything)

A photo shoot without a bike simply wasn't going to have the same impact, so props were required.  Thanks to Gillian's husband for the loan of his bike, and to Sam for venturing into the cold, wet Manchester weather with us to take the pics.

Now the plastic needed to take part as we ventured out to buy bikes.  I say 'we' as my other half has had to accept that he is also doing this challenge in every way, apart from actually cycling in Cuba.  Happily, I didn't meet much resistance as I think there is a bike geek just under his skin dying to get out!  Thank goodness, as I am no expert when it comes to anything mechanical - I just want it to work.

Internet research done, we set out with a budget in mind and promptly blow it, with the help of the excellent sales staff at Royles in Wilmslow.  We are now the proud owners of Trek Dual Sport Bikes, which take pride of place in the hall for the time being.  They are far too beautiful to leave in the garage, and besides, our garage consists of little more than a few pieces of asbestos sheeting and rotten wood held together by ivy. Chris begins to devise a clever way of racking them upright in the porch.  This involves some fancy hooks on the wall and a larger than expected amount of oomph to lift the bikes, given that they are 'lightweight'.  The first attempt was not very successful as most of the wall came away with the weight of the bikes.  A second drilling expedition resulted in greater success and, to date, the bikes are still holding fast.

Excellent space saving!


Our first cycle lasts 20 minutes before my bum can take no more and we return.  I am now doubting Matt's advice when he sold me the bike that a harder seat will be more comfortable in the long run, and begin to wonder how long a long run is.  Still, it's a start.




It seemed like a good idea at the time

Am unsure how to start as this is my first blog, but will take a logical tack for now, and start at the beginning....which, of course, is a Pilates class on a wintry evening in Wilmslow.

It all started with a 'What do you think?' kind of question from my friend and work colleague Gillian Swain.  In my relaxed state whilst engaging my core and gently exhaling, the idea of cycling across Cuba to raise money for Women v Cancer sounded incredible and my first thought was 'yes, I'm in!'  It wasn't until I got back home and contemplated the pink leaflet Gillian had given me that I realised the full extent of what I would be signing up to - cycling 400km in 5 days is a big step up for someone who doesn't even own a bike and hasn't for over 5 years.

That said, I was inspired.

Sadly it is becoming a fact of life that most of us have been affected by cancer, whether it is our own battle or that of a friend or family member.  Gillian and I have 2 work colleagues and friends who are both fighting cancer at the moment - breast and cervical.  This is our inspiration.

When Gillian heard about this challenge, she knew she wanted to take part, and I am delighted, excited and nervous in roughly equal measure that she asked me to take part with her.  With our other halves on board in a supportive capacity, we signed up.

Our challenge has begun and this blog is going to be my documentation of our training and fundraising between now and October 2013 when we leave for Cuba.  I hope you will follow it with us over the next year and a half and share the fun, laughs (I'm sure there will be a few) and pains (also sure there will be plenty in the backside) that are to come.  I will also share our routes around Cheshire, Derbyshire and hopefully further afield.

Look out for details of the fundraising events we are planning over the next 12 months, including a Ladies Cocktail evening, Cake Sales, a Fine Art Exhibition and a Football Quiz night.

We also hope that you will support us by visiting our Just Giving page to make a donation to the Women v Cancer appeal


Karen