At exactly 12 O`clock Thursday 10th May I climbed onto my bike which was mounted on a turbo trainer. I was in the foyer at Tesco superstore Salisbury. Table, boards, banners, buckets & promotional information all laid out and set up (nothing new there, we have been here before). This time I was doing it alone, my fellow Broken Biker Neil was on duty and unable to ride with me.
I started to peddle, the aim being to cycle non stop for 24 hours (with the exception of necessary breaks). Initially I was comfortable, being distracted by interaction with the general public as they stopped, chatted and in many cases donated. Mid afternoon Stephen Magers (Tesco community champion) arrived and climbed onto a spare bike also mounted on a turbo. Stephen wanted to ride with me for a while, he has done this before with Neil and I when we have fundraised in Salisbury. Stephen cycled with me for several hours. A few friends popped in to see how I was doing and wish me luck. Spire FM were regularly announcing my challenge, people were chatting and saying they had heard about it on the local radio station (Thank you Faye, Martin & all the staff at Spire FM). The hours started to pass, I was maintaining an average of 20mph, the plan being to leave enough in the tank (Legs) to last the duration.
People who are following us on Twitter started to tweet messages of good luck, some referred to my effort as insanity, I have to agree. Before I knew it, I had passed 8 hours peddling, the longest I had previously done on a turbo. I was started to feel discomfort, but more people chatting eased that. Early evening, my partner Donna arrived to keep me company. Shortly after Neil and Angelina arrived. This lifted my spirit. Other friends visited and to them I send my thanks. As midnight approached, loved ones and friends departed, the lonliness of the night emerged. I was really starting to hurt. Friends tweeted, that certainly kept me going (you were all inspirational, you know who you are) !
It`s funny, because when you least expect it something happens that can make you feel much better. In my case, it was the night security guard Chris. I think my partner had said something to him before she left. Chris then kept me company for much of the evening and early hours of the morning. I was starting to feel really tired and was even beginning to fall asleep. Chris was keeping an eye on me, I think to make sure that I didn`t fall off my bike. After 14 hours had elapsed I had to change my Garmin (the battery was dying). I replaced it with one borrowed from Neil. I was in bits at this point and desperatley needed a boost. I succumbed to an addiction, I got off my bike and had a cigarette given to me by Chris (I know)!
I am no saint, nor a professional cyclist., I`m just a bloke trying to raise money for two great causes.
Dawn started to break which made me feel better. The night shift at Tescos were finishing work, the day shift starting work. Some of them were amazed that I was still there and
still cycling. Chris and Mark, two good friends who were part of our LEJOG team came to visit me, which was another boost just when I needed it.
I was now at the point of hanging on, but still managing to maintain 20mph. It had been in the most part, a long and lonely night, Tesco Chris was an Angel.
Spire FM were being brilliant and shouting out for me on the hour. At about 11:30 Jack and Neil arrived to see me across the line. At 12:01 Friday 11th May I stopped peddling. I gingerly climbed off my bike. Jack and Neil supervising (we had read a blog from someone who had done the same thing, that due to cramp, he couldn`t get off his bike).
Finshed.......
How did I feel?
Tired, sore and very uncomfortable.
I then shook myself and had a re-think. How did I feel?
BLOODY BRILLIANT !!!!
Jack and Neil started to break down my bike and pack up. They then brought out a small bottle of Jack Daniels and poured me a JD & coke into a used coffee cup. It did taste good, as did knowing that I had taken on and completed a huge personal challenge for our chosen charities.
NUMBERS
Time spent cycling : 23 hours 10 minutes
Miles completed : 475
Pee stops 9 (I am an old man)
Fags smoked 2 (BAD BOY) !!!!
Money raised
£1,178.00.
Our combined total now stands at
£19,024.47.
I would like to thank every one who helped make this happen, in particular Stephen Magers.
I would like to thank the fabulous general public for their interest & benevolence.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me, either in person or over the airways/internet.
I would like to thank
Help for Heroes and
The Starlight Magic Children`s Foundation for the Stellar work they do for others.
Lastly I would like to thank my partner Donna for her endless support.
What next ?
ALLEZ FRANCE
