Thursday, 13 August 2009

Reflections

It’s getting a bit close now with only five weeks to go before my bike and I set off from Tower Bridge. The first day starts with the scary ride through London traffic ,continues over the South Downs towards the ferry at Newhaven and finally ends at 3.30 am, yes 3.30 in the morning, when we get to out hotel in Dieppe.


What have I achieved since I committed myself to this challenge? I’ve cycled well over 2000 miles, sweated by Paul Hill more times than I care to count, written 28 posts and, thanks to the tremendous support of so many people, raised over £3000 for Cornwall Hospice Care.


I am sorry not to have got to Mount Edgecombe at St Austell but I’m so glad I went to St Julia’s very early in my campaign. I didn’t find it easy, it felt uncomfortable knowing that I could cycle there and cycle away again but once I’d asked at reception about taking a photo of my bike by their signboard several nurses came out to encourage me, their dedication was inspiring and I left with a huge sense of gratitude for all they do. In varying degrees the hospice touches the hearts of so many people at various times and it deserves our support. That is why I have chosen to do my very small bit to support them.



It is hard work training and raising money, but it is also fun, you see so much from a bike, you are high enough to peer over hedges, fast enough to get a reasonable distance away from the familiarity of home and yet not so fast that you cannot enjoy all the great things around.



The next few weeks are going to be busy so there may be fewer posts.
Will anyone notice or do all these late night sessions with the computer fall on deaf ears?
No backing out now so a good excuse to include again a photo of my favourite boat in Newlyn




7 comments:

Clare Conboye said...

Hi Peggy,
Your blog is brilliant ! sorry I haven`t got round to writing any comments for ages . I loved the story about Charlie Tregenza - sure my great grandmother would have known him as she came from Mousehole .
Good luck with the rest of your training -2000 miles around here with all those hills is impressive ! ( When my dad was a young man he used to cycle up Paul Hill on a bike with no gears ! )
Beautiful Photos .

kate said...

sorry I tried to sort out the text too but it seems unwilling to change once it has got into a pattern of a different text. It's fine anyway and nice to see Clare's comment. You've done really well writing it and all the photos are lovely.I agree that it's a shame more people don't seem to read it but it's their loss! lots of love from your biggest fan xxx

Cath said...

Just caught up with your blog Peggy. It's taken me on your rides with you and all I can say is that's a really good feeling. It has mooved me and I'm sure other people and the only reason I haven't been a more regular visitor is the small amout of time I spend on the computer

Cath said...

PS. Not used to leaving comments Peggy so it missed the end of mine - and I need new glasses or a spell checker. Forgotten what it was now but - keep going. XXXX

Joy said...

Love the pictures - good on you Peggy, go for it... your courage and determination are to be greatly admired, thank goodness for the 'strong women' of our planet.. cycling up Paul Hill... your mad girl... just hope that you don't have to take on anything as bad as that on your trip!
I will be following your progress from afar

Val said...

Hi Peggy
I've loved reading your blog, even if I don't always send a comment. I'm so impressed that you've cycled so far and raised so much money. Cycling to Paris should be a breeze after all that (only kidding, but I have no doubts you'll do it brilliantly).
Lots of love xx

Liz Beth said...

Well done you - Go for it indeed. You may remember me - we worked together on building a very posh raised bed a couple of years or so ago? Anyway I now tend lots of flung together raised beds, but cannot cycle due to dodgy back stuff, so I will be with you in spirit and hope the blog continues as you do the ride for real?

Sunny skies and following winds to you,
Liz