9 MAY - THE DAY OF THE CHALLENGE

The day dawned cool, with some drizzle and a breezy NE'ly wind, but that didn't daunt some 350 individuals who tackled the tri-hospice challenge. It was a great day for all levels of cyclist. I left from Pilgrims Hospice Ashford in the company of Jamie Staff, Richard Davis and David Jones. Jamie gave me some good tips which helped me conserve energy and get up the hills. We made the Canterbury Hospice in reasonable time and Jamie and I scattered the first set of Forget-Me-Nots in memory of loved ones departed. We pressed on to the Thanet Hospice into the head wind. We met and chatted with some other cyclists who were friends of Dr Bill Crawley, a member of Team Pilgrims. The ride near Manston Airport was somewhat exposed to the wind but we made the hospice and tucked into some splendid sandwiches and then scattered the second set of Forget-Me-Nots. Jamie and the faster cyclists left early, and we were surprised when they passed us en route to Sandwich. I don't think they had ever been to Margate and Ramsgate! We were even more surprised when they passed us again after Elham. Rumour has it they by-passed Sandwich and went on to Deal before doubling back. I think they managed to turn a 74 miles ride into a 90 Miler! After a brief stop at Rhodes Minnis village hall we made the Ashford Hospice at around 1630 to scatter the final Forget-Me-Nots and receive our medals.

I would like to say a big thank you to all who organised the event, to the generous sponsors and to those who rode it. Without such generosity we wouldn't be able to continue to provide free of charge the tender and loving care from the hospices which is why we all do what we do. Thank you. Ohby the way, shall we do it again next year?

1 MAY - THE FINAL TRAINING SESSION

Started out from home with the first climb up Longage Hill on me immediately. Didn't feel too good for some reason but pushed on to the Ashford Hospice which I reached in 1 hour. There were some beautiful goldfinches flying around as well as the odd weasel! I didn't stay too long and set out to tackle my bete noire - the hill from Bulltown to the top of the Downs. I started to feel better having probably warmed up, although the weather was decidedly mixed. I paid attention to my senses and started to climb in the lowest possible gear early on and it paid dividends as I made it to the top - hurrah. I was beginning to think that I would never make it. I carried on towards Canterbury, managing to get soaked in a shower as I was going up the Nackington Road. I sought refuge in the Canterbury Hospice whilst an even bigger shower passed over. A quick cup of tea and then it was time to head for home via St Martin's Hill, Bekesbourne, Patrixbourne, Bridge, Barham and Elham. 44 miles in about 4 hours cycling.

It has been good to read David Jones' comments. David - I will e-mail you in the next few days but if you read this BLOG we are aiming to set off on the day at 0900 from the Ashford Hospice. I will be there well before this time. Looking forward to riding some of the way with you before you leave me behind.

No more rides this week and not much drinking. Time to load up with carbohydrates

24 APRIL - SIXTY MILES

Set off at 0815 to cycle up the Elham Valley to the Canterbury Hospice. It was an uneventful run which took exactly one hour. I spent 15 minutes refuelling with a breakfast bar and water before leaving on the route for the Thanet Hospice. On reaching the turn near Downland Cycles I was passed swiftly by the keen Saturday morning bunch including Ian Ashton and John Morgan from my Rotary Club. I really must get a more moderm bike when I hand back the Marin to Richard Davis. I wound my way through Stodmarsh and Stourmouth. There were lots of Deal Tri riders out heading in the opposite direction. I made the Thanet Hospice in 1 hour 30 minutes where I stopped for a welcome cup of tea, another beakfast bar and a chat with the volunteers. Heading off it was getting warm, and I probably had to much gear on but I pushed on to Sandwich where I stopped to talk to Kaye and Martin who are volunteers who manage our charity shop in the town. It was buzzing with customers and looked fantastic, with quality goods beautifully displayed. It is well worth a visit as are all our other shops. Continued on to Nonington where I stopped for some water and then pushed on over the A2 and up the hill at the end of Gravel Castle Road. Made it up safely but began to feel that my legs were running out of steam; the last 5 miles to home were tough, pushing a lower gear than normal into a slight head wind. I am not sure why the last few miles were so hard; maybe doing the ride last evening meant that my body hadn't recovered enough. I also had too many clothes on;it is time to ditch the jacket and the track suit bottoms. I will certainly do nothing after next weekend. The whole ride took 5 hours and 45 minutes, including the stops so I guess I averaged around 12 miles per hour. That might also explain why I was tired near the end!

23 APRIL - EVENING SHORT RIDE

Took advantage of a beautiful evening to do just under 15 miles from Lyminge to Barham and back. You can tell that spring has arrived from the number of bugs that kept hitting my face! I was nearly taken out by a land rover and trailer which was clearly not being driven by someone who knew what he was doing. I was also passed by a keen road cyclist who overtook me and disappeared into the distance. I guess I have a long way to go to improve my speed. I did adopt the low gear approach to hills which seemed to work very well. I will try it again tomorrow when I do the 50miles which will take in the Canterbury and Thanet hospices.

Names and money from the Forget-me-Not appeal have started to come in which is really good news as I will definitely have names in addition to my parents to remember at each hospice. This is as important to me as getting round the course.

21 APRIL - MORE LESSONS

I forgot to mention my encounter with horses on Sunday. I was cycling down Watery Lane, Petham, when I came face to face with 2 riders on horseback. I am always very careful in the proximity of horses which was just as well when one decided to about turn, bump into the one behind and become out of control Fortunately the rider re-gained control and all was well, but it just goes to show that cyclists need to be careful of all sorts of animals. Richard Davis was nearly felled by a pheasant a few weeks ago.

I bought some summer gloves and socks today so I hope the weather is going to remain warm My aim is to do another 40 or 50 miler on Saturday.

19 APRIL - THE REST DAY

It was good to hear from David Jones that he was about yesterday doing a 50 miler with sticking gears. It is funny but my bike has a similar problem despite lubrication. I intend to do no cycling today but have managed to gain another £20 in sponsorship. I also had an interesting chat at lunchtime with Dr Bill Crawley of Team Pilgrims (he rides a Bianchi so is seriously good)who set me straight on food intake - gel bars - and drinking. Apparently I also need to go uphill in low gear from an earlier time on the climb - it might not be pretty (legs going round very fast) but it will enable me to get to the top!

18 APRIL - THE WHOLE ROUTE

Started the day with "Oats so Simple" to set me up on the food front. Cycled from home in Lyminge to the Ashford Hospice in 1hour 10mins. Had a cup of tea with the volunteers and chewed the fat about an author who writes books on cycling journeys. We will try to get him to do the ride. Pushed on after about 30 mins and had to tackle the hill out of Bulltown up onto the Downs. It is really steep and as it was early in the ride and I was concerned about my knee and my energy levels I got off and walked the last bit (what a wimp I here you say!). Made the Canterbury Hospice in 1 hour 30 mins. Had huge amounts of water and an energy bar befor striking out for Margate. It was quite warm and I was still in winter gear. Looks like another trip to the cycle shop to spend more money! Made good progess toward Preston when I was passed in the opposite direction by Team Pilgrims member Ian Ashton who was out with his Downland Cycle Team mates. He makes me feel pedestrian which I am. After seeing Ian I entered a part of the route I haven't done before, passing through Pluck's Gutter, Monckton and Minster befor heading for Manston. Passed-by Bell-Davies Avenue which reminded me of the Navy. I used to serve with Richard Bell-Davies, and this road (and many others) are named after his grandfather who was the first man to land an aircraft on a ship. I made the Thanet Hospice after about 1 hour 30 mins and again had more tea and energy bars. Spoke to Team Pilgrims member, Theresa Alcock, who was nursing our patients. She has been doing 40 milers but I was able to tell her that she needs to step it uo to avoid "hitting the wall". I also bumped into a visitor called Paul who is doing the ride. He seems a seasoned rider having done London to Paris a few years ago. We had a great chat about speed and I was able to tell him about our forget-me-not appeal. Having got the directions from our volunteers I set off on what turned out to be a 2 hour 30 mins ride home via Sandwich where I had yet another energy bar. All went reasonably well until about the last 2 miles when fatigue began to set in. I guess I still haven't quite worked out the food and fluid intake but I am almost there. So what lessons were learnt apart from fluid and food. Well there is a need to get the pace right and not set off too fast. I also need to practise climbing hills because there are 2or 3 that are testing in the southern part of the route up onto the Downs. And finally, it will be easier on the days with lots of other riders!

16 APRIL - PART 3

Good to hear from David Jones about his training plans. I managed to put in a 25 miler this evening from home in Lyminge to Nonington and back. I do wish the strong NE'ly would go away although it does make the return journey easier. It is great to see that the pot holes are being repaired across the county; it is making the ride down the Elham Valley road less rough. Spoke to the nurses and care assistants at the Ashford Hospice this afternoon. Viv Bell had seen me out and about training through Stowting. Sunday will be the big day this weekend.

16 APRIL PART 2

It is great to have followers and people posting comments. David Jones wanted to know about my speed.

I average about 10 to 12 miles per hour so last weekend's stint was 4 hours. I anticipate that the ride, with stops to lay forget-me-nots in memory of loved ones, will take me about 9 hours. Yesterday speedy Dr Bill Crawley said "we don't all have to ride together do we?" I think he was scared I would slow him down! He and Ian Ashton will probably do it in 4 or 5 hours. Richard Davis will be more my speed, as will the other members of Team Pilgrims.

Got measured for my Team Pilgrims shirt today.

16 APRIL

Went to see the physio today to get the knee checked out. She thinks I have a minor cartilage problem which can be sorted out with physiotherapy, ibuprofen and exercise. More to the point I can still keep cycling - I just have to avoid twisting.

My plan for the weekend is at some stage to do the whole ride to make sure that I can get the distance. It will mean getting the food and fluid intake right. I will let you know how I get on.

So far 189 people have signed up for the tri-hospice challenge which is fantastic, although there are still places available as there are for the other shorter, challenges based on the hopsices at Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet. Please do all that you can to encourage friends and family to turn out.

11 APRIL

Set off to test out the knee in a headwind towards Sandwich. Took it nice and easy with plenty of care when going uphill. Made it to Sandwich and decided to push on to Richborough Towers. En route I was passed by the dynamic Linda Rendle of Team Pilgrims heading in the opposite direction - she quickly disappeared at pace! I turned round and headed back which was great as it was the first time for days that I had had the wind at my back. The knee held out well with only one twinge on crossing the A2 I got back earlier than planned so pushed on up Longage Hill and looped back to Lyminge. All in all around 48 miles. Picked up some more sponsorship money at dinner the night before.

9 APRIL

Met fellow cyclist David Jones at our Ashford Hospice. David had been out riding part of the route and had done around 50 miles. It was great to meet someone who is following this blog and who is also well on the way to raising a few hundred pounds for Pilgrims Hospices. We will aim to ride the route togethr on the day but I suspect he will leave me behind.

Went to see the doctor about me knee - goods news - I can continue to ride but need an x-ray and some physiotherapy.

BSET BY INJURY - 8 APRIL

Damaged my left knee riding last weekend and it still hasn't recovered. It feels like a cartilage, ligament or joint problem. Played golf today in aid of the hospice and although we finished second I was limping at the end. I am concerned tha the injury will prevent me from doing sufficient training so I am hoping to see the doctor tomorrow. Come what may I will still do the ride even if I have to walk up some of the hills.

EASTER WEEKEND TRAINING

Didn't quite make the full route but settled for a 28 miles stretch which took in the area from Lyminge to the Ashford Hospice and then on to Waltham and Petham before returning home. Not an easy route to follow so I am glad that I took time to stop to enable me to write up the route card. There are two steep hills on this section, one on Lonage Hill (the name gives it away) and another to get back onto the North Downs after leaving the Ashford Hospice. The volunteers made me a good cup of tea and fed me fruitcake to sustain me. I also met Ray Bissil en route but he was in a car. Still he is fit and doesn't need to do the training. I may try the section to and from Sandwich tomorrow.

1 APRIL

Cycled home (13 miles) into yet another strong headwind but paced myself better. 140 people have signed up to the challenge and we made the newspapers this week so the marketing effort is picking up. I gained another £20 in sponsorship. At some stage over the weekend, I intend to tackle the whole route so that I can finish off compiling the route cards and satisfy myself that I can "get the trip". I will keep you posted.

30 March

Today is a rest day which is probably as well given the weather. Spent time gaining sponsorship and marketing the event. Personal sponsorship is now at £325 which is great. I also managed to get a poster in the Elham Coffee Shop which should attract interest as it is frequented by cyclists at the weekends.

29 MARCH - PART TWO

Checked out the Crab and Winkle Way with Deborah Kellond and Steve from Spokes. Looks like it is going to be a good route for the family ride/Canterbury Hospice challenge. Still has some hills but not too difficult.

STEVE'S WEEKEND

As they say in the military: "no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy". Well Saturday was a bit like that. It started well with a 14 miles ride from home to Downland Cycles for a ride out with my trainer, Will. Unfortunately Will could only take me out on a 20 mile ride rather than something longer. Anyway, after a tour of Herne Bay, Whitstable and the surrounding countryside, I set off on a circuitous route home to Lyminge. The first bit to Wingham via Stodmarsh and Preston wasn't too bad but the last 10 miles were purgatory. The 5 miles from Wingham to Barham is steadily uphill and was also into a biting headwind. Suffice it to say I ran out of steam at Derringstone Downs and had to walk a short while. Got back on and made it home for a total of 54 miles. Lessons learnt:

1. 70 miles is a long way in a day - still more training required.

2. It is important to take onboard the right amount and sort of food and drink. I didn't and paid the price.

Today I cycled the 13 miles from Lyminge to the Canterbury Hospice; the hills don't get any easier!

Steve Auty's Planned Training for 26 and 27 March

Going to try out the ride home tonight which should be some 13 miles from Canterbury via Upper Hardres, Lower Hardres, Bossingham, Stelling Minnis, Rhodes Minnis and on to Lyminge.

Tomorrow (27 March) the plan is to re-trace the route and take part in the Downland ride (25 miles) before cycling back home. This should break the psychological barrier of 50 miles for the first time.

Ian Ashton (almost a professional) is racing so won't be taking part in the ride. I'll let you know how I get on in my next blog.

Steve

A bit of an introduction

This blog follows the training efforts of CEO and Team Pilgrims member Steve Auty. Although the blog is updated by myself, words professing to be Steve's are indeed his own (including his impressive mileage claims which are true to the best of my knowledge!). We would love to hear from anyone who is also participating in our Cycle Challenges this year, whether you are taking part in the 70 mile route or the smaller 15 mile routes being held in each Hospice town (Canterbury, Margate and Ashford). Please see our website www.pilgrimscyclechallenge.org for further info and to book online.

Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing palliative care free of charge to people in east Kent. It provides palliative care for patients with a range of illnesses that cannot be cured including cancer, heart failure, respiratory conditions and neurological diseases. Care is provided from the three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, in patients' homes and via community programmes. Care is also extended to families and carers.

To keep delivering care to those that need it the most, Pilgrims has to raise over £8 million each year. The majority of this comes from our local community, so fundraising is very important.

We hope you enjoy Steve's blog. With a bit of luck it will be a source of encouragement to those of you taking part and inspiration to those who are considering it!

Please feel free to contact me, Clare Sherwood, with any comments or queries that you do not wish to share on the blog. Email: clare_sherwood@pilgrimshospice.org

A bit of an introduction

This blog follows the training efforts of CEO and Team Pilgrims member Steve Auty. Although the blog is updated by myself, words professing to be Steve's are indeed his own (including his impressive mileage claims which are true to the best of my knowledge!). We would love to hear from anyone who is also participating in our Cycle Challenges this year, whether you are taking part in the 70 mile route or the smaller 15 mile routes being held in each Hospice town (Canterbury, Margate and Ashford). Please see our website www.pilgrimscyclechallenge.org for further info and to book online.

Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing palliative care free of charge to people in east Kent. It provides palliative care for patients with a range of illnesses that cannot be cured including cancer, heart failure, respiratory conditions and neurological diseases. Care is provided from the three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, in patients' homes and via community programmes. Care is also extended to families and carers.

To keep delivering care to those that need it the most, Pilgrims has to raise over £8 million each year. The majority of this comes from our local community, so fundraising is very important.

We hope you enjoy Steve's blog. With a bit of luck it will be a source of encouragement to those of you taking part and inspiration to those who are considering it!

Please feel free to contact me, Clare Sherwood, with any comments or queries that you do not wish to share on the blog. Email: clare_sherwood@pilgrimshospice.org