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