Cathy (West, 2009-14) set out on a nine day cycle ride from Carlisle to Cranleigh in March to raise money for Beyond Ourselves. Accompanied along the way at various points by her parents, her brother and teacher Becs Gibson, the weather was not always kind and the route along muddy canal paths as well as much hilly terrain resulted in at least one puncture along the way. Cathy answers appropriate questions:
What prompted you to undertake it?
I was lucky enough to spend three months out in Zambia working for Beyond Ourselves after I finished UVIth and was desperate to continue supporting the charity not only on my return to the UK but on an ongoing basis. The idea of doing a significant bike ride came to me during one of our long drives to Kawama School in Kitwe, where Jodie Collins and I saw an old man on a rusty old bicycle cycling up a hill. After a long chat about logistics and hearing about the previous cycle rides the Beyond Ourselves team had got involved with, I was set on doing a long distance ride. This was going to be a particular challenge for me as I am not a natural cyclist, in fact the opposite, and there has always been an uncanny attraction between my bike and holly bushes!
What did the training involve?
I started my training late December, a few weeks after my return from Zambia, and this consisted mainly of an hour or so most days on a stationary bike but also getting out for 10-15 mile rides in the Surrey Hills at weekends. In retrospect, I should have built up the miles throughout my training as 70 miles in the Lake District on the first day was a bit of a shock to the system!
Who else was involved?
There were many people involved throughout the whole experience, both regarding emotional support and those who biked with me. Huge thanks must go to Becs Gibson and my brother Johnny who biked with me for two days each, as well as my parents who biked the last two days and supported me the whole way though. I have learnt that sharing the experience with someone makes a huge difference and the days I was cycling on my own I found particularly hard. I was very lucky to always have people visiting in the evenings and sometimes staying the night. Special thanks must go to Andrea Saxel who helped pick up the pieces after the worst day of cycling, Hebe and Georgie. Jodie, Kazza, Dan and Melissa from Beyond Ourselves were wonderful supporters behind the scenes.
How long it did it take?
It took a total of nine days covering 450miles, Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th March, each day with an average of 8 hours cycling.
What was the ride like (weather conditions, injuries, interesting episodes)?
The ride was pretty much a rollercoaster the whole way through. The weather in all was relatively good for the time of year, but the odd hail storm proved character-building! My knee became very sore from day one, probably as a result of a fall skiing a few months back, and so ice and anti-inflammatories became a part of my evening routine.
One delightful episode on the first day was encountering a Cumbrian farmer whilst biking up a particularly steep hill who offered to give me a lift on his tractor! I was tempted but am proud to say that I managed to refuse! I met some extremely welcoming people on the way, waitresses at coffee shops and Travelodge staff who were very generous with donations. The toughest day was the 72 mile Thursday from Wolverhampton to Rugby Dunchurch where I had three punctures, got lost on numerous occasions, had to climb and lift my bike (with panniers) over what must have been more than a two meter metal fence and got stuck in mud along the Birmingham canals. Looking back, I reached rock bottom that day but Andrea was there to look after me and make me think I could still do it. I always knew it was going to be as much a mental challenge as physical. I also learnt (the hard way) that hydration and eating very frequently were extremely important in keeping ones strength up.
How did it feel to finish?
Cycling up the main school drive way was a moment I will never forget. There was a complete mixture of emotions: relief, exhaustion, intense happiness but also in a funny sort of way a sadness that it was all over. To my surprise, I was met outside the Speech Hall steps by a large crowd of friends, family and teachers, many of whom had been involved from the word ‘go’.
How much money was raised?
The final total was £4,284.00.
What will the money be used for?
Right now, I don’t know exactly what the money will be used for. Possibly an outdoor play area at one of the schools and some textbooks but I plan to chat with Jodie at Beyond Ourselves to finalise where the money goes.
Will you do something like it again?
Definitely… although I doubt it will be on a bike! I’m thinking next time it will be something on water…!
What are your plans for next year?
I’m on my Gap Year at the moment and am about to leave for South East Asia for three months travelling with friends. I’ve got a place at Exeter to study Biological Sciences this coming September.