subject: London to Oxford 100km Challenge or A Mid Life Crisis? [print this page] London to Oxford 100km Challenge or A Mid Life Crisis?
Dear All,
On the 27th June, 2010 at 7.30 AM, I will be taking part in the London to Oxford 100km charity bike ride in aid of the 'Caring for Children and Young People with Cancer' (CLIC Sargent) Charity. http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Home
My journey to this day has been a little haphazard and random, since having never really been a keen cyclist, I was roped into the ride by a group of friends. Initially, I was a little luke warm to the idea, thoughts such as "Why would I want to spend 5 or 6 hours on a bike versus relaxing in front of the TV watching the World Cup" or "Imagine the pain during the ride as well as afterwards i.e. saddle soreness, etc", came to mind. However, over time, the excitement of the challenge and the charitable reasons stuck with me ... this is where my real journey begins.
As a complete cycling novice, my view was that 100 kilometres couldn't be that hard, I could probably drive that in less than an hour, so any old bike would suffice. Having an old mountain bike lying around the garage that weighed 20 kilos would be fine for such a ride.
The first time I went out on the road with the newly formed "Biker's support group" (up to this point, most of my occasional riding had been around the local park which was only a few hundred metres away and only about the size of a couple of football pitches), I struggled to keep up with the group and realised that not all roads are perfectly flat or smooth. The closer to the kerb you are, the worst the road i.e. potholes, drains, litter and parked cars, on top of this, you have inclines and declines. Having been a driver for almost 20 years, I suddenly realised a whole new road dimension which I had taken for granted whilst enclosed in 2 or 3 tons of metal and glass, an engine, air conditioning, music and a heavy right foot.
Not the sort to give up, I went out for another ride with the lads, and over time, got a little better. What's great about other cyclists and the 'fellowship of riders', is that they've all been through this before, so riding in a group, you'll always get encouragement or someone will always be riding a little slower to get you to the end. In addition, when you meet other cyclists, there's an unspoken respect and politeness that has somewhat been lost in the modern motorist.
To cut a long story short, through the trials and tribulations of learning to ride on the road, building up distance, purchasing a boot load of biking accessories, gadgets as well as a new bike (notwithstanding, falling off a few times), I realise that cycling is very much like life, every so often, there'll be a hill to climb, some steep, some not so steep, but believing in your ability and prior preparation or experience and with the help of your friends and family, in the end, the summit will be reached and the reward ... a wonderful, liberating and downhill ride !
So, as I finalise my preparation for Sunday's ride (technical term - "loading up on carbs"), what has this journey taught me:
1. A whole new respect for my fellow cyclists (for all you drivers, please pay attention to your two wheeled road users and make sure you give them plenty of space on the road),
2. More investment is needed in the roads to make cycling better - Mayor Johnson / PM Cameron, you know what you need to do, to make it safer and enjoyable for all,
3. Not all roads are flat or smooth, just like life,
4. It's a great way to explore the city and countryside on your own steam,
5. There's something liberating and special with jumping on a bike after a busy day at work and heading out onto the roads for a couple of hours. Before I started, I couldn't see why some individuals were so passionate about cycling, however, I have to admit, I am now converted.
Final words, stories and my personal journey aside, thanks for reading, ultimately, this journey has been to help some of the children and young people that are suffering, with each small contribution, hopefully, we'll make a small difference to another fellow human being ... so please donate whatever you can.
One more thing, I want to thank my wife and son for bearing with me on this journey and putting up with my training and cycling faux pas.
Best wishes and goodluck with all your personal life journeys.
