And Away We Go!

7th November, here at last and the start (or end?) of the journey. 7.05am train down to Euston, listening to the days plans of a group of London "first timers", the vision of them racing up and down Oxford St. trying to find Harrods(!), getting off at the "next" tube stop, as one of them didn't manage get on at the last station, gave me something to smile about and passed the time away. In no time at all, only two stops on the way, I was heaving my bag through the Euston Station concourse and heading for a "Costa" has it seamed I had time in hand.

Meeting new people for all of us can be a little nervy, 32 of them all at once, knowing you have no escape for the next 9 days can make you question your sanity, however the 11.30 meet at Heathrow in no time at all seamed an age ago, as by the time we hit baggage check it felt that we had known each other for years as witty banter broke down the barriers and any remaining nerves.

Saturday, passed mainly in a blur of departure lounge daydream, in flight reading and dozing as, by the time we cleared the airport and stepped into Cairo, Sunday was upon us. The night drive across the city had us all staring out of the coach windows taking in the sights of a "new" city at night. The hotel was reached and the first challenge, who was your room mate! As on previous trips, I was lucky and was paired with Andy with who I shared many a laugh! although approaching 1 am we all elected to try some food, the fear of the rations ahead giving us added reason for getting good food while we could get it. (as it happened the food was great all week)

Time for the first of the weeks "moments", and it fell to me, well me and Andy. Wondering through the Hotel trying to find our room, Andy laughed that "wouldnt it be funny if we all had double beds", sideways look from me and a quick "dont be daft they will be twin rooms, always are"............. what do you do, call reception and complain demanding to be moved to a twin room or get your sleeping bags out and bed down.......... we opted for the latter! Now this in its self is not a major problem....... sitting at breakfast and telling the whole party was!, no matter how much I kicked under the table, Andy continued to give a blow by blow account!

Just your average week............

Still working on the blow by blow Sinai account, hope to "post" at the weekend, for now a picture of myself atop Mount Sinai.

Back on the bike at the weekend, managing a short ride in the wind and rain on Sunday morning followed by a pleasant ride to work on Monday. The home leg however, was not so good though with a heavy headwind for half the route making for hard work.

Done!

Well, what a challenge!, what a group.

The ride is done, the Mt. climbed!, a really great adventure made all the greater by the people sharing it, some with some tear bringing reasons to be there, some just wanting a challenge.

some £50,000 plus was raised, with blood, (lots of) sweat & tears along the way, sleeping under stars, chased by rabid dogs, target pratice for the local pre-teens - sticks & stones - and many more tales, and lots of photos.

A more detailed up date to follow!

Its Now!

So its here, in 24 hours time I will be in the departure lounge, ready to jet off.

If time / access allows I will try and update during the week, if not a full report upon my return.


Thanks to all have have supported me, with extra special thanks to Sally - X, who I will miss loads!

One Week!

One week, just one, so think training can be pulled back and give in to some good old "Carbo Loading" (eating like a pig in my case!)

Think a trial pack this weekend, money- check, suncream - check, Passprt - check, Imodium - check "Sudacream" - check... etc... to make sure all present and correct, maybe a ZipVit trip for some extra ZV energy, a good ride on "the Chase" Sunday, Spin Tuesday.............. and the Rugby Club Sportsmans Evening Thursday - opps!

The Big Count Down!

12 months ago I had no idea I would be embarking on this trip, and there are times when I forget why I undertook it, and when reality dawns I wish I wasn't, because then I would not need to mark the passing of Steve. We could still be seeing each other a couple of times a year making the usual promises of "I will call you" " we must do dinner", safe in the knowledge the cycle would continue with no need to fit "more" in, God, how one call can change so many lives in so many ways.

Under 4 weeks to go, September`s miles where down and I"missed" the organised training weekend, but with a couple of long rides planned I feel OK regarding the actual ride, the funds however are not looking good and I risk becoming a "Pain" in some quarters!

I have booked in for some Spin classes at the gym , these seam the "in thing", watch this space.....

and so it goes on..................

Mid point of September, training going ok, still 36 miles round trip to work 4 out of 5 days, whilst getting in some "bigger" rides at the weekend, 50 + road miles last weekend including a 12% climb, the weekend before a good few hours on Cannock Chase, damped somewhat by double puncture on way home!

The sponsorship is still lagging somewhat, but have "upped" my activity on this front and hope to see the fruits of my labour soon.

Plan to call and see the twins this week as have been a little neglectful on this front.

And that was August

So August has been and gone a good mileage of 600 +, mainly on the road with a small amount of "mountain biking", my "trail" skills where never that good, but 2 hours on Sunday saw me all over the place, oh well a quick blast around the Winnlatter Trails on Friday morning should see me back in the saddle!

The funds look like they have stalled somewhat, pledges made are hard in converting, and another mail out is on the cards..........watch out!

We have the Training Weekend at the end of the month, so will be good to meet up with my fellow "trippers", lets hope for some sun.

Miles and Miles......................

Hello All, the last two weeks have seen an increase in the miles, Monday - Friday 10th - 14th August was 200 and 17th - 21st 236, with NO weekend riding at all, apart from shop / allotment trips, so feeling ok legs wise now. The approching weekend is a long one so am hoping to get a good mountain bike ride in, with the following weekend in the Lakes helping on Race the Sun, chance for a little Lakeland ride maybe!!

July, where did that go?

Seams hard to believe its August already!, the year is flying by (must be an age thing!) July came and went so quick I am finding it hard to remember what I did, must have been the two weeks leave I had. During the Holiday I only manged to get on the bike a couple of times, but found Mondays ride in, well easier for the rest.

Fundraising is, well should be reaching a close, but I find myself a little under half way so I need to put in some effort!