Just Bike Dream Team
Saturday 3rd October saw six brave souls hitting Swindon to take part in the epic Just Bike event, organised by Across The Divide and our girl about community Perle. Simon Crewsdon sensibly signed up for the 50km, while Anna Fiske, Bridget Walker, Perle Laouenan-Catchpole, Kenny Monaghan and Conor Cusack took on the (frankly scary) 100km event.
The team were up bright and early (some as early as 5.30 am to make their way down to Swindon) and the ride kicked off with everyone in good spirits. Simon was off like a shot, never to be seen again, although we hear he is safe and well and completed his 50km in good time! The rest of us took things at our own pace, each battling relentless wind, bumpy roads, endless road kills (dead badger being the worst!) and some seriously steep hills. It wasn’t long, though, before disaster struck in the form of a punctured tyre for a hugely disappointed Conor. He was found wheeling an unhappy bike 50km in, and after four attempts at resuscitating it, was forced to retire.
The rest of the team experienced their own highs and lows, and the first to finish – making it in eight hours – was keen cyclist Anna, shortly followed by top fundraiser Kenny. Two hours later, an ecstatic Perle sauntered to the finish line, followed by a frustrated Bridget who had been caught out by frightening darkness in her last 30 minutes. We were all greeted by a bone-warming stew and a lovely cup of tea, and left Swindon nursing sore bottoms, tired legs and happy hearts.
All in all, it was a fantastic event. The six bikers have so far managed to raise a fantastic £2,800 with more donations coming in! If you’re interested in joining the team next year, or fancy taking part in Across The Divide’s Just Walk event in May 2010, sign yourself up now or put together a team for us. Contact Perle@childsifoundation.org for more information.
Keep on running…
As well as organised events we also love it when Supporters step forward and offer to run marathons for us. Respect goes to Jodie Daly who went out to Uganda and saw the situation for herself and on her return signed up for the Run to the Beat half marathon. Jodie completed it in 2:06:01 and raised a whopping £185 for our charity.
Anne Catliff running for Child's i Foundation
Supporter Anne Catliff came along to our Sussex Meet up and offered to run the 10km South Downs run and completed the event in 01:02:53. She came 12th out of the women which is a terrific achievement. Huge congratulations to Anne and also a big thank you for so far raising £350!
