All’s Well That Ends Well

A lovely evening meeting with the whole team. There is much good humour as we catch up with old friends, meet new ones and we are all briefed about the cycling challenge that will consume our days and possibly much of our evenings over the next week or so. Assuming we have our bikes of … Continue reading All’s Well That Ends Well

It’s All About The Destination

As wisdom prevails, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. This was proved not to be the case, for today, at least! Today it’s been all about the destination and trying to ensure that our group arrive safely in Bodø and when we arrive, that our bikes arrive at the same destination, preferably at … Continue reading It’s All About The Destination

Just Do It

Whether Nike ever intended their advertising tagline 'Just Do It' to become a doctrine by which to live or not, it appears to have become just that, extending beyond a sporting mantra to become a 'call to action' applicable to almost every aspect of life. Adapted from the words of a convicted murderer, who, when … Continue reading Just Do It

Teamwork

19 Individuals Geoff Constable (R) Roland Valori Jim Lawson Gary Shaughnessy Julia Woods Rune Vethe Dave & Kathy Tempest Denise Lawson Julian McCarthy Alison Anderson John Anderson Erik Hagenson Rune Bjerke John Bjarte Vethe Caroline & Paul Broekman Steve Iseman Declan O'Brien This was no corporate team building training event. There were no instructions, no … Continue reading Teamwork

The Stats

19 Individuals Geoff Constable (R) Roland Valori Jim Lawson Gary Shaughnessy Julia Woods Rune Vethe Dave & Kathy Tempest Denise Lawson Julian McCarthy Alison Anderson John Anderson Erik Hagenson Rune Bjerke John Bjarte Vethe Caroline & Paul Broekman Steve Iseman Declan O'Brien Nine People Living with Parkinson's Representing the UK, Norway, Canada, USA & Australia … Continue reading The Stats

Day 16

2nd July 2023 Girona to Barcelona Distance: 61 miles / 98km Climb: 2,100ft / 640m Our final day with 100km to cycle to reach Barcelona. We were joined by Claire Lehman, who we had cycled the alps with last year and who had cycled from the UK to Barcelona over the Pyrenees to meet with … Continue reading Day 16

Teams, Good Causes and Outstanding Individuals

By John Anderson I start my first blog for a good reason. I am keeping Alison company. Despite having covered 115km today into a headwind, she has decided to stay in tonight to catch up on things! She is undoubtedly an outstanding individual. She has energised, planned then organised a fantastic challenge to cycle from … Continue reading Teams, Good Causes and Outstanding Individuals

‘Brighton’ – Starting Line

16th June 2023 Worthing to Brighton Brighton to Newhaven Distance: 26 miles / 42km Climb: 512ft / 254m Total Distance Cycled: 174 miles / 281km Today saw the final part of our journey in the UK as we made our way to Brighton for our long awaited gathering with the rest of the team, many … Continue reading ‘Brighton’ – Starting Line

‘Warm Up’ – Day 3

15th June 2023 Hursley to Worthing Distance: 54 miles / 88km Climb: 1328ft / 405m Total Distance Cycled:148 miles / 239km It took some persuasion but eventually everyone agreed to meet this morning at 5.30am for a 6am start. By 9am, we'd covered 30km and had a picnic breakfast. We were joined today by Julia, … Continue reading ‘Warm Up’ – Day 3

‘Warm Up’ – Day 2

14th June 2023 Ramsbury to Hursley Distance: 41 miles / 66km Climb: 1519ft / 463m Total Distance Cycled: 94 miles / 151km Today felt too hot, too hilly, too far, took too long, too late back to the hotel. I was too wobbly and too tired to go any faster. BUT it was also through … Continue reading ‘Warm Up’ – Day 2

‘Warm Up’ – Day 1

13th June 2023 Cheltenham to Ramsbury Distance: 53 miles / 85km Climb: 2648ft / 807m Total Distance Cycled: 53 miles / 85km Setting off from home this morning felt somewhat surreal. I've cycled from home, through our town and out into the surrounding countryside hundreds of times. Never before have I set off on such … Continue reading ‘Warm Up’ – Day 1

Buzzing

With only 10 days to go until we set off from Cheltenham and 13 days until we start our journey from Brighton, there is a palpable feel of excitement amongst the team. Our WhatsApp group chat is buzzing as we share stories about our training rides, compare notes on our respective packing lists, talk technical … Continue reading Buzzing

Clipless Pedalling

Five significant events contributed to my transformation from a novice to a serious cyclist. Learning the rules and etiquette of cycling as part of a group Changing from a hybrid bike to a road bike The use of clipless pedals The purchase of Castelli bib shorts and jersey Cycling the iconic 1,000 mile from Land's … Continue reading Clipless Pedalling

Variation on a Theme

Variety has been the theme for this week's cycle training. First the Wattbike at home, then cycling along a stretch of the East Coast of Scotland and finally a few days cycling in Madrid. The training mileage wasn't high, compared to some recent weeks but over a variety of terrains, in a variety of conditions, … Continue reading Variation on a Theme

Endure or Enjoy?

Training for the Bike to Barcelona challenge has been ongoing throughout the winter period. Now, with only four months to go, it's time to ramp up the duration, the distances, the frequency and hopefully, the fun. Last week, in addition to indoor training, I cycled 40km through the gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside on a beautiful, near … Continue reading Endure or Enjoy?

Brighton to Barcelona

With only 138 days to go, it feels like the right time to introduce the Brighton to Barcelona team. We are a group of 20 cyclists plus our guide. We will set off on 16th June this year and cycle an average of 106km each day until reaching Barcelona on 2nd July in time to … Continue reading Brighton to Barcelona

Time for a Challenge

As an ambassador for the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) in Barcelona in June 2022, I can get very enthusiastic about the fantastic experience that is the WPC. As a keen cyclist, I can get equally enthusiastic about all things cycling. And before I know it........ (WPC + Enthusiasm) + (Cycling + Enthusiasm) = Inevitable really, … Continue reading Time for a Challenge