Fujifilm do London to Brighton – 18th June 2017

It was a bit strange driving to the Bedford site at 5am on a Sunday morning, but here we were on the hottest day of the year ready to take on the famous London to Brighton Bike Ride.

We met up with Kevin, one of our Medical Div Logistics service providers who had very kindly offered himself and a van to transport the bikes out and back.

Nervous chatter filled the minibus (kindly driven by Gillian Marshall-Davies with mini support crew of Rees and Alex) aswe made our way to Clapham Common, a few calmer souls even managed to sleep en route!

We knew we were near when we started seeing bikes, and more bikes, and soon we were surrounded.

The team managed to all gather close to the start for a quick photo before we were off. 

The first ten miles passed relatively quickly, lots of congestion and some traffic we needed to weave in and out of but then you’d expect that, there were 14000 cyclists on the road! Soon the traffic and noise diminished and we were zooming down leafy lanes past beautiful houses and enjoying the sunshine.  

Aid stations came thick and fast through the whole route, free cakes, biscuits and drinks – I think this is the only event ivedone where you are in danger of putting on a few pounds as you go along! 

Our team inevitably split a bit, a combination of crowded conditions, hills and mixed abilities meant we were now in four small groups.  Andy C’s bike developed a mechanical problem causing him and his group to have to stop for a while but it was soon sorted by the brilliant roadside mechanics.

We passed so many different types of cyclist, from the most amazing high spec  bikes that probably cost more than my car, to penny farthings, single speed bikes, a BMX and tandems, the British public were out in glorious force, forget lycra, why not dress as Fred Flintstone, a shark, Super Mario or a ballerina!

The hills were brutal, trying to get up them whilst staying on your bike in in a crowd was no mean feat, the crunch of gear changes and the sound of riders clipping on and off their pedals as we ground our way to the top of yet another hill filled the air. Then came the reward soon after, whooshing downhills that went on for ages providing blessed relief to our tired legs and a cooling breeze on what was the hottest day of the year so far.

We all knew the most difficult part of the ride would be the 861ft ascent up to Ditchling Beacon, so we hatched a plan to get to the top and all meet there.

Not being an accomplished cyclist id already decided I was going to walk up – my word it was hard even walking! As I reached the top I again was rewarded by the most stunning views.  Soon a few of us had gathered  and chatted about our experiences so far.  We knew there were only 6 miles left to do and they were all pretty much downhill, we were feeling good.  We cheered our team members as one by one they appeared on the top of Ditchling, we all knew how tough it had been, time for another quick picture, right at the top.

A nice rest and plenty of water and we were off, staying all together this time as we wanted to cross the finish line together. A lot of downhills and we were soon in town heading towards the sea, and the finish line was in sight! We managed to line up and all cross together (looking forward to that photo when I can find it!) Medals were awarded, beer was drunk and fish and chips were consumed.

A great day’s work and a fantastic team who really worked hard to cycle all 54 miles in the blazing sunshine.

Great big thanks go to Kevin our van driver who gave up his Sunday to help us and provided transport, and to Gillian Marshall Davies who safely transported us and provided help and encouragement.

And finally, if you don’t already know – we are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation, any sum is most welcome £1 or £10 we would be very thankful to receive. 

Here’s the link

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fujimidlifecyclists

Thank you!

Now time for a short rest and then to plan our next escapade…who’s in??!!

Microadventuring

Wild Camping cherry popping 

This year has been interesting, since stopping running I've been exploring other pursuits, and going wherever they have taken me. Post knee op I began walking and walking and walking, locally and then country parks further afield. Some have been lovely but no real thrills there. Then came mountains, courtesy of SVL adventures who randomly appeared on my Facebook timeline I've now climbed seven reasonable peaks including Snowdon, Pen y Fan and Scafell (more in the pipeline!)

Inadvertently along the way I met Ria and we realised we share a keen interest in the mountains and the outdoors. One of our chats led to a discussion about Alistair Humphries new book 'Microadventures'. A lovely new friend then gifted me a copy of the book and I was hooked! Soon Ria and I were planning our own Microadventure which involved sleeping outside somewhere without a tent. Planning complete we met at Guildford train station and proceeded to walk a few miles of the Wey Navigation, rucksacks heavy and enthusiasm high we popped in for a pint en route and excitedly chatted about our adventure. We watched as a beautiful shire horse pulled the packet boat along the canal, marvelled at the huge houses with canalside gardens, watched birds swoop over the water gathering up insects and generally enjoyed a rainy stroll.

Soon we decided to veer off the path and head uphill, thanks to the Viewranger app I think my days of getting terribly lost are finally over. We climbed high and it was hard work, soon we were on top of Pewley Downs, magnificent views rewarded our efforts. We sat for an hour or so watching the world go by and then decided to move towards the nearby Chantry Woods. Wild camping isn't strictly legal so we had to make ourselves disappear a bit in order to not be discovered and also for our own safety. We wandered in the woods for a good while before we found the right spot, the desired site needed to be flat, discrete and have good views, plus some trees to hold our tarp. We were aware that some 'weather' was due to happen later in the night. 

Settling in we enjoyed some bubbles and a carefully made fire before lights out.

I was expecting to feel a little scared or at least worried but didnt feel it. Common sense told me there likely wouldn't be any nutters up in the woods overnight. 

I fell asleep and woke to the sound of rain on the tarp about midnight, then followed a pretty impressive thunderstorm, it was almost as though Mother Nature was showing us her talents. The storm passed and it rained most of the night.

We woke about six to weak sunshine filtering through the trees. A hot coffee and pack up (making sure we left no indication we'd ever even been there) and we were off on the trek back to Godalming. 

It's was a fantastic experience for us both and I urge anyone to give it a try, you don't need much kit and the rewards are huge. And, you don't even need a weekend, this can be done locally in the week with a little organisation and the right amount of enthusiasm. 

Wild Wales weekender

Its good Friday, I havent been anywhere near my usual active levels for months (since some heavy knee surgery back in December) ive got lots of free time, last weekend I painted the shed. This weekend I had no real plans. This is what the Internet is made for. Soon I found a weekend hike in Wales with SVL Adventures, a tentative email and yes, they still had a place for the weekends 'Snowdon Adventure' 'I'm in!' I typed, without reading the description. I downloaded a kit list, chucked my stuff in the car and took off down the M1.

As I got closer I realised I was a) by myself b) going to be sharing a room in a hostel. Ahhh what's the worst that can happen? I do like a little adventure!

Arriving at the hostel I found a most agreeable pint of Welsh beer in the adjoining Swallow Falls bar. I relaxed and had a couple before Simon of SVL arrived. We had a chat, nice chap- apart from having pineapple on his pizza. I was sharing a room with another solo adventurer, Mandy and invited Simon in too as he was going to sleep in his camper. 

It's amusing how we were all so polite in the hostel bedroom, you sleep politely (no gaseous escapes, snoring or  late night loo flushing etc!)

A surprisingly comfortable bed and warm room meant I had a good sleep and was raring to go on Saturday morning. Most opted for the sturdy Welsh breakfast and I enjoyed a bacon butty and three cups of coffee before we headed out. Parking the car and prepping to get ready i began to get to hooks with names, there was kindred spirit Mandy, another lone traveller with great hair and amazing photography skills, Army girl Ria, beautiful strong and very accomplished, Fiesty and determined Janet who lived on a boat, Runner Gemma who was always laughing and smiling, incredible mother and daughter combo, Clare and Natasha (they look like sisters!) and Deborah whose quiet determination would amaze us all by the end of the weekend. And not forgetting the boss man Simon,  quietly guiding this group of chatty women up some of the toughest walks (I bet he enjoyed a nice quiet drive home, poor chap!)

We took off up Tryfan and the chatter died down as the effort levels increased. Every now and then we'd stop for a rest and look back at some stunning views. The weather was clear and we pressed on, encouraging and getting to know each other in the process.

The summit too a while to get to, but there were some technical bits - 'tricky' as Simon called them on the route that kept us all focused. Once we reached the top we found the Adam and Eve stones, two monoliths with practically no footholds on them. Some like to climb them and leap from one to another for kicks, I climbed one but there was no way I was going to leap the four foot between them, although I saw many who did. Mandy also climbed up and we took a few snaps. 

A break and a snack whilst Simon explained the route to the next mountain, Glyder Fech which we could see in the distance. Crikey, my legs weren't going to thank me for this! We set off at a good pace down Tryfan and were soon on the ascent up Glyder Fech, now this was a challenge, a sheer scree face ensured most of the climb was spent using your hands, feet and wits! I've never done anything like this, the rock was loose and the surface very steep. Exhausted I stopped halfway up, realised I had a great signal and facetimed my mother for a short while! Soon I was at the top and saw the Cantilever Stone in the distance, Ahhh I'd seen this beauty on pics before and had no idea this is where it was! I waited for the ladies to arrive and we all got a nice group picture.

The descent was pretty scary, very steep, some 'tricky' areas - especially if you try and freestyle it, but we all made it on one piece, we all learned the value of sliding on your bum if you didn't trust your feet (some more than others ahem!)

What a brilliant day, so many personal achievements, we were pumped for Snowdon the next day.

A hearty meal, some chats and a couple of drinks and we were all in bed asleep quite early to prepare for the trek up Snowdon

Sunday morning soon arrived and we drove to Llanperis and got our wet weather gear on. The forecast was rain, but we weren't going to let this stop us. 

A sharp uphill start soon got us all warm and the long steady climb began, the rain came down and our tired legs remained resolute. We stared longingly at the train as it passed us. It became apparent the the group were walking at very different paces so Simon gave Ria, who was storming ahead, a radio. We stopped briefly at a cafe almost halfway but were soon starting to get cold. Marching on I certainly began to want the summit to appear, the rain was relentless and the clouds obscured many of the views. The path grew steeper and more difficult and I was walking alone (there were many people on the mountain coming and going) my legs were really starting to object and the rain stung my face, then out of the clouds I could just make out the summit, spurred on I arrived just after Ria and we had a chat and took some pics, a quick FaceTime with my best pal and I made my way off the top, I was getting cold, my hands wouldn't work well enough to get my gloves on. Panicking slightly I told Ria I was heading back down, I walked fast to preserve my body heat, I knew I'd pass the rest of the team on the way back so wasnt too worried. 

I marched on and was beginning to feel warmer when I noticed the path seemed a bit different to the way up. Gulp, had I gone wrong? I decided to stick with the path as it was definitely going down the mountain and I didn't fancy going back up!!

I didn't see many people but the weather cleared and the views were incredible. 

About 90 mins later I reached the road, there was a youth hostel and a big car park hostel was closed and I had no phone reception. Spotting a couple returning from a walk I asked for help. They informed me I'd taken the Ranger path back down and was on the wrong side of Snowdon! Luckily they dropped me at a pub a few miles In the right direction and I got dry and had a beer whilst I waited for a taxi. £20, a chat with Mick from the Wirral and a few scenic miles later I was reunited with the group at Llanperis who had just descended.

Congratulatory hugs all round and massive smiley faces we began to take on our amazing achievements of the weekend. 

Huge thanks to Simon for looking after us all so well, Mandy for the jacket loan and a hot dinner, Gemma for the hole in the leggings episode, Deborah for keeping me company coming home, Clare for being in team 'Grans who can'  Ria for just being in my sight and keeping me going, Tash for being so incredibly brave, and Janet for just being Janet ! 

Life is really out there for living, and you don't need to look to hard to find some really amazing things to do with incredible people, it doesnt take huge money, all you need is a little time and some determination. Look, I promise you will find!