Before moving on I want to take time to reflect back on a tremendous few days, I met some great people and really enjoyed their company, both on and off the bike.
Some highlights for me include - the sheer determination of all involved to complete the challenge - the sight of Nick Dawson flying over his handlebars and landing relatively softly on Minchinhampton Common, only to escape injury free - the conquering of four lung busting hills between Worcester and Bath - and the sight of the beautiful English countryside passing by.
The only low point was the sight of Chris Sweet at the point he was told after just 50 miles, that he could ride no more and would take no further part in the event - we were all gutted along with him - I could sense his absolute disappointment.
All the effort, all the training, the sponsorship, the planning, the excitement and the expectation, all dashed on the word of a paramedic. Chris had the desire and wish to achieve - not to be thwarted, he mounted his bike 100 yards from the finish line and rode home with the rest of us - obviously in agony he ended the ride in the company of those he started with - good on ya Chris.
So how does all of this fit in with my topic for this blog? well some might say the target was to get from Crewe to Yeovil over 2 1/2 days of riding - I believe a target is something that others wish you to aim for.
I prefer to work to objectives - to me these are personal, something I would take ownership of - on this occasion, my objective was to get from Crewe to Yeovil - I had to do it, not just to raise money for the respective charities, but for me - I needed to push myself, I needed to have something to work towards, I needed to finish the task.
Hours and hours, mile and miles - wind, rain, freezing temperatures, road bike and spin bike they all played their part in the planning and preparation for me to achieve my objectives. Most of it I did solo, single minded, determined effort - I didn't want to let myself down or anybody else associated with the event.
When it came to the ride, I placed myself out in front of the group, I needed to work at my pace, focussed with the end in mind.
I achieved my objectives, literally have been there and got the T shirt - I have a huge sense of satisfaction and am grateful to those that encouraged me and shared the experience with me.
I hope all my fellow riders had personal objectives and that these were achieved - I also hope that you will set yourself an objective, when you have done so, work towards achieving it and don't waiver - believe me the personal rewards are fantastic - good luck.
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