Day two, what can I say, we made it to Stratford!
I have never felt so weak after exercise than when we arrived in Stratford and I stood next to my bike, contemplating taking the few steps to the mini bus where everyone had gathered. 87 miles on the road today, to be able to say that now brings about a sense of pride but my legs are aching thinking about it.
We began the day at the Nottingham army barracks. Having slept in bunk dorms on plastic mattresses, we were required to sort our bedding and sweep the floor before we set off on the road, all this at about 7am. Huge breakfast for £1…thankyou Chris, you were amazing!
We set off towards Loughborough as the sun was beginning to shine, a nice sight to get us going. The roads today saw definite moments where the group were energised, usually after a good meal (which we had three before midday thanks to the support of Shepshed Buliding Society and Bobby’s in Belgrave, Leicester!) and of course on the down hill sections of the route.
Thankfully there were more of those than the steep climbs, and feeling more confident on the bikes, the team weren’t afraid to push each other with speed on the slopes! Laura Beardsmore had one very close call, taking out the grass bank at high speed and wobbling her way along before finding a clean path back onto the road, phew!
The afternoon leg of the day was an exhausting five hour long stint which saw a mixture of beautiful country roads and busy dual carriageways. The team avoided moments of tiredness with a few sing-along’s and Eye Spy games, just enough to keep us going.
The fall of the day without doubt goes to Lizzie Ried, who, thanks to her volleyball skills, was able to roll straight out of a tumble that was rather impressive on the eye. Along with Lizzie’s bad luck, we lost our way on a couple of occasions, however not realising before we sped down the hill, only to have to ride straight back up it.. Talk about an anti-climax!
Overall, a very hard day’s work but well worth the effort as the support and kind donations from the public continue to drive us along. Our character is really needed today.
Quote of the day goes to Tash Brewer, who at 8am was feeling inspired and said:
“I might join the Tour de France next year”…
However, come 5pm said:
“I have never wanted to get anywhere as much as I want to get to Stratford right now!”
Signing out, half way there!!!
Jo Healy
