Blackheath to Brussels
When a friend approached me to take part in a charity bike ride from London to Paris, I was struck by what a great idea it was...but if I was going to put myself through 200 miles of hell it was going to have to be for Down's syndrome. The seed was firmly planted!
It seemed to make sense to go from where I live now, Blackheath, to where I grew up, Brussels. All that was left to do was to pick a date and recruit a few mates to keep me company. A quick e-mail later and we were 21 (from UK, Belgium and Asia). The last bank holiday in May was pencilled into diaries.
I took on the logistics and collectively we set about getting a bit fitter and raising some cash. We approached a number of companies to sponsor the teams. A few thousand pounds of sponsorship later and the Hydrock and Ntrinsic teams were born.
Before long, and not quite enough training time later, it was the 23rd of May...D day! We met at the Royal Observatory and after a few photos we set off on a 200+mile journey taking us through Dover, Dunkirk, Gent and finally to Brussels.
Day 1 (73 miles) - A stern test, some serious hills in the North Downs but we made it, a few cramps but nothing too serious.
Day 2 (94 miles) - The day started badly, a ferry strike the day before resulted in a 90 minute delay, putting more pressure on an already tight schedule. We finally arrived in Dunkirk and set off on our biggest challenge...4 miles of wind behind followed by 90 miles of brutal wind against...it wasn't supposed to be this difficult!! It was the hardest day any of us have ever experienced. The last group arrived shattered at 2 AM!
Day 3 (40 miles) - Fortunately a comparatively short final ride into Brussels from Gent, with some of the group suffering from injuries picked up the previous day. We cycled into the Grand Place to a warm welcome from friends and family and a few well earned beers.
The important bit...at last count we've raised about £60,000 for Down's syndrome charities of which 50% will go to the DSA.
It was tough but all the riders thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenge. Will we do it again? Maybe...where is flat and free of anything resembling wind?
The DSA would like to say a HUGE thank you to David Platt and his intrepid team of cyclists, we are incredibly grateful for all of your fantastic efforts!