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For many years It's been a dream of mine to cycle to Aberdovey, driving there most weekends in the summer to stay with the in-law's, every year I think what a great feeling it would be to take part in the Aberdovey Charity Bike Ride and every year it comes and goes for me to only hear of the cyclists taking part and of their fantastic achievement.

Last year Will's best friend Jordan was diagnosed with cancer, after he was given the all clear he decided to challenge himself to complete the ride for his charity also accomplishing  being the youngest person to ever complete the ride. This year Jordan and Will my son invited me to join him together with his school mates and teachers to ride with them on behalf of Idsall school, Shifnal.  

Will has diabetes type 1, his challenge was far greater than I could possibly imagine. The ride was possibly the hardest challenge I have ever taking on, having only acquired a bike 4 weeks previously the training I should have completed was non-existent but far inferior to Will's.

The Molineux start was so exciting, first few miles went without any issues although I'd already lost most of the boys, our first stop at Telford was welcomed, a few banana's and a quick toilet break and then off again. The fun began on the first island where my brain decided not to function with my feet and unclip my shoes, luckily my helmet was the first to have impact with the tarmac, needless to say slightly embarrassed, I heard many chuckles from the seasoned riders, to top it off I managed to quickly get back in my clips ready to push off across the island to realise my chain was off too.... Noooooooo...

Eventually catching up with the group and managing to stay fairly stable I was getting into the rythm, the next stop was Shrewsbury, Dobbies Garden Centre, doughnuts and more doughnuts were the menu choice, I thought I would be loosing weight on the ride but at this rate I would be carrying a few more pounds.

Heading out of Shrewsbury I started to feel the inclines a little more, the next stop Worthen School, time for cakes and water refill, the children were very excited to greet us and direct us to the toilets. the rain had started to get a little heavier.

Next stop McDonalds Newtown, over halfway I reckoned, maybe... Steak slices were awaiting, some of the boys could not resist the McD's temptation. The sky was black and the crack of thunder doomed over us to the groan of the cyclists awaiting the next stage.

Rain, rain and more rain together with hills and further hills... pain...ahhhh
The boy's were still cycling at good pace although failing to understand that the toilet breaks were meant to be used as the name suggested rather than stopping every 10 mins for someone else to go, we past the same old bloke about 20 times.

We managed to catch the chap up on the penny farthing at the Wynnstay Arms, I must say looked it good form, I was concerned he might be one of those folk over taking us during the next toilet breaks.

The boys were starting to feel the cold the rain was getting to all of us, I now know the saying 'soaked to the bone' really does mean that!

Will started to fade on the way to Mac I had real fear that we may be calling the backup team to pick him up. We let the other guys carry on ahead, Jordan and myself stopped with Will, after a few stops, more water and slow pace we soon came to Mac bridge with a yelp of delight from all of us, the end was insight.

Rain was a distant memory, the sun was breaking through over Aberdovey an the warmth was a blessing, the hills were no longer our nemesis and seemed non-existent. We powered towards the final leg and welcomed the landmarks we recognised from previous endless journeys, past the Riverside Pub, Plas Panteidal Holiday Village Down and then the last hill we started to free wheel towards The Penhelig Arms.

We could hear the cheers from the Britannia Inn which urged us on and finally passing the noisy revellers on the balcony waving and cheering, eventually riding along the seafront and through the finishing posts, greeted by my mother and father in-law, not sure how long they had been waiting but pleased to see their patience.

The feeling of immense relief and a glorious achievement, to say we were elated would be an understatement. Everyone did so well, Willy Wiggins managed to succeed even though he had low and high spikes, so proud.

The beers tasted better than ever before and many beers thereafter, a great night followed with the riders celebrating their achievements with each other.

That evening I stayed in Aberdovey with the in-laws and caught the train home back to Wolverhampton on the Saturday, the trip was far more relaxing the the ride there, a rubber ring would have been good though.

A few days to contemplate the achievement and honour in the glory of the doubters, eventually I can sit down again without a wince. Now the pain is forgotten I'm definitely going to register for next year, if anyone fancies a journey they will never forget give me a shout.

Thank to all the fiends and family who have supported and sponsored me, if you haven't please feel free to donate, you can see the pain I endured and it's a fantastic Charity.

Thank you once again.

Regards
Steve

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