Jingle all the way...to the finish line!

Into December, the run up to Christmas, New Year and the final challenge for Roz, me and team Fight Cystic Fibrosis!

It has been epic, truly epic. We started over 12 months ago with an outlandish plan we had no idea would go anywhere, one of those thoughts that you usually forget to water and it withers out of sight and mind. There have been injuries, near misses, wet feet, many costumes, funny hotels, delayed ferries, frozen limbs, tired hearts and lots of fun.

None of this would have been possible without the support and backing of so many people that joined us on events, supported us through the challenges, sponsored us during the year and generally kept our spirits and enthusiasm tip-top!

Our motivation has been driven not only by friends and family but by our feelings for our friend, Anders, who has cystic fibrosis, and his courage and determination in the face of such adversity. When we heard about the funding reductions to cystic fibrosis research we wanted to do something in some small way to help the fantastic efforts of the CF Trust and all those fighting cystic fibrosis. So team Fight CF was born with the aim of raising £2,012 through the 12 in 12 in 2012 challenge!

With the support and generosity of friends, family and strangers we have exceeded our expectations and had such a fantastic year and cannot thank everyone enough for making it all possible.
 
It started with the Great Winter Run in Edinburgh around Arthur’s Seat,back in January, in freezing conditions and with Roz shot down with sciatica! Little did we know that a 5th person had actually completed the run for FCF that morning along with Bronwen, Simon and Susie...

With Roz still suffering we moved on to her brainwave of a challenge and the fancy dress gym challenge in Glasgow. Roz, I will forgive you, eventually. We had over 6 hours of gym classes in one day, including 3 spin classes and 2 meta-fit challenges. Good job I was joined by Zoe and we both didn't look silly or anything! We also had Simon, Pam and Aileen to join in some of the classes, another team effort...

Though Roz was far from fighting fit she returned, gritting her teeth for the Bradford 10k; along with Sarah, Andy and Rob with the vital support of Mary that included post race chocolate...

April had us canoeing the length of Lake Windermere with our friend Andy; with his wife Jane and family shouting from the sidelines along with our stalwart supporters the Hardings...

May was more fancy dress for the Great Manchester Run, where we were there as Mario and Luigi for 10k of friendly heckling from the crowd...

This all took us to June at breakneck speed for a cycle from Glasgow to Islay during a monsoon. Simon joined us for the island hopping across Arran and the Mull of Kintyre to get to Islay, via 3 ferries and over 80 miles, with Susie along for the ride as our road support. We battled through the storm, were welcomed at different stages by Bronwen and Scott and eventually battled through to a warm, comfortable seat and the most delicious slice of toast I have ever eaten...

To kick off the second half of the year we took on the Three Peaks Challenge across Wales, England and Scotland - an ascent of nearly 10,000 ft over 26 miles of terrain. Roz and I were joined by Bronwen who put us both to shame with her ability to take the odd mountain in her stride...

We all suffered minor injuries from the climbing but Roz's knee was unable to undertake the cycle between Glasgow and Edinburgh along the Union Canal path. James stepped into the breach with 48hrs notice, what a star...

September and not only did we have the Chicago half-marathon to contend with but Roz also took on the Glasgow 10k - for missing the cycling due to injury, what a trooper. Ed gave us a place to stay, tourist suggestions and joined us for a little long-distance torture in the morning sun...

The Great Edinburgh Run in October brought us back home and another fantastic gathering of folk willing to raise money and awareness for a good cause. Ainsley, Bronwen, Fro, Fee, Finlay, Menzies and Sarah: take a bow...

November brought the folly of tandem biking in fancy dress over the seven classic hills of Edinburgh; completed with the training and bike of John and Rachel. Good job I wasn't allergic to tweed...

So last Sunday brought the final event with the Edinburgh Santa Run on 9 December, along with Alex, Finn, Gill, Kit, Jon, Simon, Susie and Nina (the 5th runner from January!)...

After the run we held a raffle and a private viewing of The Muppets Christmas Carol to get us into the festive spirit and celebrate crossing the finish line. Huge thanks go to Gail, Richie, Dave and the generous folk at Real Foods, Vino, Bruichladdich, the Islay Chocolate Company, Gaia (Leith Walk) and Isobar (Bernard St, Leith) for prizes and support.

Throughout this incredible year we have been constantly reminded of the depth of people’s generosity. We have raised over £6,500 from an initial target of £2,012 but, as good a result as this is, it is all the help and the support from people - mentioned above and many others that have helped us in a variety of ways - that has pushed us along and made all of this possible. Our fundraising page has no fewer than 12 team members that joined the fray. We were supported by so many people as part of our challenges and received nothing but encouragement from friends, colleagues and strangers alike.

There does need to be a special mention for Simon and Susie who have been tremendous throughout our year of challenges. I cannot stress how much we have appreciated them joining in so much of this year and helping us to achieve and exceed our fundraising targets. Without them and their enthusiasm we would have been nowhere near as successful and this has been a true team effort in every sense.

The accommodation, cake, odd dram and kind words given by everyone have all been warmly received; helping to make any dark times a little lighter and the successes a good deal brighter. We couldn't have done any of this without these sources of inspiration and strength. A massive, heartfelt thank you, it has truly been overwhelming.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all. My 2013 resolution will involve a lot less travelling and considerably more chocolate!

The hills are alive... With the sound of...

Ouch, wait, right, 1,2,3, go... Ah, the sound of the penultimate challenge. Mastering a tandem bike didn't sound that hard. Surely you just get on and pedal right? Em, well, there seemed to be more to it than that. Team FCF had to both master tandem cycling and safely negotiate themselves around the 7 classic hills of Edinburgh without causing a road traffic accident. All in fancy dress.

For those who haven't had the pleasure of trying a tandem, let me try to describe the steep learning curve we undertook. Thankfully, John and Rachel (who loaned us their trusty bike) gave us a lesson in advance of the challenge. Balance is one issue; it all feels a little wobbly when you first set off! You also need to learn to cope with a lack of vision. The person at the back can't see where they're going and the person at the front can't see the traffic behind them. Communication is key. It is also key to starting, peddling and stopping. The myth that the person at the back can just have a rest really is a myth. When one person stops peddling, you both do so you can't coast without the other person knowing!

Despite these challenges we set off enthusiastically on a beautiful Edinburgh winter's day. We were dressed to impress and were waved off to whoops and cheers (thanks John, Morag, Michael and Ruth!). Off we flew around the corner and up a wee hill. We then had to stop and check the map... But before we knew it, we were nearing the first of Edinburgh's classic hills. I'm sure the Sunday morning walkers were delighted to see 2 idiots peddling their way up the path to the top of Corstorphine hill. First one = done.

Across town, a few more map checks and we reached Craiglochart. Unfortunately, we weren't at the top, but could see a couple of wee steps so thought we could manage to carry the bike up. The few steps turned out to be a lot of steps. The view was worth it and hill 2 complete. Onwards to the Braid Hills and our one and only heckle in Morningside - I was peddling Bri, honest! The Braid hills also threw up a slight debate about where the highest accessible point was. We decided the golf course was certainly high enough so we flew down the hill and negotiated our way to Blackford.

There is no doubt Edinburgh is a hilly city but so far, we'd coped relative well and not really had to push the bike. The last few hundred yards up to Blackford were steep, very steep. A little push was required but soon we were on top of the world once more and over half way through. Onwards and downwards with increasing confidence and less shouts of "BRAKE" from behind!

After annoying a few drivers by going the wrong way round Arthur's seat, we were met by family Harding with well needed sustenance. With a slight fear that it was starting to get dark the feet hit the pedals and we zoomed on up to Carlton hill before attempting the final assault to the castle. We were feeling determined to get up without pushing but the steep cobbles proved impossible on tired legs. I think the tourists were even more bemused by people pushing a tandem in odd clothing!

And we were done... 7 hills in over 4 hours on a very cold, crisp winter's day. We then headed home for the perfect way to end our penultimate challenge: with a drink by an open fire. And relax...  Until the final challenge! A delightful run around Princess Street gardens dressed as Santa on the 9th December. Will we reach £6500? Visit:www.justgiving.co.uk/teams/FCF to help out.
Finally we'd like to once again thank those involved with the challenge. John and Rachel, your bike knowledge was invaluable and your bike treated us so kindly. Ruth, Morag, Si, Susie, Nina and parents Taylor and Bron - thanks for cheering us on at different points and buying a drink at the end. 11 down, 1 to go... You know, I think we might actually do this....

Hill Communication

Challenge 10 of 12 brought with it 10k in the form of the incredibly hilly Great Edinburgh Run. As we near the end of our year of fun, friends and torture I have to keep reminding myself why we are putting ourselves through all of this physical and mental anguish!

• Cystic Fibrosis is one of the UK’s most common life-threatening inherited diseases, caused by a single defective gene that clogs internal organs with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs and difficulty digesting food.
• Each week five babies are born with cystic fibrosis and two young people die – 90% from lung damage. Only half of those living with cystic fibrosis are likely to live past 41 years of age, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today is expected to live even longer.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s only national charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with cystic fibrosis.

So a fantastic cause and worth every effort and more. No average 10k, though. Even Freya Murray-Ross (who finished second) referred to the course as ‘pretty tough’. This is the woman that was the first British athlete home in the London Olympic marathon event in a time of 2:32:14, so she knows what she is talking about!




Roz and I were joined at the start in Holyrood Park by Ainsley, Bronwen and Fro. All smiles before the hills and the tarmac took their toll! The FCF team also had friends Fee, Finlay, Menzies and Sarah running – so quite a crew.




At least we had a great day for it. The atmosphere was good with the required Mr Motivator warm up, blaring music and far too many people penned into the fenced area at the start.





The course began with a long climb up Queen's Drive then down past Duddingston Loch before turning around and heaading back the way you had come. All very scenic but very crowded on the narrow roads, you had to be nimble and sure footed so many of us were in trouble!

Once you ran out and past the Commonwealth Pool, down the Pleasance and up to the Canongate to run part of the iconic Royal Mile. Now, at this stage we were approaching 7km. Feeling okay. Buoyed by the crowd and entering the final third. However, it was here we ran up Abbeyhill and into the long, hard 1km climb on Regent Road. If it hadn't been for our cheering team of Susie, Simon and wee Nina we would've been in trouble but the extra support gave the required boost to push us on.

The race ended, thankfully, with a steady descent back into Holyrood where the race began. Everyone put in a cracking effort, just finishing off the podium - by a few hundred places.

We decided to end the run with the usual and professional warm down, a pint and pub grub. Challenge 10 of 12 completed with great enthusiasm all round, such a pleasure to be joined by even more people in raising money and awareness for the CF Trust: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/FCF

As always, thank yous go out to many people - the whole FCF running crew, the Hardings for coming out in support and all the sponsorship we have received to our growing number of fundraising team pages.

November brings the tandem bike cycle around the 7 hills of Edinburgh - in late Victorian dress. No, don't ask us what we were thinking, just look forward to the photos and promote our stupidity to family and friends.

Only 2 challenges to go!!!

Thanks again everyone.

Bri.

Planes, trains and automobiles

September arrives, the autumn is beginning and after completing far too many of our 'summer' challenges in the cold wind and rain of the UK we decide it's time to seek out some sun: destination Chicago!

Our long journey began by heading from Edinburgh to London by train, where we were treated to delightful hospitality from friends  Stuart and Charlotte; including some delicious chilli and a most awesome tart! After gratefully receiving our bed for the night we headed across town to Heathrow, arriving off the Express to the sounds of 'Leaving on a jet plane' we were all ready to go. Sunshine here we come...

One long haul flight later and after a 2 hour wait to clear immigration, we were finally in the land of the free. The immigration man even wished me luck in the race! Big brother Ed came to greet us and soon we were settled in to life in Chicago. A spectacular place to carb load and relax in the sunshine, we had 3 days to acclimatise and banish the jet lag.

The morning of the half marathon arrived way too early. 5am to be precise. Time for a quick breakfast before heading south across town to try to find a parking place and the start line. We abandoned the car in an 'interesting' suburb - taking care to hide all valuables and wondering if the car would still have wheels when we got back! Parking far away had one advantage of giving us a proper warm up for once.

Straight on to the start line we went and started our run in the beautiful morning sun. The conditions were kind; not too hot (yet) and the wind was conspicuous in its absence. We were also helped along by the course entertainment. I feared I was hallucinating early on when I thought I could hear bagpipes... Indeed bagpipes they were, welcoming across the first mile. Another personal highlight was the majorettes using batons shaped like guns - only in America!









The crowd showed enthusiasm like no other. Banners a plenty and cheers of 'You got this Roz' kept the motivation up. The route helped us out by being flat as a pancake with views of the Chicago skyline intermingled with the odd cloud. That's not to say it wasn't tough. Bri was battling with calf pain, Ed had only done 1 training run and I hadn't completed more than 6 miles this year. We weren't helping ourselves...

Despite this, the team put in some impressive performances. Brian smashed his personal best (1hr 33 - super fast). Ed snuck in under 2 hours helped along by the motivator of extra sponsor money and I completed it without dying. Success all round! For some reason none of us felt like queuing up for the free pizza and beer so we made the long, slow walk back to the car. It was still there. Hurrah!





 


Recovery was much assisted by huge slices of Chicago Pizza Pie and some well deserved beverages. That and hearing we had reached our £5000 target. Amazing! Thanks to all who have sponsored us so far. We have gone above and beyond our initial hopes and it's all thanks to you. Visit www.justgiving.com/teams/FCF to sponsor us or see how we are getting on in reaching our new target.











Thanks to Ed and Amy for hosting us and showing us the sights of Chicago. We had a brilliant time and enjoyed every moment. Special thanks to Ed for joining us on the run too - I'm sure you could think of many other more enjoyable ways to spend a Sunday morning. Thanks also to Stuart and Charlotte for hosting us in London and Sophie for attempting to keep us awake for lunch mid way through our epic return journey. We're now back in Edinburgh for the final 3 challenges.... Home sweet home!

　

　

Bikes East!

The year is absolutely flying by! Already we are up to challenge 8 of 12 - two-thirds of the way through 2012 and our fund raising efforts: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/FCF

August brought the Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle along the Union Canal. From George Square in Glasgow to the Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh. Just over 60 miles or nearly 100 km of rough canal path, under and over bridges and across aqueducts before the finish and the promise of a refreshing drink.

Roz was injured unfortunately, in part due to our 3-Peaks exertions and a nasty, troublesome knee complaint. We had the honour and privilege of James McLeod stepping into the breach and joining the team for the challenge in Roz's place. James stepped in only 48hrs before we were due to set off to Glasgow, so quite the knight in shining armour. Well, the bloke on a shiny bike. Roz was the road support on the day and also helped us out with some rather large chocolate bars at timely intervals.

We headed off early on the train from Edinburgh Waverley and were in Glasgow Queen Street around half past eight. At this stage we were feeling pretty well set for the ride ahead, little knowing that the road bikes we had were not exactly suited for the terrain!










Despite the outlook the weather was pretty good and we headed off, via a couple of minor wrong turns, on the long road to Edinburgh via Falkirk. Progress was pretty good and although the surface was bumpy and narrow in places we cracked on to make it to Falkirk a little after 11:00. It was a spectacular sight, a feat of engineering and no, I was not wearing a replica as a cycle helmet!

After Falkirk and the Rough Castle and the Falkirk tunnel, we found the going a bit harder. The surface got worse and was even muddier and narrower than the preceding 30 miles. Roz was around to lift the mood around Linlithgow and the Avon Aqueduct - the second longest in the United Kingdom. Apparently. So after a brief chat and recharge we were off. For about a mile.





Disaster hit us with its full force. Well, calamity attacked with icy vengeance. Okay, mild inconvenience struck! We had a puncture, James' rear wheel gave-in to the pummelling it was getting, from the track of course and not the rider it was carrying. James managed to change the wheel with aplomb while I pointed and waved a bit. We pressed on, passing a few fishermen, more bridges than I cared to count and a floating restaurant.

We were now into the final furlong and were keeping our heads down and ploughing on. While the course was flat it was relentless and the surface did nothing to ease the impact on the bikes or ourselves. After covering 50-odd miles we finally hit Edinburgh and a decent surface for the last leg. The path was noticeably busier, and we cut rather more forlorn figures than the families and couples out to walk dogs and ride along the canal path.







At last, after almost 6 hours of cycling we reached Fountainbridge and a pub with food and drink to revive us. We had a great day for cycling and had managed the journey in time to eat a late lunch before heading home to assess the damage, which was mainly aching and mud splattered limbs. We headed out in the evening to toast our success, largely avoiding stairs.

A tremendous thank you to James for joining me on this challenge and completing his longest ever distance ride only a few weeks after tearing a calf muscle. A legend. Our efforts continue, into September and the Chicago half-marathon - with Roz squeezing in an extra challenge in the weekend just gone with the Glasgow 10k to make up for missing the cycle: she's a warrior alright.








Once again, thank you for all the support, it is really appreciated. We are heading towards the £5k mark in fundraising and continue to be amazed by everyone's generosity.

Bri.

Climb Every Mountain...

It has been said that faith can move mountains, if only it could climb them as well. Unfortunately it takes a fair amount of determination, ample support and a lot of hard graft!

Our 3-peaks challenge began with a rendezvous at Edinburgh Waverley train station, where the FCF team of myself, Roz and Bronwen got together before heading off to Glasgow airport for our pick up and onward to Fort William. At this stage I did wonder about the amount of equipment I had, as Roz and Bronwen were clearly either a) much more prepared then I was, b) cautious packers, or c) planning for the Himalayas. Turns out it was a mixture of all 3!

We met the rest of our 8-person climbing group in Glasgow, along with our guide and driver support courtesy of Maximum Adventure. So our intrepid team consisted of ourselves, a Colin, a Natalie, a Peter, a Rena and a Shaughna. The first challenge was to entertain ourselves on the trip up to Fort William which was managed with aplomb. One very short pep talk and an average dinner later and we were set for an early night ahead of a 7:00am climb start at the foot of Ben Nevis. We also took the opportunity to stock up on enough confectionary, crisps and energy drinks to sink a ship, or at least a laser class sailing boat.

Come the dawn, come a breakfast bordering on hearty and good spirits for the climb ahead. The weather was overcast but decent with a good deal of low lying cloud. We took the set path from Glen Nevis up the hill - I say hill, it's 1,344m high or 4,409ft in old money. The group went at a good pace, slowing only for a couple of breathers and some energy boosts. Around 3hrs later we were at the summit, struggling to see 6 feet in front of us.

After the heady feeling of getting summit one under our belts came the sinking feeling of having to get back down before we could head off to Cumbria and Scafell Pike. So teeth were gritted and off we set at a canter, making it down in just over a couple of hours with the group casualties being a couple of blistered feet and a few tired limbs.

The next leg was an arduous drive that we did not have to do ourselves, luckily. Our driver taking over 7 hours to get us to the bottom of the highest peak in the Lake District and England. In a small mini-bus this was no mean effort and some winks were caught on route.

So there we were, approaching 8pm at the foot of the mountain standing at around 900m or nearly 3,000ft! Glad we brought the head torches. This was a tricky climb as not only was the light beginning to fade but there was light rain, more cloud, plenty of climbers and difficult paths to traverse. Fatigue was setting in approaching the climb to the top that needed to be completed with torches and waterproofs. We thought the top of Ben Nevis wasn't welcoming but it was a cosy arm chair by comparison.



So as you can see, visibility was an issue coming down. We were also taken down the sheep path, past bolders, with no clear walkways, across slippy rocks and sodden soil. My cycling back light came it handy to try and keep the group together and the descent was slow because of the conditions. Still, nobody fell badly and we all made it down for our taxi to Wales - the last time I got in a taxi after 1am I was feeling much more chipper and was wearing a different kind of jacket altogether!

The journey took several hours and we ready to climb our final peak just after 6am. It felt surreal that less than 24hrs earlier we had been at the foot of Ben Nevis. At this point the task was really starting to tell and the miles and climbs were making their presence felt. The group was doing really well and nobody was giving up or letting the aches and pains slow them down too much. Given the aim to make it to the top of the mountains in 24hrs (I will come to the myriad of ways of analysing this soon) we had 13hrs climbing time and were already down 11hrs. To my mind that left me with 2hrs to get to the top. All attempts at chivalry and teamwork were left with a nod from Bronwen and I set off like an injured hare out of a trap - making the 1,038m or 3,406ft climb in 1hr and 40mins.

My punishment was to wait at the top while the much more sensible group made the steady climb to the peak in around 2 and a half hours. After the previous climbs and travel this was such a tremendous effort by everyone that deserved stunning views of the Welsh countryside, we didn't get it!

The final descent was the hardest, unsuprisingly, and the physical exertion was pushing people to their limits. My limbs and knees were aching and Roz had pushed herself through injury to finish the challenge - her knee nearly giving way on the climb down to the trip home. Bronwen put us all to shame, the older generation showing that they do not make them like they used to! The whole group completed the challenge and were ready for our shuttle to Manchester and the train home near 11am, around 28 hrs after we had begun this epic challenge.

The end was a motorway service station, a run for the 2pm train and a much needed seat for the journey back to Edinburgh. So, over 26 miles in distance and an ascent of nearly 10,000 ft later, the 3-peaks challenge had been tamed. We did not get up and down in 24 hrs, some people allow 13 hrs for climbing (based on 11 hrs average travel) regardless of what traffic does to you, some people count just getting to the top, other shun the tourist routes etc. Whatever, all 3 of us were atop the 3 highest peaks in the 3 mainland countries of the UK within a 24 hr period and that is more than good enough for me.

As always, I am proud to call Roz and Bronwen my team mates, whose support was invaluable. A huge thank you to everyone else for their continued backing through our 12 challenges in 2012:
www.justgiving.com/teams/fcf

Our friend Anders, in his continuing fight with Cystic Fibrosis, and the many personal tales within the current spectacle that is these Olympic games are a continued source of inspiration.

Onward to August and the cycle across Scotland's central belt!

Bri.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike!

Actually, I think it'll be a little while before I want to ride my bike again... This is the story
of 3 amateur cyclists and their battle with wind, rain and scottish hills. It was an epic
challenge so why not make yourself a brew then settle back in a big comfy armchair to
hear all about it.

Our adventure began when we arrived in Glasgow and survived the first few miles out to
our accommodation. Si and Susie were being housed in Chez Marion and lovey it was
too. Less lovely was hearing that I might have booked Bri and I in to a homeless hostel
for the night. Thankfully it is now a Guest house. Admittedly a basic one but it provide a
place to rest up before the big day.

I'd love to say the we were woken by the sun streaming through our windows then made
our way to our glorious continental breakfast... But I've been taught not to lie... We were
woken by the sound of torrential rain to a tiny bowl of rice crispies. Hmmm... We refused to
be out off though and putting our best 'Today is going to be such fun' faces on we headed
out in to the rain.

Part One - Glasgow to Loch Winnoch

By the time we arrived in Paisley we were damp to say the least but feeling good. The
worst car section was behind us, none of us had fallen off and really, there's only so wet
you can get. We found our way onto the cycle path to Ardrossan and started to whizz
along. We whizzed over some police tape lying on the ground then came up against more
police tape. This time it blocked our way.

Decision time. 2 secs later we decided it was old tape and went under it. Around a corner
or two, past a man and his dog and then straight in to 3 police officers. Si did some fast
talking that got us out of trouble for entering a crime scene, we turned around, took a few
wrong turns in a housing estate, hovered under a bridge to read the map then found our
way back on to the cycle path further down the road. A bit too much excitement before
9am on a Saturday morning.





We timed out arrival at Castle Semple perfectly with Susie in our support vehicle and took on some welcome calories. It was too wet and cold to stop for long - quick photo
opportunity then off we went again.











Part Two - Lochwinnoch to Ardrossan

On and off roads, up and down hills, considerable amounts of rain and we found ourselves
in Kilwinning. With a text from Calmac telling us we might not be booked on the boat to
Arran since the morning boat had been cancelled due to weather. In fact our boat might
also be cancelled due to weather. Great news! My thinking was that if the weather was too
bad for boats, we maybe shouldn't be out in it on 2 wheels... But we carried on regardless.
The car was dispatched to ensure it had a place on any boat that did go and we peddled
on.






Arriving at Ardrossan felt delightful. Susie had managed to get the car booked on the boat and there was a warm bathroom for us to wring out the socks. Nice. Thankfully Calmac
allowed the boat to go and we prepared ourselves for the next leg of the trip with pies and coffee aplenty.









Part Three - Broddick to Lochranza (Crossing Arran!)

Our very own time trial. A race across Arran to catch the next ferry - this was the section
I'd been most worried about so had decided to push hard on the flat section round the
coast before we hit THE hill. Trickier than planned as the flat section was also the coast
section.... It was windy... Into the face... I wasn't panicking at all about missing the boat!
It was almost a relief to turn the corner out of the wind. But then we hit our hill. The
Boguille on Arran would be a category 4 climb in the Tour de France. It was a mental
battle to keep the legs moving and slowly slog away. Well, it was for me and my bike
with a basket on it. Bri took it all in his stride as he flew up with seeming ease. It was a
delightful sight to see both Bri and Si waiting for me at the top of the hill... A quick shout
of 'have we got enough time' as I refused to stop and took on the descent.

Turns out we had plenty of time - we made it to Lochranza with half an hour to spare. Time
to take shelter in the wee shop and refuel with hot chocolate. Mmmmmm.... Then onto a
rather bumpy boat journey to kintyre.

Part Four - Claonaig to Kennacraig

Waiting in Claonaig was a delightful surprise in the form of my dad (Scott) who'd decided
to have a little day out and join us. It gave me a much needed boost to get up that next
hill. He'd also managed to perform some sort of magic trick and turn off the big tap in the
sky. This section was mercifully short at only 6 or 7 miles and we were soon at Kennacraig
ready to catch our last ferry to Islay.

The 2 hour boat journey was a much needed chance to stretch, rest and refuel (in the boys
case, they decided a pint was the most appropriate refuelling to do!). Time also to read the
article about our challenge in the local paper (the Ileach) - fame once more. We were also
given some generous support from Calmac staff and the golfers who made our collecting
tin that bit heavier.

Part 5 - Port Askaig to Conisby (the final push)

Bronwen (my mum) was waiting for us as the boat docked in Islay - the car covered in
balloons and banners. What a welcome! But arriving in Islay wasn't enough for us,, we
wanted to cycle door to door so, at 8pm, we had another 15 miles to complete. With
Bronwen joining us we powered up the Port Askaig hill as far as Keilles before a lovely
local lady shouted from her house and ran over to give us a donation. The generosity of
strangers astounds me.

The rest of the ride went smoothly - apart from Si and I being blocked for a short while by cows and dragons - and we reached Bruichladdich for the final photo shoot. Brilliant, destination reached... Almost... The last half mile to our beds was up another hill. But I'm proud I say we all made it up that last section without having to push.





Showers, wine, whisky, cheese on toast and mocha square were all much appreciated! Then the sleep of champions.

There are so many people to thank for supporting us in reaching our half way mark.
Simon - you are a legend. To take on that trip voluntarily once we'd seen the forecast was
admirable (or indeed foolish!) We can only thank you. Susie, your smiley face driving
the support vehicle was both required and appreciated. We literally couldn't have done it
without you. And you carried our snack! Bron and Scott (aka mum and dad) - thanks for
both cycling with us and for the hospitality. Marion, thanks for sending us off in style. And
finally, the people of Islay, your generosity and welcome was second to none. Thank you.

And so, we are halfway through. We've ran 25k, canoed lake Windermere, faced a barrage
of gym classes and raised nearly £3500 - http://www.justgiving.com/teams/FCF.

Bring on the next half!