 My grandson was born prematurely so when a friend rang to ask if I would do a charity bike ride to raise money for 'Women for Women' I said yes. What a challenge it turned out to be. Raising the £3,000 was no easy task but my friends and family were very supportive and I actually raised over £3,500. When I first registered for the ride, I was an occasional two miles into town on a sunny day cyclist, but the event required me to do a total of 385 kms in five days so some very serious training was needed. How to start? Join the CTC, of course.
'Women for Women' train scientists and clinicians to specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of devastating conditions that affect women and cause infertility, miscarriage or premature birth.
On 13th November eighty-four women flew out to Cuba to participate. The route took us from the Bay of Pigs to Cienfuegos. Then on to Trinidad, up into the hills to Santa Clara and finally back to Cienfuegos. Initially we coped with high humidity and temperatures of 40 degrees. Then it cooled slightly. Instead we found ourselves battling against strong headwinds and climbing some steep hills. It was really tough riding but we persevered, driven on by the camaraderie of the group and the warm friendliness of the Cuban people cheering us on.
We was so lucky. Our event had an added dimension. Fern Britton participated so an ITV camera crew filmed the entire ride. Professor Lord Robert Winston, the Chairman of the charity, flew out and cycled with us on the first day, but the final bonus was an invitation by the British Ambassador to a reception at her official residence, where we met many high ranking Cuban citizens including Raul Castro's daughter, Mariella.
Was it worth it? Yes indeed. It was a magical, life changing experience - one that will live with me for the rest of my life. And I'm back on my bike. I used to ride round the country lanes in my teens but then life got in the way so it's great to be out there again. I look forward to my CTC rides on a Sunday morning. When I'm riding along with the sun on my back and the wind in my hair I feel sixteen again. It's wonderful. What more can you ask for!
by
Prue Chadderton
Lincoln CTC |