Five BRT ladies, Helen McPherson-Goddard, Lorna Cotter, Pam Matthews, Mandie Henderson and myself arrived early Sunday morning at Uckfield National Golf Club for Davina’s Big Sussex Bike ride. With the option of three distances we had (cajoled by Helen) signed up for the longest - 68 miles/109k. And for a couple of us, the longest distance we had ever cycled. Mandie had even chosen to make the ride on her birthday! With Davina McCall on hand to start the race, we crossed the line together, out onto the A22, cheerful and optimistic for the ride ahead. Within half hour the sun was pushing through and it was obvious it was going to be a warm day as the route took us down back roads, country lanes and through picturesque villages. The event was very well signposted and two official fuel stops provided ample refreshments, but there were hills - lots of them - especially through the second third of the course, and I freely admit that there were moments when I got off to push the bike uphill, while my ‘team’ waited patiently each time and for that I thank them. We persevered and before long we were into the final third - closing in on the finish. Watches were checked, the diminishing distances shouted back from one rider to another, official signs stating ’10 miles’ then ‘5 miles’ and finally ‘1 mile’ to go. At one point, some of the team even managed to burst into song (if you could call it that). The junction with the A22 appeared and we were on the road back to the Golf Club. We crossed the finished as we started - together - Team BRT. It was exhausting, we ached everywhere but the ride was fantastic and our exhilaration and sense of achievement outweighed everything else. Mandie in her exuberance, even managed to comandeer ‘Al’ the paramedic to play ‘anchor’ to our human pyramid! I was so pleased to have done it and with such a lovely group of ladies. Would I do it again - probably - but definitely with a lot more hill practice first!
Angela Croft
Angela Croft
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