Ecclefechan to Kirknewton – 80 Miles

Support

Today repeatedly showed us all how wonderful people can be.

Crawford Village Hall

We met our support vehicle near Crawford Village Hall. Unbeknownst to us, every Tuesday lunchtime, there is a coffee and chat for the villagers. £1.50 for as much cake, coffee and chat as you can manage. Enter twenty Cyclopaths! What a warm welcome we received from these lovely people. We were welcomed with open arms (remember we are rather dishevelled and sweaty at this stage), plied with lovely homemade cakes, cheese on toast and cups of coffee. When they realised we were on a charity cycle ride, they had a whip round and donated very generously to The Cure Parkinson’s Trust. We met some lovely people, shared our stories, had a laugh and left feeling uplifted by the welcoming support from complete strangers.

Firemen and Staff at Abington Fire Station

Shortly after this lovely break, one of The Cyclopaths had an accident and came off her bike. Those trained in medicine and nursing rushed to Christine’s aid, whilst others in the group stopped traffic to ensure her safety and the safety of those helping her as she was lying in the middle of a busy road. The accident happened outside a fire station and the staff from within were immediately on hand offering support and expertise. Thankfully Christine was awake and alert but needed a thorough medical assessment. She has since been admitted to hospital with a fractured pelvis. Throughout she has been remarkably strong, brave and selfless, insisting that we all carry on our journey, leaving the support team to accompany her to hospital.  Sadly she will not be able to complete her journey with us this time.

This incident was scary for all of us and very sobering. This was busy road and thankfully no other vehicles were involved. Chris will not be able to cycle for some time and is understandably upset not to be able to finish the trip. We are so very sad that she is unable to continue her journey with us. Her family have offered to cycle the path she would have taken so that she can complete her LEJOG at a later stage. Some of The Cyclopaths would like to join her too if she would like this.

The Cyclopaths

A team of confident, competent cyclists, who support each other during this challenge. So many examples of kindness, selflessness and support within the group. It is a privilege to be part of this amazing team.

Chris & Chris

Our support team Chris & Chris are providing a fantastic service. When we planned this trip, we debated whether we would need a support vehicle and team. Our experience tells us we absolutely did! They have not only fixed our bikes on so many occasions, they have also gone above and beyond many times, too numerous to mention them all but the whole team know, we couldn’t do this without them.

Family

On arrival at our hotel tonight, I was pleasantly surprised to find my Mum, Dad and sister were there to show their support. Many of us have been lucky to have friends and family join us along the way, provide practical support and offer encouragement.

Today has been a day of wonderful highs and sobering lows but the support we received today from so many people in so many different ways was uplifting.