22 days cycling - 2000kms - aveage per day 90kms
No of crashes. - 2
No of times lost - Almost hourly
No of arguments. - almost hourly & when refusal to tend my nether bits!
Most frustrating moments-
A) when lost in cities
B) when coming to an intersection in the country & the sign has been stolen
C) trying to pronounced town names when lost eg; Brewood was pronounced "Brood" & Bridestowe was "Brid-is-Stowe"
D) locals looking at you like you're an idiot when you can't pronounce the name
No of times vomited - at least twice judging by Monika's "barf" coloured shoes
Scariest moment - for me riding down hill on narrow high speed Stockport - Manchester road on the Peak district in strong cross winds
For Monika - riding in gloom in the Scottish Highlands by herself for 10kms - I'd gone on ahead!
No of break downs- replaced brake pads x 2, replaced chain x1, gears adjusted x2, pannier rack
But amazingly not a single puncture!
No of bacon & eggs breakfasts - way too many!
No of times I heard - "I'm never cycling again" I lost count
No of beers had- not enough as was too knackered
No of hours of Sunshine- I'll have to check my diary to see if the sun really did come out!
No of times I snored - I lost count but was cautioned regularly by Monika
Things loved: Strawberries, countryside & other cyclists
Things Hated: Cities, missing sign posts, missing gears when riding up hill, Maps & cars
No of times i felt -" I'm too old for this" Lost count
Wierdest thing seen: Guy with gun & scope supposedly shooting rats!
Proudest Moment - Watching Monika ride across the finish line at Lands End & Monika's family acknowledging her effort.
In June 2011 I will bike over 2000km's unsupported from John O'Groats to Lands End UK ! My motivation is simple i.e. 1) To undertake a life challenge that is physically and spiritually rewarding 2) Raise funds to help 2 worthy local OZ causes - Painting with Parkinsons & a local 10 year old girl with Autism named Maleah 3) Promote awareness and support for Parkinsons UK ! Any support is greatly welcomed. I hope my journey inspires others !
4 comments:
Congratulations Monika and (ASS) we are so very proud of you and want you to know that you inspire us all. Your staff and friends at Westpac Endeavour Hills and all the friends and families of those in the centre want to say a big thanks you and congratulate you also on your accomplishment, cant wait to see you back in the land of Oz so we can all give you a big hug. Your amazing love to you both Flavia XXXXXXXXXXX
Well done Monika you are an inspiration to everyone. You should be so proud of yourself for what you have achieved. Big thanks to Mike for his support of you as well and all of ENdeavour Hills are pround of you as well. Spreading the word to everyone. See you when you get back. Take care From Belinda
Monika & Mike,
I couldn't leave the show without one more comment, although I feel somewhat subdued having got here in 3rd place, it is only right I should allow the two peceding ladies to go first. What can I add what has not already been said, but just one very pertinent observation about the chronicle and synopsis of your endeavours, adventures, and marvellous feat of courage, love and endurance, I feel like breaking into song, but I will not because no bu--ar will hear me I shall continue in words, this is what best selling movies are made of, So quickly place a circle around a c after your work before Mr & Mrs Angelina Jolie plagiarise the whole thing and play the main characters, with him being a bit short and her a bit heavy and too voluptuous. As a grand finale some six months from now Monika & Mike Litchfield play in the Broadway hit
" From here to eternal life after adventure with immortal satisfaction"
or a like name you can think of.
On behalf of the Berwick PWP Parkies,
Mick
Hi Litchy
Just got around to reading your blogs. Sounds like a great time and full of adventure.
Congratulations on Monica & you on your efforts. It sounds very tempting, even after reading about all of the problems of weather, rain and hills - and the extra distance covered due to your navigation.
Catch up with you back at work. Don't rush back, you are not missing much fun.
Dennis
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