Monday 28 March 2011

Training on the new bike!


Well, last week I collected my new bike - with all 21 gears! And I'm delighted to report that I've been clocking up some miles in training this week, and I've managed to use all 21 of those gears that initially I was sure I wouldn't really need.


For some of the route I went on a fairly busy "A" road...that was okay and mostly people gave me enough room...ironically the only vehicle that did nearly knock me off was an ambulance.


I have a busy couple of weeks ahead and my training will have to take the shape of swimming instead of cycling - but any training will be better than none!


Keep spreading the word about the cycle and let people know about the link on the blog on how to sponsor me for SHELTER (Scotland)!


Kathleen x

Saturday 19 March 2011

Birthday!


Well I'm 43years old today! Feeling good and having a lovely day so far - no cycling done at this point as my new bike hasn't arrived yet..though it's on it's way!

I was working in Moray this week and it was beautiful weather - I'd really wished I'd taken my old bike up with me and had a cycle on some flat, coastal routes! Cycle route 1 to Forres is a route I'll be using in September so it think when I'm up working there again in May I'll take my bike and go a few miles on that to suss it out.

When I got back last night Andrew handed me an envelope from one of his friends..in it was a cheque for £250 for the sponsored cycle for SHELTER...how lovely is that?! I've also had 3 lots of £20. One from one of my Letham friends and 2 from Andrew's friends...every penny donated is greatly appreciated!

I'm also delighted to report that 2 friends from Wilthshire are going to join me on day 2, 3 & 4 of the event. Tina and I worked together in the medical ward of Dr Gray's hospital, Elgin in the '80's. Caroline and Tina work together teaching Hypnobirthing to Mum's in Wiltshire. I wonder if they can teach me some relaxation techniques to take my focus of attention away from my sore muscles and bum during the trip?

Some (I'm not sure how many!) Firefighters from Perth are joining me on day 7 & day 8...so if somethings going to go wrong with my bike it would be handy if it could happen while there are some burly men to sort it out for me..is burly a real word?!

Remember to anyone who has made, or is going to make a donation you are welcome to join me on any part of the route.

Right I'm off to get out while the sun shines!

Kathleen x



"I'd much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they are first to be rescued off of sinking ships." - Gilda Radner.

Wednesday 9 March 2011

New bike!

Well it's been a while since I've been on here, but I've been very busy
honestly!

I have now managed to book accommodation for the majority of the 10 day trip, with just 2 places left to get back to me - do B&B folk take holidays?! I have emailed them both so hopefully they'll get back to me soon.
Also the 3 night bike maintenance class came to an end and I felt strangely sad about that - I really enjoyed it.
Now, to the photo of the bike above! Andrew has very kindly offered to get me this hybrid bike for my birthday (19th March for anyone wishing to send gifts!) I cannot wait to get on it and clock up some miles!
At 8.45am today I was at my Dr's getting a clean bill of health...so now there's no excuse to hold back on building up my fitness. There was a thought that one of my auto-immune diseases had gone wonky, but my blood work shows all is well, so understandably I'm delighted with that news.
Two friends from Wiltshire have confirmed that they'll be joining me for day 2 - day 4, then when they go I've got some firemen joining me for 2 days on day 7 & day 8. There's still plenty time for others to join me for a day (s) part of a day or whatever you can manage. All I ask is that you make a donation big or small by clicking on the "virginmoneygiving" link to the right hand side of this blog. SHELTER is such a worthwhile cause!
Well now I'm off to London & Hove - to work and to see my 2 daughters - more when I'm home again! It's Emily's birthday on Friday..and mine next week..great planning on my part I'd say :)

Kathleen x

"Like many women my age, I'm 28 years old." - Mary Schmich