Ferries and Regrets

[pete]

This seemed like such a good idea.

A flyer from the Friends of the Beatson (West of Scotland Cancer Hospital) reminded me and a colleague we should really do something for them. After all, out of our unit of 30 staff, 6 have been through the Beatson in the last few years. But we couldn't make the dates so we decided we'd do our own thing. And we'll throw it open to everyone.

Now 14 of us (at the last count) are doing the Five Ferries route next Tuesday. Some are fit, some are cyclists, some are neither, none are fit cyclists.

It's probably 82 miles and they all think I'm in charge.

There's a conceit at the heart of all sponsorship that it is people doing something they actually wanted to do.
I promise you I did not want to lead a group of colleagues I barely know (who I strongly suspect haven't trained) on a cycle trip through the Inner Hebrides.

But all the money goes to the Beatson, and, you know, cancer.
(A pal was told by an English cancer hospital he went to whilst down south during his treatment that they couldn't believe the quality of treatment that he was getting).


So anyway sorry for a begging post but I promise this will be the last although I may post hilarious tales of our exploits.
(3 of them were telling me today that they ghave just bought SPD pedals. Never used them before. Do I think they will fall off.
Well yes of course I bloody do, but I lied. Don't judge me.
Why did I promise we'd stick together?)

https://www.justgiving.com/Ewatch/

[cjm]

Sounds like great fun, I really want to do this route. Though I'm not sure about doing it with a load of people with bike shaped objects that don't cycle...

[B12ANR]

The Beatson do fantastic work and every penny helps. All the very best to you and the team taking on the route and my donation has been submitted

[Dominic]

Great cause Pete! Donation made

[marcoos_1]

This is great, good on you all. What a brilliant cause.

Someone very dear to me was treated by the Beatson.....fantastic facility and superb staff. It's only when you have cause to need a place like this that you understand it's true value.

Good luck to you all. Donation made.

[pete]

Thanks so much for the donations guys. We were somewhat short of bicycles for our photo shoot. OMSe of those bikes are a bit short of wheels, it's odd what I keep in my boot exactly for this eventuality...

[pete]

we're up to 13 riders now, over 2k raised.

Some of the riders have been talked into buying SPDs which they will be using for the first time.

One of them, when asked how training was going, replied "Well, i did 4 miles yesterday but got overtaken b a MTB. Mind he was on the road."
"Where were you?"
"On the pavement. I don't like riding on the road."

It's going to be a long day.

[pete]

Conclusion.

Of the 13 riders we had one DNS (Mum is under the care of the Beatson at the moment and he couldn't get away), and one DNF (just a fitness issue). THe weather was PERFECT and despite the big mix of abilities we all made it round as a team.

Everyone's been really generous and we've raised nearly 4200.