I knew my legs wouldn’t survive the whole of day 3 so I made a decision to start the day in the support vehicle and then cycle what would be the last 17 miles of the ride.
Day 3 Morning video
I was driven across the Pennines in the support vehicle and really felt quite sad I’d been unable to cycle this part of the ride. The weather was as I’d expected the whole ride to be – damp, misty with a light drizzle; the first rain we’d seen for days. I honestly felt quite envious of the others and if there was one part of the ride I’d like to cycle again it would be this. The landscape was undulating, bleak and deserted.
We stopped off at Pedalling Squares for lunch and that is where I got out of the van and onto my bike, for what would be a relatively flat 17 miles or so to Tynemouth.
Fog in Tynemouth
bruises after 3 days
Homeward Bound
Comfort food – there is a pudding under the custard
You can find all the photos from the trip here
You can find all the videos from the trip and training here
Final Day 3 Video
A final reflection on completing something I’d dreamed about for so long.
During the last 12 years I have been through extreme lows and a perpetual struggle to recover.
I had everything I ever believed in challenged to the hilt. I had seen most of the things I wanted for myself in life disappear; I had my resilience tested and my faith in other people to do the right thing destroyed. It felt at times that someone had taken a pair of scissors and cut away at half my life; there was no part of my life that was unaffected, from the food I ate, the work I did, the music I listened to, the activities that I participated in. Yes, I could have I stayed in bed feeling sorry for myself, but that wouldn’t get me my life back. During my recovery I’ve had to push myself harder and further than at any other time in my life. Finally now, I feel healed. Everything connected with the car crash is all in the past and that is where it will remain. I’ve noticed a definite change in my vocabulary and how I discuss what happened. In everything I do I am looking to the future now, and the happy and healthy future that lies ahead for me.
If you didn’t get a chance to sponsor me, the link is here. Thank you so much for your support.
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/suzannecollier
A toast to the future
Strava Stats for Day 3
C2C Day 3 Terrain
C2C Day 3 Hill Profile
Sponsorship Link
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/suzannecollier