Tom Wright, Marketing Co-ordinator at Goodman Grant Solicitors describes the firm’s recent Coast to Coast charity cycle challenge raising funds in aid of Bridge2Aid.
As I recount the cycle challenge I have two feelings; elation and deflation. All of the team feel immensely proud at completing the challenge however, whilst there is great satisfaction in knowing that I have climbed my last hill for a while, there is a sadness that comes with knowing that the challenge has come to its conclusion. I am of course talking about the Coast to Coast cycle challenge: I was a part of the Goodman Grant team that endured the pain and strain that comes with cycling across such terrain.
Our demanding challenge began on the West coast in St Bees where we embarked on the tricky ride to Robin Hoods Bay over on the East coast. The first day of cycling took us through the beautiful scenery of the Lake District; the peaceful surroundings provided a false sense of security over what was to come. Just before we came face-to-face with our first great challenge that was Honister Pass I was temporarily wiped out as my tyre blew, so I joined the support van whilst the team fought with this almighty obstacle.
On day two we had to endure the ongoing climb of the Yorkshire Dales. I found this to be the toughest section because of the tricks it played on my mind. The roads curve in such a way that allowed for hope of a respite as you reached what you thought was the peak, however the break did not come and instead the cruel climb continued. This painful sequence persisted until we came head-to-head with a climb that peaked at a height of just over 500metres. Even the promise of a rewarding steady downhill path for the miles to come was not enough to prevent the disheartening moment on discovering what awaited us. Our aching legs started to wobble in the wind as we had to muster the physical and mental strength to reach the highest point of the challenge and earn a well deserved rest amongst the clouds before entering Yorkshire.
By day three the pain in our legs was noticeable, however with what we thought to be a relatively flat day ahead of us we energetically set off for our final ride. The excitement clearly had an effect of me as I lost concentration fairly early on and, unfortunately for Martin who was ahead of me, went straight into the back of him, flying off my bike, over the handlebars and onto the road. I was informed that this episode looked “awesome” and “very dramatic”, fortunately after the initial weariness I was ok to continue. Passing through the picturesque countryside after the Yorkshire Moors allowed me to acknowledge what a fantastic route the Coast to Coast really is. It was not until the final 15 miles that the journey became frustratingly hilly. A desperate hope of seeing our final destination at the peak of each such hill doubled as a motivator and a realisation that the challenge was not going to have an easy ending for us. The end was difficult, yet catching our first glimpse of Robin Hoods Bay was truly euphoric; we had reached the end of the challenge.
Whilst I did have a lot of fun along the way, this experience was in support of the fantastic work carried out in East Africa by Bridge2Aid. They work endlessly to provide training to increase access to dental pain relief for the millions of people suffering in the developing world. We have raised over £1,300 and hope to raise as much as possible for this worthy charity. If you would like to donate to Bridge2Aid then please visit our just giving page, www.justgiving.com/goodmangrantc2c.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about my experience and if you are thinking of doing something similar all I have to say is to go for it!
Goodman Grant Solicitors provide bespoke legal advice tailored specifically for the dental profession. For more information contact Tom Wright – Marketing Co-ordinator, Goodman Grant Solicitors on 0151 707 0090 or email TW@goodmangrant.co.uk
