A thing of beauty lasts forever

Last week I had hoped to have been embarking on a memorable few days of cycling, following the precise route of the Tour de France across the Ardèche and into the Alps for back-to-back days of epic scenery and intense climbing, culminating in a final procession into Paris (one week ahead of the Pros).

As it was, I was down in Uplyme as we laid my Mum’s ashes to rest in a simple ceremony on Saturday 11th July. It felt so poignant that what might have been a period of excitement and foreign adventure was ultimately usurped by a sad occasion, as we reflected on the loss of someone we loved so much and who was so full of life.

Time sometimes proves to be the proverbial healer, but for every day of normalisation and steps forward, there are also many days where the world is just that bit more grey and uninspiring without her here. It’s then I’m reminded that I’ve not only lost my mother, but one of my best friends, a confidante and an amazing human being.

Right now I’m trying to focus on the happy memories. She would have been 68 years old today.X

Injury and real loss

When I started at secondary school I cycled to/from school every day (about 7 or 8 miles). Initially riding a sensible Dawes bike, I soon wanted a proper ‘racer’ as we called them then; my heart yearned for the Italian style of a Bianchi in classic celeste livery, but I was still lucky to get a lovely Raleigh Equipe. I recall getting home, sweaty from summer sprints back from school just in time to watch the vivid colours, cycling legends and grand backdrops of the Tour de France coverage on Channel 4

After a period of intermittent cycling and interests focused in other areas, a few years back I rediscovered cycling at the precise time in my life when I most needed it. All that muscle memory laid down in my teenage years was let loose; I lost weight, became healthier, made/rekindled friendships, explored many beautiful places and became happier than I had been for quite a while.

It’s therefore ironic for me that at the time I most need it, cycling – one of my great pleasures and therapies – has been taken away from me. The sense of escape, health, fresh air, discovery and exhilaration are out of arms reach for the moment. Having developed a troubling hamstring injury over the winter (from running ironically) I don’t currently know when I’ll be fit enough to ride a bike again. I have therefore cancelled my planned Tour de Force participation this summer and will focus rebuilding from the ground up when I can get on the bike again.

However, if my loss is upsetting and feels profound, I need spend only a moment to get some perspective and consider the sense of loss that my mum must be going through right now. I cannot imagine how it would feel to be fit, active and healthier than most 67 year olds (able to run a few km, hike, go to the gym) with a happy continued retirement ahead and then to have it taken away in a flash.

Suddenly, in early December my mum lost the ability to use her left leg. ‘Probably a trapped nerve’, she was told. Then the left arm went too. When taken to hospital we thought it was maybe a light stroke. Then the news; A brain tumour. Words one never hopes to hear. 3 months on, I can only say that an aggressive brain tumour is one of nature’s cruellest afflictions.

As we edge out of the darkness of winter into the light and regeneration of spring, it feels poignant to be entrenched in some of life’s darker moments right now. All I can do is to take inspiration from my mum’s bravery and my dad’s unwavering love and dedication to her.

Take care of yourselves and in the recent words of John Lydon, ‘just fucking love each other…‘ X

PS – to all those who generously donated, all funds still go to the charity and, health-permitting, I hope to be able to participate again next year.

Form and Function

Firstly, many thanks to those of you who have generously donated so far. I am currently over a third of the way towards my target of £1200.

To justify that support and to keep focused on my training, I set myself two targets over the festive period and during January using the Strava website/network.

The first was to ride the ‘Festive 500’ – a now annual challenge to ride over 500km between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Despite some difficult circumstances I completed the challenge in 6 days, cycling solo every day between the 24^th and 30^th December, in Dorset, Devon, London, Middlesex, Surrey, Berkshire and Copenhagen! 200 miles over two consecutive days (29^th and 39^th) in freezing temperatures was particularly hard going, but fuelled by hot tea and cheese and tomato toasties I managed to hit the 500km (310.7 miles) with a day to spare!

If the festive period was focused on distance, then my January challenge has been focused on height. The Strava Climbing challenge for January was to climb over 6000m of vertical ascent. Combining some long, hilly rides and some shorter rides focused on hill reps (in the rain!), I completed the challenge on Monday with an enjoyable ride from South West London down to Brighton, via the legendary Ditchling Beacon.

Thanks again to those who have supported me so far. For those who haven’t yet made a donation, I would be grateful for any support you could give for a worthy cause – you can donate here: http://www.bmycharity.com/jnabarro

The Festive 500

I’ve not been out on the bike as much in the last couple of weeks due to family reasons, so to get back to business I’ve signed up for the Strava Festive 500. In between mince pies and general festive gluttony the challenge is to ride 500km (310.7 miles) between Dec 24th and 31st and record it on Strava…

Time will tell whether this proves to be an inspired or misjudged idea, but it’s all for good cause 🙂

Thanks to all those who have generously donated so far to support the William Wates Memorial Trust – in one month I’ve raised 25% of my fundraising target of £1200.

If you’ve not made a donation thusfar, any contribution you can make would be greatly appreciated for a great cause – you can donate here –  http://www.bmycharity.com/jnabarro

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

A tough task for a worthy cause…

Welcome!

In July 2015, I will be joining the annual Tour De Force event to ride the entire final week of the Tour de France 2015 route (7 days ahead of the Pros, but the same route and the same distances and challenges!) – all to support the William Wates Memorial Trust and the multitude of worthy causes they support.

Starting in Mende in the Lozere region, the route snakes across to the Alps for back-to-back days of intense Alpine climbing, after which I’ll drag myself for one final ride into Paris after having completed 1084km/674 miles in 7 days .

The William Wates Memorial Trust has a simple mission to help some of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK to fulfil their potential and keep away from a life of crime and violence.

From helping children from traumatic and violent environments, supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS, confronting gang violence, developing and empowering young women find to their voice (and much more) WWMT gives grants to smaller, local charitable organisations that engage young people through the arts, sport and education.

(Here are some of their current and past recipients)

I also want to stress that:

***The trip itself is paid exclusively by me***

Therefore: ***100% of funds raised will be donated to the William Wates Memorial Trust.***

Thanks for your support. Please consider supporting me to help the great mission of WWMT using this page.

If you are a UK taxpayer and give Gift Aid consent you can boost your donation.  

CLICK HERE TO DONATE