How Sheila felt when I did my bike ride to Wales
Sheila's take on my bike ride
Mon 16th
Richard set off at around 4:50 a.m. I was so anxious. He texted me every 12 miles. With every text, I felt a little of that weight lift off my shoulders. I was going to leave home at 1:30 p.m after watching 'Loose Women' but it became clear that Richard was making good headway, and so I would have to set off earlier. I left home at 11:20 a.m stopping at the chemist to buy him migraine tablets. Using my own directions and a little help from the Sat Nav, I found what would be our first hotel.
I hadn't passed Rich and half expected him to be there already. I checked in and waited about half an hour, then decided to go out and look for him. In the distance I could make out a fluorescent yellow jacket and a bike. My heart soared, but when the cyclist rode off in the other direction my heart sank. It wasn’t Richard. When I looked again, he was cycling up the road towards me. I waved, he waved. I crossed the road and we then walked together to the hotel.
I just cannot explain the surge of pride and love I felt when I saw Rich pedalling up that road.
Tues 17th
Off Rich went just before 9 a.m after we had had breakfast together. He texted every 12 miles, telling me of the beautiful sights he was seeing along the way. I set off just before 12 and it wasn’t long before I passed Richard slogging away ! The roads were horrendous and I was amazed at how he managed to cope. I was taking all the wrong turns, so how he managed I will never know. The Sat Nav and my written instructions were at odds with each-other which did not help !! After a few hiccups, I eventually found the hotel where we would be spending our second night. As it was too early to check in, I sat in the car and waited for Rich. He rang me to say he had got lost and could I help !! As I had also gone wrong, I was the last person he should be asking. I was unable to give him any landmarks to look out for. He rang a short time later to say he was outside a hospital so I went inside the hotel and asked the receptionist for advice. Her directions got me straight to Rich who I found walking his bike down the road. I gave him directions and I kept stopping every so often to make sure he was heading in same direction as I was.
Wed 18th
Rich set off just before 6. It wasn't long before he texted me to say he thought that he had gone wrong somewhere with his directions. I jumped out of my comfortable bed and quickly packed up our belongings and waited for him to contact me again. Rich eventually texted again to say he was now back on the right road. Still, I was somewhat on edge and so set off earlier than I had planned. Rich did text me throughout the day to give me updates on his progress. Many times I thought I spotted him, but as soon as I did he disappeared from view. I thought I had taken a wrong turn and so doubled back. I had only missed a road sign. Still convinced that I had passed Rich, I parked up and waited for him. In that time, I read 4 chapters of the novel I was currently enjoying. Rich text me every so often to say how impressed he was with Worcestershire and how he hoped we could come back one day to enjoy a break there. As this meant he was ahead of me and not behind as I had assumed, I set off realizing I had obviously been seeing things !!! It was quite some time before I caught Rich up and I was amazed at all the steep hills he had cycled up. Many more were to come. Some way ahead, I parked up and waited for him to show up. My wait seemed to be for ages, but seeing those hills it was little wonder. Waiting in the car park of some club, I began getting weird looks from a Groundsman; obviously wondering why i was there. Eventually Rich rang me and asked for confirmation that he was on the right road. Looking at my maps, I was convinced that he had gone wrong somewhere. I doubled back but failed to see him. He had gone wrong at the roundabout. He then texted me to say he was very lost now and concerned that it was getting dark. I searched for him following the landmarks he had pointed out. I was amazed at how fast he could cycle as it was some time before I got to him !! After a big sometime heated debate, he gave in and agreed to put the bike in the car but only to get him back on the right path. Once I was sure I had him pointing the right way, he got back on his bike and headed to the next hotel.
Once washed and dressed in clean, fresh clothes we enjoyed a lovely meal and a bottle of wine. We also enjoyed a cider and Guinness.
All's well that ends well.
Richard was found and not cycling around Upper/Lower/Greater Malvern for all eternity !! ( A private joke !! )
Thursday 19th
Rich set off around half 6 after we had enjoyed a lovely breakfast. I waved him off and went back to our room where I enjoyed a bath and watched GMTV. I know it's sad, but was enjoying watching The Jeremy Kyle Show. But feeling awkward with the hotel cleaners trying to get on with their work, I vacated at 10:30 and sat in the car.
Rich had sent me a few texts and appeared to be doing well. After finishing the book at 11, I set off and it was so nice to be driving on roads that I knew. Such a difference to just over 7 years ago, when I travelled these roads for the first time. With about 8 miles left to go, I passed Rich and we both appeared to be having a steady drive. With 4 miles to go, Rich and I texted each other to say we were both taking a break. After my rest, I sdet off again and soon found our hotel. Tired and sweaty, Rich asked if there was any hope of us checking in earlier than planned. The wonderful staff at Premier allowed us to do so after just asking me to wait 15 mins to get the room ready. Rich texted to say he was nearly there, so i crossed the road to wait for him.
A sight for sore eyes, he soon came in to view and once in our room, he had his daily soak with a welcome cup of coffee. We then went next door for a wonderful meal.
Roll on tomorrow.
Last day !
Friday 20th
Rich set off before half 8 for the last stretch of his journey. I returned to the room and had a bath. Yet again, I found myself feeling awkward that I was holding the cleaners up so I packed up and drove off around 10:20. I was going to stick with the route we had agreed, but bottled it ! It was the good old M4 for me. I knew Rich was ok from his texts. He was on roads that he was well familiar with. He would be fine, so I enjoyed a stress free drive. I soon arrived at his Dad's house and parked up. The house was empty so I walked to the front and met up with Jeff and his cronies at his 'Coffee Club' !! After a welcome Latte, I went with Jeff to his house where we waited for Rich. Approx an hour later, Rich cycled up to the house and brought his bike around the back and into the house. he was soaked in sweat but on such a high. He had done what he set out to do and I am so very proud of him.