55 miles bike ride from Watchet Harbour to West Bay

Coast to Coast results. Thank you so much for everyone who supported me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am and also how delighted that I managed to make it to the finishing line. It was really a very uplifting experience. The atmosphere was buoyant and friendly and my fellow cyclists made me feel part of a team and not the complete novice that I am (was). The day has its ups and downs. Sometimes strange things happened such as a food delivery van and a camper caravan getting wedged together in a narrow country lane and blocking it’s completely. On another occasion a procession of vintage Bentleys going just about the same speed as us bicyclists joined us on a particularly steep hill. I suppose the most dramatic moment was when the heavens opened and we were all totally drenched. On one other occasion there seem to be absolutely no one around and I was convinced that I had taken the wrong turn. The stewards were fantastic, special thanks goes to Dianne Baggs who twisted my arm into doing this in the first place and to Rufus who has cycled a great deal in the past and taught me a lot about how to prepare for the race and get through it on the day. His appearance with a can of tinned cappuccino midway was a very happy sight, perhaps not the most orthodox energy booster but it definitely worked ! Above all I am very happy that I am able to help the many children and families who need therapy to help them overcome mental illness. Thank you so much for your generosity and support. It means a great deal to me. -------------------------- An update from Emma (19/04/22): Just under four weeks to go and I am starting to believe that this ride will really happen rather than it looming in the far future. I am absolutely thrilled and fired up by the support that I have had so far. Thank you so much to everyone who have all been so generous. Your belief in me is inspiring. My training is moving along… steadily. Although not all as intensive as I would wish. We live on the side of a very steep hill which I struggle to climb each time I get on my bike. Luckily walking is always an option when it gets unbearable although my special clip on bike shoes are testing my reflexes. Any omission to unclip is punishable by the inevitable tree fall into the nettles. So far so good but I am not resting on my laurels. My other worry are my very padded riding shorts which look like something out of Mrs Doubtfire. I managed to get the pointy end of my saddle snagged on the edge of my pad as I tried to swiftly manoeuvre back into the saddle and onto a main road. It was an awkward moment but happily I managed to scramble on board, shorts and all. I am happy to say that apart from the odd close call, it’s all going pretty well and I am enjoying the challenge. The extra push of an imminent sporting event like this is very much needed for motivation and more importantly, keeps me going. Also very needed. I am grateful for the sunny weather and longer days but mostly I am grateful that I am able to support trained therapists who can help children, young adults and their families deal with mental health problems. All I have to do is to pedal through the glorious Somerset landscape. Thank you everyone ! ---------------------- When deciding to embark in a venture like this, it’s best I find not to think about it for too long because if you did, the logical brain would veto immediately. What I am sure of is the wonderful work that the FCT does and how much extra funding will benefit children and families in low incomes with mental health needs.