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Introduction
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Saturday 1st December 2007
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When I registered for Cycle India I was more aware of what I was letting myself in
for as I had already completed one challenge three years earlier. This time I would
also have the very welcome bonus of travelling with Delia, who I met during Cycle
Egypt 2004, where as I had not known anyone for the first event.
Cycle Egypt 2004 had been a really tough challenge because nearly every woman taking
part had become ill and it had taken six weeks for me to recover on my return. On
the plus side the camaraderie was amazing and making friends with Delia will always
be the best thing of that ride. We have kept in touch on almost a weekly basis ever
since and have met up several times.
As the event date got closer and closer I became more and more nervous that physically
I was not ready to cycle nearly 250 miles in five days and everytime I spoke to Delia
and she had just left the gym I paniced a little more. Delia was very good at
reassuring me and in the final few weeks before the event neither of us were well
enough to train but what we may have lacked in training we would more than make up
for in determination.
My first big challenge was to improve upon my packing skills as I had had the biggest
bag in Egypt and it was so heavy that I had hardly been able to lift it. When Delia
said what size rucksack she was taking, I looked at it and thought "well that's my
toiletries taken care of!" Moving up to a larger rucksack, yet half the size of my
Egypt bag, I was so chuffed with myself that I was travelling light. The small
question of getting everything in the bag did not crop up until Delia text to say
no way, no how could she get all her stuff in and that she was off to buy a bigger
rucksack. With a lot of ruthless packing we did it and I would say that even with
our hand luggage our bags were roughly half the weight of the other women. OK we
didn't have EVERYTHING but knew we could improvise if we had to.
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Saturday 1st December 2007
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Delia drove down from Carlisle this morning and made
really good time only getting lost on the final part of the journey to my house
so I met her at a local pub so she could follow me home. 'Photo 1' shows us in
my lounge, ready and raring to go. A little bit of essential shopping once Mark
had dropped us off at Heathrow - Dairy Milk for me, Cigarettes for Delia and wine
to share 'Photo 2'. We attracted a lot of attention at Heathrow as you would
expect with 67 women all wearing our Women for Women T-Shirts and I only got into
trouble once over whether or not I would be able to take my cycle helmet as carry
on luggage. 66 other women all took theirs on no problem but I had to have a
supervisor give me permission! By then my nerves had given way to excitement and
the realisation that it was too late to change anything anyway. We boarded the
Virgin Airlines flight ready for a 22:00 takeoff and our seats had already been
assigned so it meant that Delia was sitting a few rows behind me. I was seated
next to Lorraine and Becky which turned out to have been great news as the four
of us (with Delia) spent most of the event together.
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Photos
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Saturday 1st December 2007
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Sunday 2nd December 2007
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India is 5.5hrs ahead of us time wise but it was an incredibly
long journey. We arrived in Delhi just before lunchtime on the Sunday and were met
by representatives from the ground crew. It was great to meet up with Ann Frampton
(Action for Charity) and Penny Cooke (Women for Women), see 'Photo 3 and 4' respectively, once
again as we had kept in touch since Egypt. Penny had been to my house and we had
all met up in London in the summer of 2007. The bus transfer from Delhi Airport to
Agra was supposed to be another five hours but we were incredibly lucky and chose
to sit on the bus that broke down ('Photo 5')!!! No one seemed to move very quickly and it was
dark by the time we made lunch. I have also provided photos of the broken down bus
and of the camel on the opposite side of the road which may have proved a quicker mode
of transport ('Photo 6'). The hotel we stayed in that night was quite nice but had the hardest
bed ever and the coldest shower too.
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Photos
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Sunday 2nd December 2007
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Monday 3rd December 2007
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As per our briefing on Sunday night we were up and out fairly early as we were
going to visit the Taj Mahal, 'Photos 7 & 8' show the entrance to what is
probably India's most famous monument and then 'Photos 9, 10, 11 & 12' show this
breathtaking iconic attraction. I was
completely blown away by the fact that all of this was just for one person and
although there were a lot of people there it still seemed very spiritual.
'Photo 13' Shows Delia sitting just outside the entrance to the actual chamber
where the tomb is. We had a group photo taken there and I was very impressed
that with so many people to get in shot there is only one lady who can not be
seen clearly. We were then taken back to the hotel for the task of getting all
of our bikes ready for the next day. It takes about 250 miles of cycling to
mould a bike seat to your bum so although bikes were supplied, we were all
advised to bring our own seats.
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Photos
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Monday 3rd December 2007
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Tuesday 4th December 2007
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Early morning alarm calls make sure that we are all up and down for breakfast by 7am
so that we could be taken by coach to the village of Khanua which was the starting
point for the bike ride. Everyone received a garland of flowers and a blessing at
the beginning of the ride but Delia and I were amongst six women who were given a
very special personal blessing 'Photo 14 & 15'. 'Photo 16' shows all the bikes and
some riders ready to go. I am always very humbled when we are cycling through
villages by the greeting that we are given with many people standing for hours to
make sure they greet every cyclist as they pass through. There is a mixture of
amusement, intrigue and bewilderment at all these women on bikes but as Theo
(Tour Manager) pointed out - "How would we feel if 60 women in saris passed through
our village on a Sunday morning on camels?" 'Photos 17, 18 & 19' show some of the
villagers who watched us pass. The distance on day one was about 73 kms to our
overnight camp near the village of Bashawar. The temperature was a lot more
comfortable than Egypt where there had been an unprecedented heatwave but the road
conditions were not so good. It was important to concentrate as there were lots of
pot holes, bumps, missing roads, goats, camels, boars, cows, dogs, people and
tractors to contend with. Neither Delia or I are particularly into camping but as
with most things just giggled our way through it. 'Photos 20 & 21' show our luxury
accommodation but we have left the ensuite facilities to your imagination. We were
given buckets of hot water to wash with but it was still a challenge to get clean
when you have been cycling through sewage! Delia even had to ask for a second bucket
as the first one was only half full and was not going to be enough for us both to
wash with - we didnt realise until we flooded the tent that it was only half full
because it had a hole in it (do you feel a song coming on?!?). I tried to explain
to our Indian guide about the hole to save someone else getting a leaky bucket - big
mistake - as he just brought it straight back - half filled with more hot water. At
least we were smart enough to leave it outside our tent but we were giggling for ages.
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Photos
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Tuesday 4th December 2007
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Wednesday 5th December 2007
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Today was another early start as we would be cycling about 90 kms today. 'Photo 22'
shows us warming up although I can not see Delia or me in the photo! Rajasthan has
some beautiful scenery 'Photos 23, 24 & 25'. As the week goes on you get to know
more of the other women who are also taking part and unlike Egypt where the cyclists
were very spread out, there were very few stretches where there weren't other groups
of women around you. 'Photo 26' shows some abandoned bikes (weeing in public becomes
a regular occurence) but the boys in blue were never far away - just in case there
were any problems. Never at any stage did I not feel safe and although I was very
lucky never getting a puncture as there were many over the five days - they would
sort any out in seconds. We were to spend Wednesday night in the Bhadrawadi Palace
'Photos 27 & 28' but it was not perhaps the type of palace we had all imagined. If
I tried to get more than one drop of hot water out of my shower then it would just
become icy cold and the power went out quite a few times too. As I had come down
with Dehli Belly I actually spent the night on my own to try and make sure that no
one else came down with it too. I was very well looked after by Sophie (Group
Doctor) 'Photo 29' and Cazz (Group Nurse) 'Photo 30' and Delia kept checking on me
from the door to make sure I was OK. 'Photos 31, 32, 33 & 34' show some of the
entertainment and people who were at the Palace. 'Photo 35' - showed children from
a local school who had come to receive pens and pencils that we had been asked to
bring as a gesture from the UK.
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Photos
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Wednesday 5th December 2007
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Thursday 6th December 2007
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By now the tablets I had been given by the Doctor had made a huge
difference and I was ready and raring to go. Although this was not the longest
day in terms of distance (77 kms), it was a difficult day because of the road
conditions including off road sections. It is so much harder than cycling at home
because you have to concentrate all of the time - trying to negotiate a herd of cows
when you are heading down hill on a dirt track full of holes is not easy. Delia
managed to get within metres of the end of one very long off road section before
coming off and I am sure that three weeks on she will still have the bruises to show
- they were very impressive and if they had not have been mainly on her bum I would
have posted the photo. In a very touching gesture the men from the local houses came
to check if she was OK and then proceeded to clear the track by hand of rocks
(although obviously a bit too late for Delia)! 'Photos 36 & 37' show one of the many
outdoor schools we cycled past and Delia stopped her bike to go and take these
pictures. The people we took pictures of just loved seeing them played back to them
on our displays and Delia was surrounded by everyone trying to get a look. The air
quality in India can be very poor and it was not just us who wore scarfs over our
mouths and noses to keep the smog and smells at bay 'Photo 38'. Our cycling today
took us to the Abhenrai ancient temple complex 'Photo 39 & 40' and to Chand Baori
which was a huge well with steps all around so that villagers could get to the water
whatever the level was, see 'Photos 41, 42 & 43'. Coming from East Anglia I had been
worried that I would not cope if the cycling included hilly climbs but I actually did
really well and even surprised myself. Some more photos of things seen on todays ride
are 'Photo 44' (Indian wedding procession), 'Photo 45' (three rocks supposed to
resemble elephants), other photos, 'Photo 46, 47, 48 , 49 & 50'.
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Photos
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Thursday 6th December 2007
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Friday 7th December 2007
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The distances cycled were a lot more even than those in Egypt and although I had
lost all feeling in 'certain' parts of my anatomy, by the time we reach
today I was feeling really chuffed with myself. Delia had done absolutely amazing
as well and had cycled every kilometer - wearing a smile for nearly all of them too.
Cycling to an ancient city, which was now virtually a ghost town, was another
highlight for me 'Photos 51, 52, 53, 54 & 55' (which shows Delia, Penny and Me
all laying on the grass in front of the temple). Today is about 78 kms but the end
is now in sight and the camp site for tonight was very pretty. 'Photo 56 & 57'
Our tent was on a very definite slope so it was a definite balance act for sleeping
and trying to have a wash. The temperatures during the day were really nice but the
night times were very cold and getting a prime spot around the camp fire was not easy
with so many of us. 'Photo 56' shows Delia, Penny and me relaxing with the last of our
wine brought at Heathrow but check out how filthy my legs are - yuk!
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Photos
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Friday 7th December 2007
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Saturday 8th December 2007
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Today everyone was on their bikes for the final 52 kms. I had been very brave
in freezing temperatures and washed my hair using a jug and a bucket 'Photo 59'
and it took over an hour this morning before anyone had any feeling in their
fingers and toes. After climbing the steepest hill of the entire ride we got to
re-group for tea and biscuits at a beautiful lodge photo 133 shows Delia and me
relaxing in the pool. The lodge used to overlook a huge lake filled with
crocodiles but this had dried up a few years ago but the views were still
breathtaking. 'Photos 60 & 61' show everyone regrouping for the final few
kilometers for the finishing line and after missing that in Egypt (I fainted
with just eight kilometers to go) it was a very emotional experience crossing
the line 'Photo 62'. There were tears, hugs and words of congratulations as
every woman crossed the line after five days and around 230 miles. It was then
time to say goodbye to our bikes but I for one was very glad not to have to sit
on my saddle again. Ann and Penny handed us our medals and we were given more
garlands of flowers at Lal Mahal, where we then enjoyed a celebratory lunch,
'Photos 63 & 64'. We were then taken by bus to Jaipur with everyone
holding out for a proper bed and a lovely hot shower.
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Photos
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Saturday 8th December 2007
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Sunday 9th December 2007
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It is very tempting when you have had lots of early starts and have finished the
biking to give any excursions a miss but it was one of the things I most regretted
about Egypt to once again Delia and I were up nice and early on Sunday 09 December
for the trips to Jaipur which is generally known as the 'Pink City'.
'Photos 65 & 66'. We started off by visiting a huge outdoor observatory which is
currently undergoing restoration. 'Photo 67' shows the world's largest sun dial.
I was amazed at just how accurate these pieces could be - to within seconds of our
wrist watches. Both Delia and I have the star signs, Cancer, so 'Photo 68' shows
us sitting on the steps of our zodiac sign. 'Photo 69' is also from the observatory.
'Photo 70' shows two women carrying the rubble away from one of the restoration areas
in large bowls sat on their heads. They think nothing of carrying very heavy weights
in this way and 'Photos 71 & 72' are two more examples. After then we went to the
Amber Fort which had some lovely views although the trip up to the fort all squashed
in the back of a jeep wasn't overly comfortable. There are elephants to take people
up to the fort but as there used to be question marks over their treatment, it was
decided to use jeeps instead, 'Photos 73, 74, 75 & 76'. Delia wanted Penny to take
her picture as she sat on a very small ledge overlooking the village below 'Photos
77 & 78' but with no safety barrier it had to be a very, very quick photo! One of
my favourite photos showing some beautiful, intricate artwork is 'Photo 79' but
'Photos 80 & 81' also show the time and detail spent on the Fort.
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Photos
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Sunday 9th December 2007
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Monday 10th December 2007
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Today was our last full day in India and this time we were taken on a tour of two
sites in Delhi. 'Photo 82' shows a temple that if looked at on an aerial shot resembles
a lotus flower. 'Photos 83, 84 & 85' were also taken at the same site. 'Photo 86'189 is
of Lorraine and Donna - Photo 192 is of Delia and I. Britain decided at some stage to
add to the tall monument but when their rule was overturned this was removed but it is
still on the site for anyone to look at photo 195. Photos 197 - 198 - 199 show the last
building we visited before we were taken for a little retail therapy. The hand sewn
pashminas, bedding and saris are beautiful and were only a fraction of what we would have
to pay for silk here. I am sure quite a few people got lovely Christmas presents as a
result. In the evening we all got together in the hotel's restaurant for our celebration
dinner, time for the sparkly sandals to come out. Ann got the evening started on behalf
of Action for Charity and Theo Peeters photo 200 spoke about how well the group had done.
Penny then spoke on behalf of Professor Winston (he was unable to attend at the last
minute because of a death in the family) and delivered a very moving speech about where
the funds we raised would be used. Hardly anyone who had taken part did not know of or
have experience of someone who had suffered from cancer, miscarriage or genetic
illnesses which the Charity is leading the way in research. At each event awards are
given to people who have made a difference in one way or another and I was so proud of
Delia who received the first award for her positive outlook photo 209 and another award
was given to Helen photo 211 who had impressed Theo with her 'cycling legs' for a lady in
her 70s. Next it was onto some lighthearted entertainment, I read a short poem about the
event but the funniest was a sketch three of the ladies had put together involving puppets.
The puppets followed the events and key players of the week. photo 218 - 219. Delia left
a little early as she wasn't feeling too well but I stayed drinking, dancing and partying
right to the end. photo 226 - 233 - 230 - 234 - 238 - 232 are all from the evening and show
many of the friends we had made during the week. A group of us then sat outside listening
to a group singing a mix of Indian and western music around a fire which was a beautiful end
to the evening and to the week.
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Photos
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Monday 10th December 2007
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