|
Dial-a-Cab driver Terry Catherall
(Y90) has been with the Society since May 1985 and on his
own admission didn’t put too much effort into anything
approaching exercise. But when he realised he
was fast approaching the age his father was when a heart attack
prematurely ended his life, Terry decided that things
needed to change and that he would begin this new regime by
taking part in the London to Brighton bicycle ride. Together with his friend Chris Mckellick and son-in-law Dean Saunders – the trio left the capital on June 20th and began cycling with any sponsorship money they managed to raise – including some from Call Sign – to go in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Terry told Call Sign how the ride went... "Well, we did it! Me, Chris, Deano and 26,997 others cycled to Brighton to raise £4.5million for the British Heart Foundation. Many thanks to all DaC drivers who donated. If you want, you can still do so by going to http://original.justgiv-ing.com/terrycatherall. The weather was ideal for the ride; our start time was 7.30am from Clapham Common. An earlier 6am start would have been better for us as it got a bit congested at |
Terry cycles from London to Brighton To help the British Heart Foundation… |
|
 times and we were occasionally forced into gridlock, but we used that time to take on fluids and food. On route, there were 15 feeding stations with first aid, bike repairs, hot snacks and of course lots of port-a-loos! 150 Marshall points were also scattered along the route in case you needed help. There were also lots of ambulances and we did see quite a few in action as bikers took a too-close look at the tarmac! We managed Ditchling Beacon without stopping, but tragically one competitor died going up that hill just 6 miles from the finish and our thoughts go out to his loved ones. We did a 9-week training program for this event, going out twice a week and averaging 20 miles each session. Without sounding too smug, we found it easier than we |
thought! The distance was ok, it’s the hills that
give you grief and good use of the gears is essential because
once you stop, that’s it. You have to then walk! Luckily for us,
our training took in Ingrebourne Hill at Hornchurch Country Park
- it was good practice. I also trained on my mountain bike, which is hard work on long rides but borrowed a road bike with slick tyres for the event. It came from a Dial-a-Cab driver, so thanks very much for that, Steve. I would definitely consider doing it again as it has kept me much fitter whilst in training and I intend to keep cycling for the good of my heath. The ride was an amazing day, so many people turning out to cheer us on, with thousands lining the Brighton sea front. It really was quite emotional. If anyone is interested in doing it next year, perhaps as Team Dial-a-Cab, please let Alan at Call Sign know and he can put you in touch with me. I will be happy to answer any questions." Terry (on your bike) Catherall Y90 |
|
 |
Powered by NetXPosure |
| Copyright 1997-2010 Dial-A-Cab Ltd, All rights reserved. |