To Biggar for an Ice-cream

Well I was on a mission yesterday. Got up nice and early with the sole intention of cycling from Lanark to the lovely Borders town of Biggar. It was a bit gray and drizzly when I set off, but I was well prepared for it. Had my spares kit, phone, juice, lip salve and most important, a few pounds in my pocket for some lovely Taylor's of Biggar ice-cream.

It was a bit tough going, the wind was in my face a lot of the time, putting up quite a resistance and then I started to feel the burn in my thighs. But the thought of the ice-cream with a flake, sprinkles and some raspberry sauce spurred me on up over the hills.

When I got off my bike in Biggar, my legs were all wobbly, but it was worth it, the ice-cream was delish!!! After checking my map I got back on the bike and headed back to Lanark, a slightly different, shorter way, but the scenery was just as lovely and the sun had come out. It was a lot easier too, or at least that was how it felt, except for the 11% gradient hill I had to cycle up, but I made it all the way to the top without having to get off and walk. Cycled a total of 26 miles in just over 2 and a half hours, and best of all, today I feel fine, no sore bits, legs are fine, now planning my next trip, will try for a 30+ mile circular route, hopefully going through Biggar again so I can stop for ice-cream again.

35 weeks to go!!!

Just been on Face Book and one of the other ladies taking part in the challenge pointed out it's only 35 weeks today, till we fly out to Kenya.

Hell, I'm still counting in months, makes me feel as if I have longer to get fit and to reach my £4000 fund target. Although I only have 6 months to raise the money, we have to have a minimum of £2800 deposited with the charity 2 months before we depart so that'll be August.

Really need to go and get a passport photo done too, need to renew it as it runs out in August, can't believe I've had it for 10 years and it runs out 2 months before I get to use it.

When do the clocks change? can't wait till the lighter nights come in, feel like such a couch potato just now. Then at least I'll be able to get out on the bike a bit more, can't wait!!!!

Raffle Result

First of all I want to thank Kay Harriman for donating this great prize of dinner for two at the Caledonian Hilton, Edinburgh. Also, I want to thank everyone who bought tickets for the chance to win the prize.

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the prize, kindly drawn by Stacy MacDougal of the Stables Bistro, is Debbie Law. Hope you have a great evening Debbie.

The best thing is that the raffle for this prize raised an amazing £320 for Women V Cancer, Cycle Kenya 2011.

Once again, thank you everyone for supporting me in my mission to raise £4000 for Women V Cancer, raising funds to help fight breast, cervical and ovarian cancers.

lol xxxxx

Only two more days to buy Valentins Raffle Tickets

Raffle ticket sales going really well, still got lots more on offer, but you only have two more days to be in with a chance to win this great prize! Dinner for two at the Caledonian Hilton, Edinburgh, inclusive of a bottle of house wine , a tenner for five chances to win, well worth it!!!!

So come on everyone, stick your hand in your pocket and donate to this very worthwhile charity.

lol xxx

Raffle update

Well, only been selling tickets for a day, but going good so far. Looking forwards to selling lots more. Considering the prize is worth between £175 and £200, I don't think £10 is too much to ask for, and it is going to a great cause.

Remember, you can buy the tickets by donating £10 here, and just leave a note with your phone number so I can let you know if you win.

Received the first of my auction items in the post today. A signed picture postcard of Chris Hoy, he's quite hot looking!

lol xxx

Valentines Day Raffle

Well, hopefully I'm on a roll now, got my first fundraising event of the year on the go. It is a raffle to win tickets for dinner for two at the Caladonian Hilton, Pompadour Restaurant, Edinburth. It includes a bottle of house selected wine and can be taken anytime in the next 5 1/2 months.

Tickets are £10 for a strip of 5 tickets and if you would like to buy a strip just donate £10 per strip here, and leave a note that you would like raffle tickets, then I'll put a strip in the hat for you. The raffle will be drawn on Valentine's Day.

Good luck everyone x

Not such a Happy New Year

Sorry it has been so long since my last update.

If you are a regular follower of my blog then you will know my dad hadn't been very well, and, unfortunately he passed away on Sunday 16th January in Newton Stewart Hospital. He was with loved ones and it was peaceful at the end, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, the one comment I kept hearing was that he was "a true gentleman".

So you can imagine I have been a bit preoccupied these past few months, but now I am focused! If it wasn't for dad I wouldn't be doing Women V Cancer, Cycle Kenya, as he put up most of the money for my registration for the event, so now I am doing this in his memory.

Training has resumed, got the dust cover off the bike, it's been all checked over, new lights, oiled and have been out on it a few times. As soon as I've finished this blog I'm off out on a wee bit more of a testing ride, just to see how unfit I have become!!!!

Fund-raising has been attacked with a new vigor, I have lots of lovely stuff to take to car boot sales, also organizing a Pizza, Pasta and Charity Auction for mid May, full details can be found on its own page on this blog, but so far I have managed to obtain a signed Hearts strip and match tickets, a signed autograph card from Olympian Cyclist Chris Hoy, weekends away, meals for two and just received a call from my friend Ash, who saw my update on Facebook and she and her husband, Mark,an ex army fitness trainer have donated a voucher for the use of a personal trainer (Mark)for half a day. Any other auctionable donations will be very gratefully received.

In memory of Alexander McKnight, 1930-2011.
Much loved and sadly missed xxx