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OPINION
Flanders update...
One of many pictures of paveIts been a rollercoaster.
That is the only thing I can say so far about the Flanders experience.
It seems only weeks ago I signed up full of joy and optimism. I was looking to get through winter with some coaching and some sort of plan and then it happened.
Cancer struck our family and we still find ourselves in the midst’s of its iron like grip. For me its hit hard and keeps punching again and again.
I have stuck to getting out and getting miles in, but not in the structured way I had anticipated. It was a dark and scary Christmas and New Year and despite positive news about my Mums condition I am still struggling to get my head round these changes to our family life. My miles have been hard and exhausting, but more for cleansing my mind than getting over 20% cobbled climbs.
And with less than a month to go and a ferry and hotel booked, I am still not 100% certain I will even be making the trip to ride.
My Mum has told me to go out there and inspire her for the battle she is waging. Lots of emotion to come out on the day, as well as hopefully power and good pedalling legs. If I am happy to leave her and go to Oudenaarde then there will be a follow up post, telling you all how I did.
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10 comments
All round safely... blog to follow.
My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago when I was training for a London to Monte Carlo ride. We are very blessed that a year of surgeries, chemo and radio seems to have worked. My wife has been amazing through it all but I would have struggled without having anything else out of the ordinary to focus on.
All circumstances are different so I hope this doesn't sound as if I am preaching but by pushing on through the training and the ride it gave me something to "fight" against rather than just trying to hold it together. It certainly helped me.
Mate, do it!
You will be absolutely fine, there's an amazing atmosphere and everyone will very much help you along.
To be honest it isn't that hard, the roads are gloriously smooth and a million times better than here in the UK.
The cobbled sections are bouncy and, well, cobbled but i enjoyed them!
The bergs are steep, but not that hard if you take your time and crank up them, they aren't long or draggy, but steep and short.
Take your time over the first bit of the ride and enjoy it rather than trying to race along.
Leave as early as you can- 6am should be fine and the cobbled climbs won't be congested.
I did it last year with my Brother and I'm back doing it again this year as I loved it so much!
Get some 25's on and you'll be all set.
Good luck!
Good luck sir. I'll hopefully see you on the cobbles.
Thanks
Best of British to you and your family.
Do it for your mum. Sounds like fab lady
Best of luck, both for your mums disease and your possible cobble bashing session.
Always remember there are things more important than riding. do what is best for both you and your mum.
Best of luck, both for your mums disease and your possible cobble bashing session.
Always remember there are things more important than riding. do what is best for both you and your mum.
Best of luck, both for your mums disease and your possible cobble bashing session.
Always remember there are things more important than riding. do what is best for both you and your mum.