1. Why did you decide to sign up for the Malawi bike ride?

I’d never done a challenge like this before. My mother had recently died and I suppose I was reflecting on life, so when I heard about the Bike Ride I thought I'd love to do something like that. As a busy working wife and mother  it was an opportunity to do something ‘for myself’.  It certainly got me out of my comfort zone whilst also improving my fitness levels! 

2. How did you prepare for the challenge (i.e. When did you start training, how often did you train? did you use a training plan?)

I've always  enjoyed cycling at the weekend, doing approx. 25 mile rides, and I just started to build on that.  I used the Cardiotrainer app on my phone which keeps a log of all the cycles done, average speed, distance covered, etc. so you can check your progress.  I really started training in March when I also introduced a couple of spinning classes (new to me!) and then increased the cycling at the weekend until I was doing 40 mile rides.  Nearer the Malawi trip I did 2 days in a row of 40 miles.  I also went swimming  twice a week.  I linked up with some of the other participants on Facebook and it was good to hear what they were doing training wise.  We then met up for a training cycle which was brilliant.

3.  How did you reach your fundraising target?

The Virgin Money Giving web page was excellent, and it was easy to keep family and friends informed about how the training was going and of other fund raising events, and to post photos of what I’d been doing. I also had a Mexican Night in a local restaurant where they provided a free buffet and my brother-in-law and his friend played guitars. I emailed lots of organisations and companies for raffle prizes and had a good response from that.  I bought a large roll of cellaphene wrapping on ebay and then gathered  in unwanted toiletry items  from family and friends which I then made up into lovely parcels with some ribbon, etc. and raffled them off.

4. What was your most successful fundraising activity?

My biggest event was hiring one of the local cinemas and showing “Mamma Mia” - tickets included a glass of wine and a goody bag with popcorn and sweets!  This was a sell out and raised £1,500 at £10 a ticket. It was a good fund raiser with hardly any effort.  Everyone was singing along and dancing in the aisles!

5. What were the 3 most important items you took with you on the trip?

Apart from cycling stuff – padded shorts, gloves etc.,  probably hand gel, mosquito spray/lotions and lip balm.

6. How effective was the support team in-country?

Absolutely fantastic!  They were all so helpful, friendly and supportive.  You had absolutely nothing to worry about as everything was taken care of.  You only had to think about yourself and your bike!

7. What did you find the most difficult part of the challenge?

A couple of the hilly days were hard for me, not my strong point!  However, my stamina was fine, especially on Day 2 when the route was changed slightly and we cycled for 60 miles which is something I'd never done in one day before, so that was a personal achievement for me. 

8. How did you find the school visits?

The school visits were fascinating  and gave a real insight into the work Link does.  It wasn't as emotional as I thought it would be as all the children were so delighted to see us and enjoyed having their photos taken!  The Mother Groups are inspirational and so proud of the work they are doing, and they enjoyed telling us about everything they did.

9. What one piece of advice would you give to someone taking part for the first time?

Don’t feel daunted by others,  just focus on your own pace. I kept an eye on my watch and knew if I maintained at least 10mph then I would be fine.   Its not a race and there was plenty time to stop and take photos or just have a drink and take in the views.

10. If you did it again, what, if anything, would you change?

I really don’t think I would change a thing, it was all so well organised and the Team Leader was excellent. He constantly reminded you of the safety aspect and the cycling each day was broken down into manageable  chunks with refreshments and lunch breaks built in.  He was so encouraging  and enthusiastic which gave you the motivation to carry on.

11. What is your lasting memory of the Malawi Bike Ride?

It was just a magical time where I made friends with some fantastic people from all walks of life, which was so interesting.  The countryside was spectacular and the friendliness  and happy faces of the local people was just amazing.  My first “bush stop” along with 4 other girls was hilarious and something I'll never forget!  After that, you just got on with it!

Each night in Malawi I would look at the photos I'd taken and think  I can’t quite believe I'm here and doing this, it’s amazing!  There are really so many wonderful memories. The first morning's cycle when we set off from the lakeside and the children and hotel staff were singing, the early morning boat trip seeing hippos and elephants, cycling in a convoy through Blantyre town, managing to cycle up the last hill to the finish line, watching the sunset on the last night with a Malawian gin and tonic. I could go on…