London to Paris Cycle 2012

In July 2011 Waverley Care's own Children and Families worker, Lynne, took part in the challenge of a lifetime - to cycle from London to Paris.

This is what she thought of the experience:

"This was definitely an experience of a lifetime for me. It’s a commitment but if you’re focused you’ll have the best time of your life.

The staff at Skyline were great, they’re there for you from booking on to the challenge, all the way through to the end and they’re so friendly and enthusiastic that they really helped me feel supported and safe.

I was a bit worried about doing something like this on my own but actually I wasn’t on my own at all, I met loads of people. Thanks to the Facebook group for cyclists that was set up before hand I actually chatted to lots of people that were doing the same trip as me and even met up with one guy in London to travel to the start at Crystal Palace with. He’d come all the way from America!

To get the most out of the challenge as you can you really have to put the work in with your training, but it’s more than manageable. You do need to have a reasonable level of fitness but you don’t have to be Chris Hoy!

It can be hard work at times but really it’s worth it for the lunches alone! Skyline staff put on a great spread at the lunch stops and it’s really good fun. One day we all stopped at a little French country pub and all the people that arrived first lined up to cheer everyone else in as they arrived – it was such a great atmosphere.

At the end of the trip when we cycled down the Champs Élysées towards the Eiffel Tower I had mixed emotions, you’d think after 300 odd miles I’d be excited to finish, and I was, but I was also sad for it to end. I think there were a few of us that could have just kept going!

The whole experience gave me such a sense of freedom, like when you’re a kid on your bike – it was just me and my bike on a great adventure! This is an experience that will stay with you."

If you fancy "an experience of a lifetime" like Lynne get in touch with Jane in the Fundraising Team on 0131 556 9710 or jane.griffin@waverleycare.org for an information pack or click the book online button below.

(Places available now for the July 11th-15th ride. Dates available later in the year on request)