Jane Sowerby's counting down the days until the Coast to Coast

Is it really only one month to go?

I’m really excited to be taking part in the Devon Coast 2 Coast this year and hopefully raise some much needed cash for Back Up, a charity extremely close to my heart.

I know first hand how Back Up can totally transform lives following a devastating spinal cord injury.  I was paralysed from the waist down in 2003 after a freak fall over the edge of some stairs.  The period immediately following the accident was pretty tough, I remember wondering how on earth I was going to lead a fulfilled life confined to a wheelchair.

Back Up saved me from sinking into the depths of depression and showed me how many sports and activities you can still do.  The first Back Up ski course I took part in was a real turning point for me.  I had no idea such exhilarating disabled sports existed!  The sense of freedom you get from sit-skiing is unbeatable.

 

With a lot of hard work I went on to join the British Disabled Ski Team, and two years later was selected to compete for Great Britain at the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver.  An unbelievable experience I’ll never forget.

Due to training commitments I was unable to take part in the coast 2 coast last year, so I’m really looking forward to it this time around.  I know it will be a challenge, especially the slightly hillier parts of Devon we’ll no doubt encounter!  I do quite a lot of handcycling over the summer to keep fit, but have only just been able to get back on my bike after being away for the ski season.  As it’s pretty much rained constantly since I got back, I’ve set up the bike on a turbo trainer and turned the lounge into a temporary gym.  As soon as the sun does put it’s hat on, I’ll be heading to Richmond Park to join some fellow handcyclists for training with slightly better views!

 

Since that first Back Up course 7 years ago, I’ve continued to be heavily involved with them, as a group leader and wheelchair skills trainer.  It’s just incredible to witness what a difference Back Up can make, it helps people realise that life does go on, and you can still have so much fun living it.  Participants on courses or wheelchair skills sessions always seem to come away feeling so much more confident, and ready to take on the new challenges in their lives.  

So I’ll be cramming in as many training rides as possible over the next month, and am looking forward to putting my shoulders to the test through the rolling hills of Devon for such a worthy cause.

To donate to help Back Up to provide such incredible support click here:

Backup 2012 Coast to Coast Donation Page

Bret's thoughts on the Devon C2C with 36 days to go

I took part in the inaugural Coast to Coast Cycle for Back Up last year and it was a hell of an experience, and some parts of it felt like hell! Being a paraplegic myself I was using a hand-cycle for the journey so I wouldn't have the extra power generated by our legs to help me up the hills and this made the going particularly challenging at times! 

Brett's face says it all......

We crossed the country from West to East and for the most part this meant we were fighting a headwind. When we were cycling in exposed areas the wind could be particularly fierce and on the first day especially there were times when progress was down to walking pace. I was determined to get to the finish point for each day however and with lots of encouragement and assistance where necessary from fellow team members I did that. 

Brett and Colin cycling in the shadow of Blencathra, Cumbria

We also had to contend with getting sodden wet from rain on the second and third day but I still had a smile on my face as I was loving the challenge of the ride, the beautiful scenery and being in the company of some great people. It wasn't always hard work though, the sun came out for us and there were downhill sections I particularly enjoyed those as they were an opportunity to build up some serious speed! 

Brett closing in on Keswick at high speed

It was a great sense of achievement reaching the finish in Whitehaven and I felt proud to have been part of something so special and worthwhile. Despite my body being shattered from all the exertion over there the three days there was one welcome knock on effect as well. The relentless peddling had made my arms look good!

Brett on his new racing bike - with arms looking good!

Since the coast to coast I took part in the Snowdon Push for Back Up last July which was another great experience and when the Coast to Coast ride for 2012 was announced I had no hesitation in declaring I was really up for it again, I've even managed to rope my Dad into doing it as well! We're both looking forward to visiting Devon for the first time for a start and I'm sure it'll be just as good if not better than last year. Looking forward to the challenge,seeing familiar faces again and equally meeting new ones whilst raising as much money as possible for a great charity that has helped me so much in the last few years. It's gonna be a blast!

How you can support the Cycle 2 Cycle Bike Ride

William Penrice wrote to ABLE2UK to tell us about a charity cycle event taking place next month which he will be involved in. Here’s all the information including a sneaky little link where you can make a donation...

Starting on 24 May in Ilfracombe the Coast to Coast (C2C) Ride for ‘Back Up’ 2012 team are cycling the Devon C2C.

Focusing on ability, not disability, the group of friends will travel from across the UK drawn together through a common desire, to try and raise money and awareness and help transform lives after spinal injury.

Following the 100+ mile largely traffic free route through spectacular scenery the ride starts in Ilfracombe and ends in Plymouth Hoe on 26 May.

The  C2C  Cycle  Ride  team  includes  numerous  inspiring  individuals hand cycling the challenging route. The vast majority of riders have recently taken up cycling following invitation to this event; indeed many had to borrow bikes to enter.

This event is designed to support hand cyclists in getting back out after injury and to provide support to enable all to finish the event.

Attitude is equally as important as ability in achieving success. Pause for a moment and consider the challenge created by cycling across the country without being able to use your legs.

If you would like to join us as a cyclist or with logistical support please contact us through the event blog www.getbackout.co.uk

For more information on Back Up: http://www.backuptrust.org.uk

http://www.able2uk.com/news/sport/how-you-can-support-the-cycle-2-cycle-bike-ride.html

 

Devon Coast to Coast (NCN route 27) Ilfracombe to Plymouth

Devon Coast to Coast (NCN route 27) Ilfracombe to Plymouth

Largely tracing the course of former railway lines, the route takes you through tunnels and across the breathtaking viaducts and bridges bequeathed by Victorian railway engineers notably on the traffic free Granite Way section at Meldon and Lake near Okehampton.

Heading south from Ilfracombe there's a good traffic free section to set you on your way before joining quiet roads with great views south to Braunton. Here the route starts a 30 mile traffic free section on almost entirely level former railway lines beside the beautiful Taw and Torridge estuaries via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington to the villages of Petrockstowe and Meeth. Further south to Okehampton on quiet roads the route from there to Lydford is known as the Granite Way. Its along the western fringes of Dartmoor to Tavistock and south from there by more traffic free sections along the superb Plym Valley Trail that leads to Plymouth Hoe.

Whether you are planning a few days trip across Devon, or a day's outing from Plymouth, Okehampton, Barnstaple or Ilfracombe, the Devon Coast to Coast route is the way to explore this varied and wonderful countryside.

Traffic Free Sections of the Route

• Ilfracombe to Willingcot Cross (968KB - pdf help) (NCN route 31 - soon to be re-numbered NCN 27) 3miles/5kms
  Easy family cycle path along course of former railway line path from Ilfracombe leading to on - road signed links to Woolacombe Sands and picturesque north Devon countryside.
• Barnstaple Cycle Network (270KB - pdf help)
• The Tarka Trail (NCN routes 3 and 27) 32miles/51kms
  Easy family cycling along entirely traffic free former railway with wonderful estuary views between Braunton and Meeth via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington.
• The Granite Way (1.27MB - pdf help) (NCN route 27) 11miles/18kms.
  Ideal family cycling between Okehampton and Lydford along former railway with spectacular views of Dartmoor and west Devon countryside, superb viaducts along Way. Steam train option in Summer between Okehampton and Meldon. Includes short on-road section via Bridestowe, continuing to Lydford along former railway line.
• Drake's Trail (NCN route 27) 26km walking and cycling route.
  The network has something for all age groups and fitness levels, starting with the new off-road cycling section between Tavistock and Plymouth view the routes at www.drakestrail.co.uk .
  Gem Bridge is being built at the moment and will span 200metres linking Tavistock with Horrabridge...read more

Tarka Trail Guide

An easy family cycling along entirely traffic free former railway with wonderful estuary views between Braunton and Meeth via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington. Running over 30 miles along old railway tracks of North Devon.

Click on images to enlarge or download PDF from here:
http://www.devon.gov.uk/cycling-leismaps-tarkatrail.pdf

Cyclists Information Pack

Devon C2C 2012 Cyclist Info Pack

Cycling Coast to Coast - Cycling from Illfracombe to Plymouth... some people do it in one day, not us!

Back Up Paralympians going for gold at London 2012

In 2012, the Paralympics are returning to the UK for the first time and the eyes of the world will be on London.

Among those to watch are 18 Paralympians who rediscovered sport following their spinal cord injury through Back Up’s rehabilitative activity courses.

Among those tipped for medal success are Karen Darke in handcycling, Tom Aggar who won gold in rowing at Bejing, Alex Rickham in sailing and Shelly Woods in wheelchair racing. All of them have strong links to Back Up and rate our services as crucial to the recovery of people with a spinal cord injury.

The Paralympics Games began at Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s spinal cord unit, coinciding with the 1948 London Olympics. At the last Paralympics, team GB did better than ever before and in 2012 they hope to do even better.

Paralympians are finally starting to get the credit they deserve, so get behind Great Britain this year. Come on team Back Up!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: Coast to Coast 2012 Challenge

Frank Gardner's BBC Lifeline Appeal for Back Up - BBC One

Have a look at this to see why we're supporting Back Up:

C2C 2012 Registration Form

C2C 2012 Registration Form

C2C 2012 - Suggested Route

C2C 2012 Devon Route

C2C 2012 - Suggested Accommodation

Suggested Accommodation(1)

The Devon Coast to Coast 2012

Ilfracombe to Plymouth

Length 102 miles (one way)
Route National Cycle Network 27, 3
Start Ilfracombe
Finish Plymouth
Sustrans map NN27 (The Devon Coast to Coast)

This spectacular and pioneering route is an ideal introduction for keen cycling families and groups who fancy a multi-day challenge (really, the scenery and cream teas are too good not to take things steadily). The ride slices Devon in two, travelling from the beaches and estuaries in the north to the lush green valleys of the Torridge, the Tavy, the Walkham and other evocative West Country rivers.

Heading south from the coast at Ilfracombe, the route runs via Braunton (reputedly the largest village in England), Barnstaple, Bideford, Great Torrington, Hatherleigh, Okehampton and around the western flank of Dartmoor National Park to Tavistock and Plymouth. It follows the course of former railway lines through tunnels and across breathtaking viaducts and bridges for much of its length.

Besides the stunning scenery, 71 miles of the route are completely traffic-free, including the famous Tarka Trail - one of the country's longest and most popular traffic-free paths. This 35-mile section from Braunton to Meeth is great for family rides and boasts wonderful estuary views. You will also travel on the Granite Way - an 11-mile, predominantly traffic-free section of the ride that links Okehampton to Lydford and offers unrivalled views of the moors from the Meldon viaduct.

Just be aware that once you venture off the flat railway paths the terrain can get tough, so be prepared for steep gradients and the occasional rough surface. Otherwise, it's a perfect cycling long weekend!

Get it in your diary for 24-26 May...... entry forms to be released next week.

http://www.sustransshop.co.uk/products/5264-the-ultimate-devon-coast-to-coast-guide

Save the date - 24-26 May 2012

Here's the next C2C for BackUp challenge, get it in your diary.
More details to follow soon.

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/long-distance-rides/england/devon-coast-to-coast

Follow the C2C Route

Ability triumphs on the Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Ride

Inspiring achievement

So proud to have such amazing friends, new and old who made possible the Coast to Coast - The Hard Way Across. What an incredibly motivating experience.

Thanks to all the wonderfully generous supporters who have donated to help us towards our target.

A massive thank you to all the drivers, nurses, motivators, mechanics, bag carriers, food and drink stop helpers, traffic directors, photographers, pushers and pullers for displaying such an awe inspiring demonstration of genuine teamwork. You know who you are and you are all very very special people.

A big pat on the back to all the riders who dug deep to find extra Will Power to meet the challenge of riding into the strong prevailing wind Coast to Coast – the wrong way The Hard Way Across.

Delighted to see so many people ‘enjoying’ the C2C challenge. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S Eliot

As pain is weakness leaving the body I trust that everyone feels stronger for the experience and will continue to support Back-Up, transforming lives after spinal cord injury.

We are now so close to hitting our target please encourage everyone you know to sponsor us: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/C2C4BackUp

C2C Ride for Back-Up: 14th May

C2C Ride for Back-Up: 13th May (pm)

C2C Ride for Back-Up: 13th May (am)

C2C Ride for Back-Up: 12th May (pm)

C2C Ride for Back-Up: 12th May (am)

コースト・ツー・コースト

2011年5月12日に、私たち50人は自転車で冒険旅に挑みます。 

自ら設計した　コースト・ツー・コースト　となる　サイクリングルートは200キロに及び、私たちはニューカースルの近くでタインマウスから始めます。Penninesと湖水地方を通過したあと5月14日に最終目的地のホワイトヘブンに到着する予定です。

私たちの目的は Back-Upと呼ばれるチャリティーへの寄付金を工面することです。

Back Up  は 空想的な屋外スポーツ活動プログラム、メンタリング、および車椅子技能コースを通し脊髄の怪我を覆っている人たちの独立と自信の向上の支援をしています。

是非応援をよろしくお願いします。

サイクルイベントのブログを参照されたい方は、ここをクリックしてください:

www.getbackout.co.uk

寄付をされたい方は、ここをクリックしてください:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/C2C4BackUp

チャリティーのホームページを参照されたい方は、ここをクリックしてください:

http://www.backuptrust.org.uk/

The Back-Up Trust - Matt's Story

Norco bikes have arrived from Fisher Outdoor Leisure

Two still in the box Norco hybrid bikes have been delivered to C2C HQ this morning.

A huge thanks for Steve Cromwell at Fisher Outdoor Leisure for donating these magnificent bikes.

To read a review on this bike click here:
http://static.bikeradar.com/Road/gear/category/bikes/urban/product/indie-2-10-44486/

For more information on the Norco Scene SS click here:
http://norco.com/archives/2010/?id=scene-ss

Both these bikes are for sale raising funds for Coast to Coast Cycle Ride - Supporting Back-Up. Open to offers!

Thanks again to:

Back-Up Ski Trip 2011 Video - Winter Park

This ski course at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado is just one of the numerous courses on offer from Back Up. Its a great example of a Back Up course and the reason we're fundraising with the Coast to Coast Cycle Ride.

Back Up has been running residential courses for 25 years, offering people the opportunity to get “back up and out there” following a spinal cord injury. All the courses aim to increase confidence, motivation and independence in a supportive environment. Back Up courses are for people of all ages, backgrounds and all levels of injury.

If you want to make changes in your life, whether by meeting new people, learning new skills, adopting a different lifestyle, or developing a more positive outlook about the future, then Back-Up has a course to suit you.

Thanks to Sophie Morgan for the video:

Which course is right for you?
All our courses provide the perfect introduction to managing away from home, and boosting your confidence. Many of the courses offer the chance to develop your wheelchair skills in a challenging environment. The type of course you are interested in will depend on what you are hoping to achieve. Our programme includes water skiing, scuba diving, skiing, and multi-activity. But there is plenty on offer for the less sporty amongst us too. Our City Challenge course in Edinburgh combines cultural and social activities with the chance to improve your wheelchair skills and use public transport in one of the most beautiful but inaccessible cities in the UK, while Back Up to Work is for you if you are considering your employment options. Look out too for the new Wheelchair Skills Plus course coming in 2011, designed to help you develop skills to be more independent and confident in day to day life. Our popular drama course will be returning in 2012.

Give us a call
....to chat through the options – we can support you to work out which course might suit you best. Course places are limited, so we do give priority to people who haven’t been on a course before, or who have the most potential to benefit.  If you are applying for another course with us, please give us a call to discuss what you are hoping to achieve.

• 100% of respondents from 2010 courses would recommend Back Up to a friend
• 100% of course participants achieved their personal aims in 2010

We do ask participants to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their course space if possible. Please give us a call to chat about this: we never turn anyone away from a course due to lack of funds.

Download an application form here (spinal cord injured participants).

Click here if you are interested in volunteering on a Back Up course.

For further information email the team or give them a call on 020 8875 1805

Congratulations to Bret - an eventful completion of the London Marathon

C2C Cyclist Bret Crossley finished the London Marathon yesterday: 

"I completed the London Marathon yesterday but it was very eventful! Firstly I nearly missed the start as had problem with my chair. Then straight after the start the chair started bearing left all the time which I had to put up with throughout and was a total bind. The other problem I'd had before the start was also not completely sorted and was slowing the chair down.

Had to stop at halfway as I was burning up in my black top so took it off and did the rest topless and have a very red back as a result! Then got a puncture 5 miles from home which slowed me up dramatically and made the chair veer to the left even more. The wheel then came loose and I watched as the axle bolt slowly unwinded as I progressed. The wheel started rubbing on the chair and the resistance from it grew. With 3 miles to go I was going at about 3 miles an hour. There was a long gradual climb along the embankment which seems to take forever to get up and was torturous. With just over a mile to go the chair stopped and wouldn't budge, the wheel close to coming off. I needed an allen key to tighten it back up. 

As I waited a member of the crowd gave me a cereal bar which was gratefully received! Nobody had one but then a helper used a normal key and it was tightened up and I was off again, except I wasn't really. It turned out the wheel bearings had seized due to the wheel wobbling about so much. The chair would move but it felt like I was dragging some heavy bags of coal behind me. 

Still I wasn't gonna quit, even if it had taken me all day to get to the finish, I'd got that far. I could only work in short bursts getting me at best 50 yards at a time as I was completely exhausted. But the crowds were absolutely brilliant and I got so much encouragement from other runners I did get to the finish, eventually! It was by a very long way the most gruelling physical punishment I've ever had to go through but I've got my finisher's medal and some great memories that will last me a lifetime! 

(There, take that pissing wheelchair, Bret wins!!) :D"

Help Bret reach his London Marathon fundraising target for Aspire - supporting people with spinal cord injury.

http://www.justgiving.com/Bret-Crossley-2011

Thanks to Iain Mcmillan at The Health Insurance Group

Huge thanks to Iain Mcmillan for a very generous £500 donation to C2C rider Mark Masiak.

The Health Insurance Group is an independent Private Medical Insurance intermediary and is owned by the AXA UK group of insurance businesses.

The Health Insurance Group (THIG) has a wealth of experience in Private Medical Insurance (PMI), with over 30,000 clients in the UK and over £75m annual premium under management. Because of this we are well placed to look after our client’s health insurance requirements.

http://www.healthinsurancegroup.co.uk

0800 389 7723

Thanks to Giles Barringham - Donation of a Fully Computerised Sewing Machine to raise funds for Back-Up

Thanks to Giles Barringham and Silver Viscount for his donation a Silver Viscount 1050 Fully Computerised Sewing machine.

 

Bret Crossley joins the Coast to Coast Cycle to thank Back-Up for their support

In September 2006 my life was turned upside-down when I had a serious motorcycle racing accident that I was lucky to survive. My injuries were numerous, the worst of which was a spinal cord injury that has rendered me wheelchair dependant for life. My recovery period was lengthy and complicated and after 10 months in hospital I was back out into a now very different world. I was at a loss and to what to do with myself.

Whilst in hospital I'd been introduced to Back-Up who came to provide wheelchair skills training sessions which were very useful. After my discharge I was contacted by them offering me place on one of their courses designed to inspire, increase confidence and independance. Unfortunately I felt unable to do so as I was still recovering from a badly broken lower leg. In July 2009 however I was able to take part one of their multi-activity courses in Keswick, which included kayaking, sailing, absailing and team games.

I'll stop short of saying it was life changing but it made me realise there was so much I was still capable of doing. Instead of thinking about what I couldn't do anymore I started concentrating on what I could do and might be able to do if I tried! I started wheelchair racing, hand-cycling and wheelchair basketball.

In March 2010 I also went sit-skiing with Back-Up in Colorado which was fantastic!

As Back-Up had done so much for me I wanted to give them something back so I took on the Great North Run last September raising money for them which was a great success.

As well as taking part in the London Marathon on April 17th I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the Coast-to-Coast cycle and hoping to raise more money for Back-Up in the process. I hope you can help by sponsoring us as your donation makes such a massive difference.

Fantastic donation for the C2C from Costco Wholesale

Huge thanks to the team at Costco Wholesale for their donation of a JVC HD Everio Camcorder:

Click the image to see product details.

Back Up Ski Course - Winter Park, Colorado

I've just returned from taking part as a self funded volunteer on a Back-Up ski course in Winter Park, Colorado.

Being part of the ski course at the US's National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) was an awe-inspiring priviledge. I was part of a team supporting 10 people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) to 'get back out' there following injury. Each year, thousands of children and adults with disabilities take to the ski slopes at NSCD learn more about sports - and themselves.

The course was one of many run by Back Up aimed at motivating and enabling people with SCI to feel more positive about their future and achieve personal goals.












 
Please help us in our fundraising target, aiming to raise £10,000 to help Back-Up run such courses again for others:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/C2C4BackUp