A beautiful poem from one of our amazing Women V Cancer heroes, Marie Unsworth, who here describes her experience riding the night in 2018. Marie is one of the 3253 overwhelmingly inspiring women who cycled 104 km through London this May in support of the three Women V Cancer charities, Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.
The 26 May ride, which Marie cycled, was particularly challenging (to +say the least) due to the insane weather. Marie and her fellow Women V Cancer challengers rode through a dramatic thunder storm and torrential downpours - and all with smiles on their faces. Her poem below sums it up perfectly.
Oh what a night
Windsor Racecourse
Excitement
Determination
Anticipation
Etched on all those faces
Words of wisdom
Safety
Rain
Calm before the storm
Off we go
Stay close Marisa
I'm right behind you
Cheering all around
Carnival
Bumps in the road
Cones
Traffic lights
So many traffic lights
Time check
We haven't snacked yet
We laughed
We were so warm
Side by side
Remembered to sip our drinks
Feed station 1
Friendly voices
Welcome
Park anywhere
Well done ladies
All the cakes!!!
Which cake
Ginger
Yum
Filled our drinks bottles
Dash to the loo
Layer off
I'm too warm
Off again
Pitter patter rain drops
Just keep peddling
Hail now
The size of marbles
We screamed
They hurt!
We sheltered in a bus stop
With those out for the night
They missed their bus
We were all in the way!
No one minded
Flooded roads now
Safety first
Go slowly
Avoid puddles
Mind the white lines
Splish splash
Wet through
Puddles in our shoes
Water pouring down face & neck
Who cares
Pedal pedal pedal
Marshals with light sabres
Guide the way
Our heroes
Keeping us safe
London sights approaching
Thunder & lighting to
Misty lenses
Spoil the views
Over bridges
Birdcage walk
Buckingham Palace
Raining all the way
Feed stn 2
Cheering voices
Well done ladies
Rack your bikes
Savoury rolls
Cheese for us
Half each
Let me fill your drinks bottle
Helpers everywhere
Thank you thank you
Oh & Happy Birthday Sophie
Sweet 16
We remembered
She smiled & thanked us
Let's get going
Official Photographer snapped us
Going through an arch
Then on we go
Dig deep
This is relentless
This rain
That thunder
The Lightning
Politely passing others
Safely on the right
Coming round you
Love your hat
& your stripey top
Fancy dress
The spirit of the ride
Marie are you there
Yes I'm here
Behind you
Side by side again
Together all the way
Encouraging words
Groups of ladies
Chattering
Keeping spirits up
Miles still to conquer
Puddles still to dodge
Rain easing
Empty roads
Night riders
Glowing wheels
Lit up
Feed stn 3
Pull in
Refuel
Drink
The end is nearing
We know it's tough
Tite Hill they shout
We can do this
Through the gears
Granny ring
She's my friend
On & on
Marisa in front
Shouts
Keep calling my name
Marisa
& again
Marisa
It's so dark
Speed bumps
We did it
That was tough
On we go
What goes up
Must come down!
I actually can't see the rd
Can you?
No!
Down we go
Steady now
I really can't see
Says Marisa
I don't like it
I'll go in front I say
Follow me
I can't see either
Pitch pitch black
Hang on tight
Gently on the brakes
Marisa
You ok
I'm not loving this I hear
This is dangerous
Hang on tight
On forever
Then
We are down
Behind us now
Let's go
& nearly there
Time to reflect
Who supported you?
Can you name them
Yes I can
Mick Kirsty Benj Angela Amanda Jenny Graham so many friends
Neil, so many friends, line dancers, customers at the Bear
My turn again
Christine Doreen Val Cathy Bill Crochet girls
On & on we went
Naming every one
So much support
You were with us
All of you with us
Then up ahead
Cones
A Marshall
This way please
We are here
Speed bumps now
Finish line in sight
Cheers of well done
Lots of excitement
Such a welcome
Lights
Noise
Cheers
People
Happy faces
Smiling now
Beaming now
We did it
We did it!!
More helpers here
Hold bike steady
Off I get
A medal
Such a pretty medal
Hugs
Sisters
One goal
104km
Boom!!!
Over the last five years, thousands of women have cycled 104 km through London at night and raised over £6 million for the three invaluable charities, Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. Our flagship Women V Cancer charity cycle is the biggest female cycling event in the UK and it's back for 2019 with a bright pink boost. 2019 will not only see the return of Ride the Night London but will also see the launch of the first ever Ride the Night Edinburgh. Spaces for these two life changing challenges are already filling up fast, so secure your place today to avoid missing out altogether.
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