Mission Accomplished...

I can proudly let you all know that at around 3:30 on Sunday I crossed the finish line of the Pick n Pay Argus Cycle Tour 2010...and what an amazing feeling! There were certainly times in the race where i begun questioning my decision to do the race with little to no training- Simons Town was tough, Noordhoek/Kommetjie was draining and having to be forced to physically peddle down hills due to such a strong wind facing you head-on was quite demoralizing. BUT the high of competing something like this was worth any hassle, aching muscles or exceptionally sore bums! Crossing that finishing line and knowing that you have personally achieved one of your goals as well as doing your small part to raise awareness and funds for an important cause was an amazing feeling. One of the memories that will stay with me most is the support achieved along the way. People turning out in their thousands to come and support the riders- seemingly happily cheering and clapping on all 35 000 riders throughout the day- incredible! Special mention must be made to all the Sunflower Fund ladies who were out in force, spectators who would give an extra cheer seeing the Sunflower colours and of course my Ama Jup Jup racers and supporters who did an amazing job! After all the excitement and high I am now looking for my next challenge! I have just signed up for the Knysna marathon but what next....?

On a side note I got told about an amazing website and competition they had running for a nights stay at the Le Quartier Francais with all the bells and whistles. Go check out kimgray.co.za and enter...I have entered myself as there is no better way to recover and rejuvenate the sore muscles than with a relaxing weekend in the peace and beauty of the Franschhoek valley. Holding thumbs...

Sunflower Fund Article

Hey Guys

Go check out http://www.sunflowerfund.org.za/The-Argus/ and see the article written on!

Then just a reminder of the banking details should you wish to make a contribution:

Bank Account Name: The Sunflower Fund
Bank: ABSA Bank
Account No.: 4051834719
Branch: Tokai
Branch Code: 632005
Reference: Mark Bland WC 004

Please make sure to state the reference when making any pledges. And be sure to notify me so we can keep a running tally of how much money we have all raised and so I can give a big shout and and thank you as we go along to all those who have contributed.

Breakfast review...photos to follow

I was very privileged to attend a breakfast with Lance Armstrong this morning and sat next to the lady who started the Sunflower fund. Her son had leukemia and she said up to the day her son was diagnosed she was only marginally aware of what leukemia was and what it involved and it took just one day for her to find the rest of her life revolving around those with the disease (sadly her son did not make it and passed away at the age of 17). Amazingly since the founding of the The Sunflower Fund, bonemarrow donors in SA have gone from 60 odd to almost 70 000- incredible work. So I urge any of you to go give your blood- it only take 30 minutes and involves taking one small blood sample.




Thank you so much for the incredible support that has been shown so far to help those who need it most.



If you have not yet made your donation to make a difference, there is still time to do so before/or after the race on Sunday.



Sitting at breakfast this morning listening to Lance Armstrong was hugely inspirational. Being reminded of what he had to go through to get to where he is now and in the process giving so much back is very humbling indeed.



Here are a few facts and thoughts to ponder over:



15 tumours and lesions in testicles, abdomen, lungs and brain

2 surgeries to remove cancer fromt eh testicles and brain

4 rounds of chemotherapy

14 years cancer free

Doctors gave him a 20% chance of survival,

The cycling world gave him a 0% chance of returning

……

7 consecutive Tour De France victories since



To those cycling may the wind be behind your back, and to those supporting may you enjoy the day.



Many Thanks,

Breakfast with Lance Armstrong

Its official...at 9am tomorrow morning I will get the chance to meet the true legend of road cycling, an incredible human spirit and champion of overcoming adveristy. I am actually still in shock. A HUGE thank you must go out to The Sunflower Fund for this opportunity. What at first started off as a small thank you has now grown in to quite an overwhelming support of such a worthy cause. Never in my wildest dreams when I started this did I ever believe I would have the chance to do something like this. I will be sure to post any pictures or stories as soon as the breakfast is over....

Keep the support coming please guys.

Mark

First ever road cycle race- done, dusted and medal received

On saturday a few of us all went up to do the Wilde race in Wellington. With promises of 40 degree weather and 56kms of hills, cycling tights, hard seats and tempting wine farms all around I was sure this would be a abit of a baptism of fire.

I woke up at 4:30 to make my way across and was feeling really pumped and excited for the race- and what a race it was. Cycling through that area just makes you appreciate what a beautiful country we live. Watching the sun rise over the mountains with the fresh air blowing in your face and the smells of wine and dairy farms greeting you in the early morning- it really makes you feel alive!

With not too much of an idea of what time I would like to finish the race in I set a time of 3 hours- my rationale being that I would like to finish the Argus in 6 hours and being that it was half the distance that 3 hours sounded good. So off I set, not too sure what I was getting myself in to. 2 hours and 10 minutes later I crossed the finished line feeling great and a lot more confident and excited for the impending race day.

All in all it was an amazing day out with some great friends- a few new ones, sleepy eyes and tired legs, my first ever biker tan and my first cycling medal to start off my collection.