Endeavour: try hard to do or achieve something

Endeavour is a powerful thing!

This week I was fortunate enough to take part in a ride (23 ish miles) with some of the amazing guys from Endeavour Community Cycle Club in Plymouth.

I should start with explaining why on earth I'd signed myself up for another long ride with no idea if I'd actually manage to complete it, but there's no clear reason! Perhaps it was due to finishing the 17 mile challenge and feeling a tad cocky (apparently I'd forgotten about aching arms!!!) Maybe it was the supportive advice I'd received from them on a handcycle group on Facebook, coupled with curiosity about their cycling story and an eagerness to meet other people to relate to. Whatever the reason (and despite my initial nerves about holding them all back that almost made me cancel at the 11th hour) I went on the longest ride I've done so far!

These guys are mostly ex forces, I think knowing that might have been the cause of my nerves!!! I had visions of them putting me through my paces and shouting orders, eek!

The core values of the group really shine through, no one is left behind (they did joke about this!) and they really care about supporting each member to achieve their goal. There were a few orders shouted! However it was massively appreciated, having someone let you know about oncoming bikes and keeping a look out takes the stress out of being on a handcycle on a busy trail.

Guys it was a pleasure to meet you, I enjoyed the ride and enjoyed the cake even more!

I've learned it's a good idea to reach out to others, there are some great people out there.

I highly recommend a stop off at Bodmin Jail for a post ride treat, check out their menu where you'll find desserts listed under 'last rites'. Opt for the cheesecake if you're partial to a sizeable scoop of clotted cream!!!

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Endeavouring to adapt

Not being able to feel my feet properly has an impact on cycling, it dictates that I use a handcycle!

Arguably, I don't have to cycle at all. I'm not forced to cycle, although it's not as though going for a run is a viable fitness option for me!!! I could kayak for the cardio (that's my other exercise of choice) or I could sit and eat cake and not worry about exercise, as it stands I have a nice mix of all three (I'm sure by now you've realised I like cake!)

Whilst the few months leading up to and after my diagnosis really rocked my confidence and self-esteem there was a point where it seemed to suddenly dawn on me that I'm actually really lucky. Granted, many people might not consider being diagnosed with a progressive condition as 'lucky' , however, I was very aware that it could be worse. I felt a bit daft for not coming to that conclusion a bit sooner, but when you get news that will be life changing it can have a tendency to throw you a bit!

The list of things that were no longer an option due to the progression was getting longer, some things I wasn't too sad over though as I didn't really do them before anyway (alas my running career was over before it began!)

It wasn't necessarily about doing exercise, I just wanted to find something that I could do and feel like I was achieving something, I needed a boost to my self esteem. Finding myself in a position where I needed to ask for help more or knowing that everyone was having to wait for me to catch up was increasingly frustrating. The bit that really got me was not joining in with adventures like I used to. Sitting on the sidelines was starting to chip away at me.

Finding the XCR handbike changed my life! I can't emphasize this enough.

This wasn’t just the physical benefits that come with cycling, increased joint motion, muscle movement, great for circulation, core development, and more...

This was the emotional gains, the sense of inclusion and that feeling of independence.

Going to the woods and riding around with my kids, my daughter said to me ‘I love this, I’ve got adventure mum back again’

Nuff said!

So endeavour: it's defined as trying hard to do or achieve something, an attempt to achieve a goal, and also an enterprise or undertaking.

I endeavour to fulfil my role as adventure mum!, to set myself cycling goals (and smash them!), and, I hereby endeavour to give an earnest, prolonged, and industrious effort to bringing handcycle hire to fruition in my home town!

(there's a sense of accountability when you share your goal with others! I now feel obliged to have to do something about it, which is a good thing!)

Oh, and finally, I must get a mudguard....

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Endeavour: try hard to do or achieve something

Endeavour is a powerful thing!

Handcycle hire: At what cost?

Bright ideas

learning curve