The end - Lands End

The end - Lands End
with Pat = they even changed the sign for us!

Who is Chris Gutowski?

My photo
Northampton, United Kingdom
50+. Very much a family man who still enjoys taking up physical challenges. "MOST PEOPLE TIPTOE THROUGH LIFE HOPING TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO DEATH"

WHY JOHN O'GROATS TO LANDS END?

Every year I'm looking for something new, something a bit more challenging than the previous year. In 2006 it was a big weight loss resulting in triathlons and the London to Brighton. 2008 saw the greatest achievement so far, the conquering of Mt Ventoux (but only on that occasion!).

2009 saw me achieve my Centurion status during Flat Out In The Fens.

I remember reading years ago, Miguel Indurain's comments when asked how he would eventually deal with his own demise as the best rider in the world.

"When I stop winning it will be a liberation which will put an end to my suffering" was his reply.

Well, Big Mig and I are at the opposite end of the same relationship with our bodies. His mind didn't let his body stop until there was nothing left. Me? I'll probably quit when I've had the best day I know I can possibly have.

So, although I'm using the attempt to raise money for a special charity (see column on left), this is also a journey of discovery and finding or developing the warrior athlete within me!

My ride will be completed unsupported over a period of, hopefully, no longer than 8 days in May. However if you'd like to see me 'en route', contact me for route details.





Thursday, 29 April 2010

It's started

Now then!  The Big Man is on his way.

We woke to the alarm at 4am, Chris jumped out of bed and said 'This is it!'. Me on the other hand asked for 10 more minutes under the covers! By 4.45am we were on our way to Birmingham, bags packed, last minute checks done, letters written to the kids and breakfast eaten.

I dropped Chris at the station, we said our goodbyes, a few tears from us both, and he was off.  Bright yellow Felt F80 by his side he walked off into the distance and the sound of 'see you at Lands End' ringing in his ears.

I'm not quite sure how he felt, but I do know that he was very touched by the fact that so many people rang him to wish him luck and how happy he was that he has exceeded £1000 in sponsorship.

Big brother Mike made the journey to wave him off at the station, (even though Jane is recovering from a hip operation) which I know made a real difference to those last few nervous minutes at the station, especially Mikes help in getting his trusty bike actually on to the train!!

Well that's all for now.  I'm off to the day job.   Love Bonita XX
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