Going for a song

IMG_0190.JPGAmazing, fantastic, exhilarating, enjoyable, strenuous. Just some of the words I’ve used as people have asked me how the C2C ride went.

Many are surprised that I’m suffering no after effects from the ride, but to be honest it’s not really the marathon people think it is. I’ve talked to several people since Friday who have also completed the ride – just a few among the twenty thousand who complete it each year.

If you were one of the people who sponsored me I am really grateful for your support. You may like to consider giving regularly to either of the charities I was representing.

logo_100x122.gifRiding Lights Theatre Company has a membership scheme for regular givers. It offers a number of benefits as well as the confidence that you are supporting a very special professional and Christian Theatre Company.

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The Funzi and Bodo Trust is engaged in long term projects in those communities on the south eastern coast of Kenya. Regular support allows them to plan their educational and medical projects with confidence.

If you didn’t sponsor me it’s not too late. The Justgiving sites are still open for business. Click on the links and you can join in to help.

Riding Lights Theatre Company
The Funzi and Bodo Trust

On Black HillWhere to next for me and my machine? I’d love to do John O’Groats to Lands End but that would carve a huge hole in my diary. Possibly Liverpool to Hull – I’d need to borrow a hybrid bike for that one because of the many off road sections. Be sure I’ll let you know when it’s being planned.

Thank you for following my adventure – I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. The memories will stay with me for a long time. One thing I discovered as I drove my bike upwards in the Pennines. Singing is a great way to control breathing on the inclines. So if you were somewhere near the summit of Hartside or Black Hill and thought the local chapel was having a choir practice it was possibly me belting out hymns and songs of praise in the strange rhythm my panting heart demanded. I can recommend it – not just on the hills. Singing is good for you – body, soul and spirit. Especially if you have someone to praise for your very existence.

Sitting target

Barrie at DS5I’ve been away at a digital storytelling event in Aberystwyth this week which has limited the time for cycling – and I set off for my Coast 2 Coast ride next Tuesday. I don’t feel as practiced as I should do. So I’m about to set off a for a few miles of training.

While I’m out it would be great if there was an increase in the donations. Just click on one of these charities and catch up with why I’m doing this 140 mile ride next week.

Riding Lights Theatre Company

Funzi and Bodo Trust

Coast 2 Coast for Charity

Barrie with bike
I know it will rain and I will toil up a steep drenched track against a head wind wondering why I’m doing it. But I love the feeling of just me and a bike pitched against the elements in some remote corner of Britain. This year it’s a route from Sea to Sea – Whitehaven to Sunderland. On the way it winds 140 miles through The Lake District and over the Pennines.

I’ve set myself three days to complete it so that there’s time to enjoy the ride and stop at the odd tea room or two on the way. I leave Cumbria on June 23rd and arrive at the North Sea June 25th 2010.

But the real reason for the challenge is to raise money for two good causes.

I am a trustee of Riding Lights Theatre Company in York. A professional company that depends largely on the donations of its many members. To donate to them click this link C2CforRLTC

In the remote villages of Funzi and Bodo in Kenya people are threatened by a serious outbreak of cholera. Some have already died. The Funzi and Bodo Trust, which is run by Ashley Peatfield – an old colleague from the BBC, has been active in the area for some time. They have already provided a school and medical centre. Recently they have expanded the medical centre and increased the staff to combat the cholera outbreak and treat the people living there. Your sponsorship of my ride will provide funds for that charity. To donate click here C2CFunziBodo

I will be updating these pages as I train and during the ride so keep checking back.

Origins & Lemons review

A review of Origins and Lemons by Riding Lights Theatre Company. Still on tour – find out more http://www.ridinglights.org/sub_sites/o&l/o&ldates.html

The Doorpost Film Project – Unscripted

The Doorpost Film Project – Unscripted

Unscripted is a film created by Riding Lights Theatre Company for the 168 Hour Film Project. It won “Best …” in several categories.

International Film, Screenplay – Drama, Supporting Actress and Behind the Scenes Film.

168 is a faith-based, worldwide competition, in which teams make a short film in 168 hours (1 week).
Now you have a chance to vote for the film on the Doorpost site.