Day 9: The Quadruple Threat: Rain, Hills, Camber, and Cake

Today was… well, let’s just call it a character-building experience. I faced what I’m now officially naming “The Quadruple Threat” rain, hills, camber, and cake. And no, that last one isn’t the reward you think it is.

Let’s start with the rain. There’s nothing quite like the joy of realising your gloves have transformed into tiny slip’n’slides just as you’re trying to push up a 20% incline. Every push was a gamble, would my hand stay put, or would it slide and send me gracefully flailing like a malfunctioning windmill? It’s hard work when you’re trying to get uphill and your only traction is pure stubbornness.

Then came the hills. Endless. Relentless. The kind of inclines that make you question your life choices, your fitness, and occasionally, the laws of physics. Some were so steep they looked like they’d been designed by someone with a personal vendetta against my wheels.

Add to that the camber, that sly tilt of the road that constantly tries to nudge you off course, and you’ve got a perfect storm of frustration. My shoulders, arms, and back were screaming, but I just kept pushing. Because what else do you do when quitting isn’t on the menu? Ah yes, and the cake. Let’s just say that when exhaustion and sugar meet, the results can be both glorious and mildly chaotic.

But the day wasn’t all grimacing and grim determination. I got to chat with the lovely folks at BBC Radio’s Woman’s Hour, which was such a boost, a bit of sunshine through the drizzle. And then came the absolute highlight: Durham Rugby Club. What a welcome! Their warmth and generosity absolutely blew me away. The donation they made to Childfund-rugby (thank you so much!) genuinely made all the struggles of the day worthwhile.

To top it all off, John the physio worked his magic on my poor battered back. I’ve never actually had a proper physio session before, and wow, where has that been all my life? He’s seeing me again tomorrow, thankfully, because without that miracle massage, I might still be stuck in bed tomorrow!

So yes, today was tough, soggy, slippery, steep, and utterly exhausting. But it was also full of kindness, resilience, and community. The kind of day that reminds you why you started this journey in the first place. Rain, hills, camber, and cake. Bring it on. One more to go... and still going strong!