Breaking Borders

Cardiff to Bristol. Day Four

By Black Sheep Cycling

October 1^st, 2017

MAN RIDE 2017.

Day Four. We think. We hope. Wales had treated us kindly, save perhaps for the last half of the first day, which will forever remain scarred in the memory. But crossing the border into England felt a significant moment and brought some temporary relief, if only mental, for legs now laden with over 700k. London is calling.

Our hopes of having some kilometres stolen by Robin Hood in the Forest of Dean weren't to come to fruition, but we were instead treated to the storybook, tree-lined roads of the beautiful Cotswolds. Stunning scenery and quaint villages, for the most part, helps the ks tick by. At this stage of the week, you scarcely know what day it is, but there is an acceptance that you just have to get it done. That mental strength will prevail. That you can get through.

Day Five is by no means a free ride. It's another significant route and the distance equal to what has come the previous four days. But there's a sense of home. Relief for the body and mind is at least on the horizon. If they weren't there for Day Four, your legs won't return for Day Five. But teamwork helps. And this trip has been personified as much by the people off the bikes as on them. Eoin, Gethin and Freddie from Sigma Sport all deserve special mention for their gallant support of our endeavour. At one time or another, each of them has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure our ultimate goal is reached.

On the road, Daniel Hutchinson – an American with a big heart and not afraid share it – has been gallant in his stewardship and sacrifice of others. When contemplating 1000km in 5 days, it's easy to get wrapped up in your own journey. In your own niggles or concerns for making the finish. But as a unit we have worked, and Daniel has been ever-present in dedicating himself to help those less comfortable with battling 200 kilometres per day.

This act in itself substantiates the meaning of The Man Ride. Being there for someone more in need than yourself. It's easy to become consumed by our own lives, and the lives that play out on social media. We forget about human connection and as a consequence forget about how what we do or what we say can affect the lives of others.