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Published: January 12th 2011
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Distance travelled -102kms
Today was about making it, and today we made it!
I’m almost speechless as I sit in one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever been to and reflect on the day and even the last week. There’s mixed emotions going around but right now we feel like we’ve been dropped onto the set of Avatar surrounded by amazing mountains, a glorious pool and thatched roof cabins. If only we could stay here for a week. But no tomorrow is a very big day for us as we make the final 56km journey to Baan Tharn Namchai Orphanage but that has not come without some hard work from us all today.
The morning began with a very moving pep talk from Pete. Following the surprise visit from the children yesterday the team gathered round arm in arm to take a moment and reflect on the reason that we are here. And today that reason was Be Be. Be Be is the 4yo we met yesterday who has aids and only days to live. It was important for him to make the trip to meet Khun Thew at the finish line tomorrow and he has made
it so what more encouragement than that do we need to get across tomorrow. To Pete’s point little boys like Be Be put things into perspective. We could wake up one morning to a crappy breakfast, no internet, a shitty mood, a flat tyre, but our problems are minuscule when you think about these children and each of the lives they live. So today was for Be Be!
Rolling hills through some amazing countryside saw the best come out of each of our riders. For Kel this was a huge day both mentally and physically. This was the dreaded day 7 that we’d both heard so much about and she didnt think she would get through it without getting a lift with the support van but she did it - just like Be Be - she made it. She was looking a little worried at the first water stop but threw down an iced coffee, snickers, and a power gel and powered through the next leg and on to lunch. Kel is one proud cookie right now, she has not only surprised herself but the other riders are in awe of how far she has come.
As for
me I gave my absolute all today. Mentally I had prepared myself for this day and physically the last 600+ km’s on the legs have given me the strength to get through it so with a bit of help from my team mates I too made it! My killer leg was pushing through the hill climb with Henry at the front of the pack - no matter how much I wanted to drop back he’d tell me to drop a gear and keep spinning so I did! I have also surprised myself over the last week... this experience has been incredible and I’m so excited about going home, sharing my story and using the lessons I’ve learnt to move forward in 2011!
The afternoon was very surreal for us as we shared a few Singhas in the pool nestled underneath some amazing back drops. This experience has brought a lot home for us and put life into perspective. We’ve seen things we never thought we would, experienced a life we never knew existed and we’ve contributed to the future of some pretty incredible children.
Tonight brought the team together once again for our final dinner and some awards.
Kel was awarded the Nurofen Award - sponsored by Nurofen - for breaking through the pain threshold with Nurofen. I was awarded the one Henry would need to watch if only I had two eyes - thanks mosquito!!
All in all a good night and will update you all asap tomorrow to let you know we’ve crossed the finish line.
Thanks to everyone that has followed our journey, we hope that we’ve given you some laughs along the way but most of all we hope that we’ve inspired you.
Lots of love
Claire and Kel
xx
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Lisa (Big Sis)
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Good Luck
Good luck for the final day....I am worn out just reading the blogs! Tears nearly everyday :) No doubt mum and dad will be busting to get to you in 56klms time! From all the boys and me back at home.....you have done us proud x Love you Lis x x x Give Kel a big hug from me....as she has done my job for me in person!!! She has helped keep you going as you have done her. Well done to the both of you x x