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Nick Miles
A simple blog to capture my experiences from a 500+ mile cycle ride across Lithuania in May 2012.Smiler Miles
Ride for Rugute
I am cycling across Lithuania, again, to raise funds for the charity Rugute, which has been setup to support local children with cancer (http://www.rugute.lt/en/). I am joined on this 'adventure' by colleagues from Barclays in the UK and Lithuania. Rugute provides invaluable physical and emotional support to vulnerable children and their families. you can sponsor me here: http://www.globalgiving.org/dy/fundraiser/prevfund/gg.html?regid=4803
Travel Blog Posts
May 12th 2012
Made it. The guys completed the gruelling 518 miles as they rode to Barclays Technology Centre in Vilnius. I was able to join them and cycled in with others from the office for the last 3 or 4 miles. The welcome was fantastic with well over 50 people waiting to welcome us back from the trip. The day started early and we reached Trakia at around 2.00pm for the traditional lunch of Kibinai which is served in that region. Then it was on to the final leg into Vilnius and the usual photo call under the city limits sign on the outskirts of town. The forecast rain had pretty much held off and the Friday afternoon traffic was the main challenge to arriving on schedule at 4.30pm.... read more
May 10th 2012
Sorry for lack of blogg, too tired last night. Day three was very very hard my knees were very painful and the going was slow. We made changes to our destination (Silute) to shorten the route slightly and the lads helped me reach the end by taking the front. I started day four but it wasn't long before my knees were in pain again and after 30 miles I had to call it a day. I was in so much pain I could hardly walk to the support bus. The guys have been great and I'm still one of the team and hope to do the last 5 miles or so tomorrow as we reach Vilnius.... read more
May 8th 2012
Hi folks. Sorry for lack of update yesterday but the first hotel had no internet connection. The first day was very tough and after a celebrity send off from Vilnius we headed into the hills. Lots of undulations and cool weather made us realise that we had arrived. The afternoon route was a lot flatter which was good however it started to rain. We arrived at the first hotel in Panevysys (excuse spelling) cold tired and wet. I could hardly get my case up to the room. Good food and an instant sleep however helped with the overnight recovery. Up bright and early today (Tuesday) and we set off for the lake at Plateliai. Long flat roads a quick stop for lunch and then we were on our way again. A very long ride up long ... read more
May 6th 2012
Just three hours later and it's torrential rain with thunder and lightening. Hope it clears up for tomorrow.... read more
May 6th 2012
We have arrived safely in Vilnius after a slightly bumpy approach. The weather is very pleasant, a balmy 22 deg C and sunny. We're having a cheeky beer before assembling the bikes ready for the big ride in the morning.... read more
May 5th 2012
Ok. Today's the day for packing the bags, stripping down and securely bubble wrapping the bike ready for its flight to Lithuania in the morning. Remember the saying; Tickets, Passport, Wallet. We all say it and check about 12 times that we've got everything. I'm trying to remember how I felt this time last year. Nervous, definitely, but this year I think I am extra nervous remembering how tough it was last time and this year were riding even further in less time. Oh well I will feel better when we've arrived and the bike is re-assembled. See you soon.... read more
April 25th 2012
I've had a go at producing a video from last years ride. See what you think.... read more
April 24th 2012
Having agreed to repeat or even extend last years ride I am attempting to get my head around the intricacies that are this Blog. Follow my antics here as I embark upon 'Ride for Rugute 2012'.... read more
Cheque Presentation
Published: May 15th 2011Europe » United Kingdom » England » Warwickshire » Nuneaton
May 15th 2011
Hi all. Safely back in the UK now. Yesterday (Saturday) we rode the 5 miles from Head Office at Green Hall to the Rugute lodge which is situated near to the hospital in Vilnius. This is a facility where the children and their families can go to rest and stay during and between treatments, it means that families don't have to travel miles each time treatment is administered and it allows them to stay close but get away from the hospital environment. We met up with the familiar faces from the Rugute charity organisation once more in the morning and presented a cheque for £5000. We expect and hope that this may increase a little more to help this really worthwhile cause. We rounded off the day with a walking tour of Vilnius and its 44 ... read more
May 14th 2011
We set off early on the last morning and by 10.00am we had done 20 miles. Rain was forecast and we wanted to get as close to 'home' as possible before getting wet. A few decent hills were tackled and we stopped for lunch in Trakai and had a local equivalent of cornish pasties. We then set off for the last stage of our epic journey into Vilnius. Then the problems started! First we encountered a huge traffic jam, then it started to rain heavily. We plodded on and then saw Barclays office in the distance. It was fantastic, we were wet, cold and tired but none of that mattered. The 30 strong welcoming committee gave us a huge cheer as we crossed the finish line, a great feeling to have reached our goal. Thanks to ... read more
Tot: 0.166s; Tpl: 0.006s; cc: 11; qc: 76; dbt: 0.0645s; 1; s:apollo w:www (50.28.60.10); sld: 1; ; mem: 6.4mb
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