Print Strategy’s directors Phil and Paul Newton, along with close friends, successfully completed their challenge of cycling 400 miles in 4 days from Porto to Lagos in sunny Portugal. With the main objective, to raise as much money as possible for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
400 Miles in 4 days… Porto to Lagos
Since recovering from the challenge, we’re getting into the saddle with Paul and Phil to find out what happened during their ride.
What was the toughest part of the challenge for you and how did you overcome them?
PHIL:
“One of the toughest days was the beginning of day 3, with Paul unwell and not eating meant energy levels were low and there were another 2 full days riding to go. I found the best way to overcome the harder times was to break them down mentally. Creating each challenge into a ‘mini-goal’ like getting up the next hill or get through the next mile.”
PAUL:
“For me, the toughest moments were in the middle of the day. By this point, we’d been riding the best part of 6 hours, 3 of those were in 25-30 degrees, by lunchtime we were exhausted. However, the biggest motivator which kept us going was seeing donations coming through. We’d all have a quick stop towards the end of the day, feeling extremely tired, check our phones to see someone’s made an amazing donation gave us all an extra boost of energy!”
What were the highlights of the challenge for you?
PHIL:
“The best moments were getting through the tough moments, climbing up the biggest hills and getting to the top is such a rewarding feeling. The funniest moment of the ride had to be on the 3rd day. Feeling pretty tired Paul noticed a dead snake in the road, two miles down the road the snake jumped out the hedge towards us trying to get across the road. Paul shouted “GO!” as fast as we could, Jack squealed, veered into the middle of the road and I slammed my brakes on! The snake chased after Jack which made us all pedal much faster and the next 10 miles flew by!”
PAUL:
“There were many highlights for me, however, the best moment was during a water break, a Scottish man came over noticing the Cystic Fibrosis Trust logo and donated £20. It is a cause he’s passionate about and anyone who’s ever been affected by CF will know how important the charity is. The fact that he was so generous and to see that what we were doing could evoke that reaction in such a remote part of the world was an incredible moment.”
What were your First feelings after crossing the Finish line?
PHIL:
“As we reached the finish line the feelings of exhaustion, happiness, and relief that we didn’t have to get on the bikes again in the morning! It was great to have received so much support from home and going beyond our fundraising target of £5,000 for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”
PAUL:
“Due to the excitement of hearing my sat-nav beep to say we reached the 400-mile mark, I immediately pulled over to tell Jack and Phil but managed to crash over the smallest curb I’ve ever seen! I felt very embarrassed and in pain, but extremely relieved we had finished!”
What have you learned from this experience?
PHIL:
“Looking back on the ride, I have learned how cycling can be very hard and takes a lot of time to prepare for. Completing endurance events previously gave me an advantage as I had a good idea of what we were facing.”
PAUL:
“I would agree with Phil; the experience has massively made me appreciate how much athletes go through. We had to be extremely dedicated for 6 months but cyclists do this for their entire lives which seems absolutely insane to me!”
The main learning experience for both Phil and Paul has been seeing the generosity of people. Receiving 116 different donations, with gift aid included they have raised an outstanding total of £6,910. Combining this with total raised from last year’s ride gives a grand total of £18,087 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust! Everyone is extremely proud of the team’s achievements which will make a huge difference to the charity.
If you would like to donate to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust please click here
