C2C Coast to Coast Classic For Pain Concern Niki & Lee Peddling against Pain (3 days)

The complete vlog of our Coast to Coast cycle ride for Pain Concern.
Starting at Whitehaven ending up at Tynemouth. 144 miles total.
Day One - Whitehaven to Penrith - A long day! We lost an hour with an early puncture, and I needed my gears indexed at Keswick - but we all survived and did well.
The video is raw and real - we are doing a Hard Thing - remember 5 years ago I struggled to walk a mile let alone cycle 144 miles in 3 days. Life changes, but the hard work, commitment and courage is often very hidden. These are five people who know this.
Day Two - Penrith to Eastgate. The weather wasn't as friendly this day and we had the biggest climbs - and we all worked very hard. But it was wonderful as well.
I had to walk some stretches - my Specialised Tricross has old gears and I'm in dead man's gear when the others have 4/5 still to go! But you have the tools you have and I worked out the best way to use them! Proud of myself.
Particularly up Hartside, I knew I would be better off riding the last 3 km, so I paced myself up the the first parts of the long climb - so when we got to the main road I could draft behind Greg and focus on his back wheel - and I rode all the way.
I am now confident that when I can update my gearing system hills will be far less of a footsore issue!! Regardless, I did the whole distance, with the power of my own legs, heart, lungs and mind!
Day Three - Eastgate to Tynemouth - the "easy" day starts at Eastgate and has a BIIIIG hill very early - after that, and we join Greg and Ian at Parkhead Station House its downhill all the way to Tynemouth. Rain in Newcastle but today is a joy. Highly recommend the Waskerley Way for great gravel riding, As ever the cycle paths along this route are nearly all superb.
Lee & Niki's fundraiser for Pain Concern
Lee and Niki both have Lived Experience of severe persistent pain
This Autumn they will be taking on the challenge of a 173 mile ride from one side of the UK to the other, with the aim of highlighting the silent epidemic of persistent pain in this country.
They want to do this to highlight the impact of persistent pain personally and in society and champion organisations like Pain Concern, Flippin Pain, Footsteps Festival, Partnering Pain and the British Pain Society who exist to support people to understand, manage and even recover from pain.
Lee
Lee has been living with Pain for 31yrs and last year was off work for 4 months fearing that he would never return to employment or a reasonable way of live. His experience with his Pain Management Programme taught him to Live Well With his Pain. Although Pain remains a part of his life, it is no longer his life.
Niki
For 16 years until 5 years ago Niki would struggle to walk 1 mile - let alone cycle so far - but learning to effectively self manage her pain, based on modern pain science has been key to a recovery from significant levels of disability. She works hard to maintain this recovery.
The Challenge and Metaphor
This will be a monumental challenge for both Lee and Niki, physically and mentally. Cycling is very easy to compare to self management for persistent pain. The hills will present severe obstacles, so climb them with care and be mindful of what your body is telling you. Enjoy the descents but take care because if a decent is not also managed with care, then another steeper hill is just around the corner. Riding with others who understand your experience is also key to success, for the support and encouragement. No person is an island, and even if you have to do a lot yourselves, having others cheerleading is vital.
Lee and Niki say:
You can be part of our cheerleading squad by donating a small amount. We will be documenting our training and our progress on the ride - but every penny donated is a cheer - it means someone out there is caring, and as pain can be a lonely and isolating experience, this is a very tangible and appreciated way of supporting our cause.
Please support their challenge, and follow their journey on Social Media also.
/ lvaughan1974
/ fizzbw

[@rebeccaheazell3646]

Hey Niki