DAY 2: SHINE

With only 35 miles to do today and the ferry not leaving until 11pm, I decided to have a slow start to the day and take advantage of my hosts' hospitality. Their home is in Heybridge, not too far from the Basin. A lovely but windy stroll around it and you can see Maldon and it's harbour, and just by where they live are some little house boats - some in better nick than others.

My hosts went above and beyond their call of duty, making me lunch and then sending me on my way to Harwich via Colchester. The sun was shining and the ride was great. I followed the National Cycle Route 51 most of the way, passing Abberton reservoir, yellow fields full of rapeseed and a pub where the landlady looked like Bonnie Tyler.

I arrived in Harwich meeting a group of lads on their way to Holland for Queens Day in Amsterdam. They had cycled all the way from London that day with no training and little rucksacks on their backs. That's between 85-90 miles folks. Mind you they couldn't stand up in the bar on their way to bed.

Was actually quite surprised by my accommodation on the ferry. Check this out. Flat screen TV and everything!

Time for bed, but before I do, here is my random fact of the day, followed by my Eurovision song.
Random Fact: Colchester is the oldest recorded town in England.
And my Eurovision song for the day could be one of 3 songs, all with the name 'Shine', as the sun decided to shine for me today. Does anyone know how many songs have been in Eurovision with this title? Answers on a postcard please.

SIOBHAN'S CONVERSION METER
And today, it's Greece's entry for 2013. Alcohol is Free.

Well, at least this had a bit more gusto about it. And I applaud the sentiments behind the song about alcohol being free. Unless of course the song is about the detrimental effects of free alcohol on society - it's hard to tell when you don't speak the language. There was a sort of punk sensibility about this with the men in skirts jumping around on stage, and I liked the traditional greek sound (and the man with the moustache). However, It still wasn't very good – and I really wanted to like it. If this was being played in a bar, I wouldn't leave, but I would ask them to turn it down. Or maybe I would just move away from the speaker.
An honest 5.
Sorry :(

DAY 1: HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO!

Day one started well. However, those of you who know me, might know that the first day of my big trips are well – full of drama. Ten years ago, on the start of a big trip to South America, I spectacularly missed my first flight by falling asleep in the departure lounge and then sitting at the wrong gate. Well this time, think Chevie Chase's European Vacation's roundabout scene but in Harlow and you might have an idea.

Miles I was meant to ride: 51
Miles I actually rode: Atleast 60 (Remember this for the end)
Random fact of the day: Did you know that Harlow is the birthplace of fibre optic communication?
Knights in shining armour included: Taxi driver in Harlow, man in 4x4 and my B&B hosts.

I waved goodbye to my Eurovision buddie Jude and made my way through the streets of north London and on the Lee Valley path. This runs from the Thames, right up to in to Hertfordshire. You pass suburban and urban areas, as well as beautifully painted house boats.

For some reason I came off the path early and had a 'lost moment' in Waltham Cross. Mind you, I still arrived in Harlow in time for lunch. Now then, Harlow is surrounded by cycle paths that twist and wind around the town. It confused me and it well and truly confused my bike sat nav, sending me on a 20 mile goose chase. Back in Harlow, a cab driver saw my distress and both followed and in the end had to escort me 3 miles out of the city centre in his cab. He did this for free! Buy that man a beer!

Onwards and upwards, I pedalled through little villages, in between hail storms and rainbows, pausing to check the way. A man in his 4x4 stopped to check I was OK. Cyclists, never judge a man by his car!

It was getting late (7ish) and I was physically and mentally exhausted. After a lot of thought – all of about 5 seconds, I had decided to ride in to Chelmsford and get a cab to take me the extra 10 miles to Heybridge, my stop for the night. I'd already done about 60 miles, more than my quota for the day and I wasn't going to make myself ill and spoil the rest of this trip. So, stopping to call my hosts to let them know, they responded and said they would come and pick me up. Yippeeeee! Mum, you see, I am sensible!

So the Eurovision song for the day has to be dedicated to the four people who saved the day. My heroes!

And here is the first day of the Siobhan Eurovision Conversion Meter. I chose Tom Dice's 'Me and My Guitar', which is one of my favourites of recent years. (Belgium 2010). Seems it wasn't one of Siobhans.

What can I say? For my first review I was expecting something more interesting. This was woefully unimpressive, lacking the craziness I was expecting from a Eurovision entry. He sounded like a talent show version of someone who I can't really place because they are so bland and unmemorable. He wasn't terrible, but he was incredibly boring. Also, his lyrics made no sense (howeer, I am not holding that against him). Overall, I feel a bit numb about this. However, having listened to this twice now, I still do not care about him. Nor indeed, about his guitar.

A generous 3.

AND I'M OFF!

Nervous, excited, nervous, excited! I can't believe the day is here. I'm finally about to start my journey. Yikes! Before I do though, I want to thank all friends and family who have been so encouraging and supportive the last few months. You've all been amazing! I know I'm going to have ups and downs along the way, but when I do, I will be keeping the Special Olympics pledge in my mind the whole way –'Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'

I really should be in bed getting some shut-eye now. However, I couldn't let this moment pass without choosing a Eurovision song to send me on my way. I was thinking for ages what it should be. The first song is always so important. Well, after considerable thought, there can only be one. It's not Abba and it's not Bucks Fizz. Eurovision fans, please be upstanding for 'Te Deum' – the Eurovision anthem.

A SPECIAL OLYMPIAN'S 'EUPHORIA!'

In 2012, Loreen from Sweden won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Euphoria'.

As a trainer for the Special Olympics cycling programme, I burst with pride when I see how cycling has transformed the lives of my trainees – changing attitudes, giving hopes and dreams and allowing them to experience their achievements no matter how big or small.

Jubel was one of my trainees. He was asked to write a poem at college and he chose to write about his Special Olympics cycling, clearly showing how significant it was in his life. His words express how special the Special Olympics was to him better than mine will ever do. Cycling was his 'Euphoria'.

Poem written by Jubel (Bikeworks Special Olympic Cycling Trainee)

Nice and stylist comfy

Traycycle and recumbent

I go every week

No pain, more gain

more pain, more

gain. I ride with

traycycle and 

recumbent, I pedal

speed of 80 per miles.

With cool air in 

My face, cool breeze

in my face with

blue sky in the 

sky, left and right

green grass with

big tree with

The green leafs

As if they 

imaginary tree people

cheering me

“Go J go FASTER”

I too fast too speedy.

Last year 1^st time 

I came in Timelap

I did it in 4 mins 24 secs.

I was proud of it, more

Competitions coming up 

This year I hope I come first

I train with 

experience trainer

she encourages

Trains me up.

Teaches me.

New skills.

I pedal with

my speedy

legs.  I go

FAST and do

skills.  Why I

cycling?

I do skills. 

People see me

they give me

sweet smile.

I smile back at Them.

After I ride

I get happy,

I keep mind 

in TIP TOP 

condition. I keep

fit, stay calm.

I feel my 

troubles melt away.

I keep smiling. 1 day

My dream is to 

cycle in the Olympics

win gold medal. On the

V.I.P. seat. My support workers,

doctor, Mates and Family, my dream lady

Cheer Me, Support Me

All The Way To Finish!

If you loved this poem, please donate to this Eurovision ride and help transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Thank you.

CYCLING EUROVISION ROUGH ROUTE REVEALED!

ROLLER-COASTER

Well, it's been a rollercoaster week in Cycling Eurovision land. It didn't start well, as my lovely friend Siobhan who has been training with me throughout this hideous winter and was planning to come with me to Copenhagen, has had to pull out due to a back injury. Boooooo! She's gutted and I'm gutted. It won't be the same without her, but the trip for me is still going ahead. 

I've been overwhelmed by people's concern, but please be assured, I'll be boring you all senseless from the road via social media and texts. And, Siobhan being the good sport she is, especially as she doesn't like Eurovision, has still agreed at our efforts of a Eurovision Conversion. Hooray! Each evening I'll be sending her a song to critique. See the Siobhan-Conversion-Meter here. Any ideas are more than welcome!

ROUGH ROUTE REVEALED

Many people have been asking about my route. So here is a VERY rough route plan. It doesn't follow exact roads I'll be taking, but you can see where I'm planning to stop each day.

MEDIA SPONSORS

The fab team at ESCToday have offered to be the media sponsors for my crazy journey. They have been a fantastic support and the blog and logo are already up on the front page. Thank you guys!

ESC CANADA

Until this week, I had no idea that Eurovision had a following in Canada. Who knew? Well, with the wonders of Skype I had a little interview with one of the founders this evening and apparently, this should be out as a podcast on April 23rd. If you haven't heard their podcasts, please click on this link and have a listen. EscCanada

NEW PURCHASES

And look what's arrived this week. There will be no hiding now!

AND FINALLY

Although this is going to be a fun-packed Eurovision based trip, do remember that I am cycling to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics GB and their cycling programme. Any donation, big or small will be truly appreciated by myself and SOGB. Thank you so much for all of your support so far. Keep it coming! Donate here.

STORY FROM THE PARENT OF A SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETE

I often see how sports training can change a Special Olympians life, by improving fitness, giving independence and empowerment. I've also seen how it can change the life of the carer too. Each time a trainee comes to the bike club or for their Special Olympics training, they often come with their carer. 

For a parent, seeing their child succeed is a time of emotion and pride. One such parent has been coming with her son for over two years. It's a fun time she shares with her son, but also a time for herself too. Listen to her story here.

http://audioboo.fm/boos/1328162-parent-of-a-special-olympian

Special Olympic athlete and a volunteer at Bikeworks All Ability Club

On the 27th April, I will be cycling with my friend Siobhan from London to Malmo for the Eurovision Song Contest. I will be raising money for a charity close to my heart – Special Olympics GB. Any donations big or small, will be really appreciated.

TO DONATE:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MandyNormski

READ MORE ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS:
http://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk

CYCLING THE ROUTE OF THE GRAND DEPART 2014 – ish!

Blossoms should have been flowering on the trees and sheep skipping in grassy fields, but this week’s training was still snowy, albeit sunny and beautiful. I was in my home city of Leeds visiting the family and in between, getting some serious cycle training for the forthcoming Eurovision ride. It was cold, it was windy and by-gum, was it hilly!

As most of my friends will testify, I was very excited when they announced that the 2014 Grand Depart will take place in Leeds. I was therefore keen to try and ride some of the route. Only problem was, I realise now that my Sat Nav didn't take me the exact route. . . hmmm. Nevermind, it was a good one none the less. Here it is:

There are plenty of pubs along the way and lovely little villages, but what was amazing for me was that I’d forgotten how vast and epic Yorkshire can be. Climbing up to Ben Rhydding was tough, but in ‘Granny Gear’ with my legs spinning like crazy, I managed to get to the top. Sir Bradley et al, my hat/helmet goes off to you with admiration. In a fraction of the time though, I found myself whizzing down a very steep hill on the other side and in to Ilkley for a well-earned cuppa.

The next day I did a shorter ride in to Wetherby.

Again, picturesque villages, sheep, hills, the river Wharfe and a great deli on arrival in to Wetherby. (North Street Deli) From north Leeds and back, it was only 20 miles, but it’s a good solid ride and with the sun shining, it was beautiful. I highly recommend it. 

If you're from Yorkshire, you'll like the ginnel photo. My friends down south just don't get it.

And here are some other random things I discovered whilst cycling around Leeds. 
(From left to right: Altus Equus by Andy Scott, crocus peeping through the snow in Roundhay park and Trinity Owl by Antonia Stowe)

The little owl in the right hand photo is one of many. The Owl is on the Leeds coat of arms and there is an Owl trail you can do which will take you around interesting nooks and crannies of the city.

I think therefore, that the Eurovision song for this week should be one of my favourites from this years competition. It’s vast, it’s epic and well, it’s not about owls, but it is about ‘Birds’. This is the Dutch entry for 2013.

On the 27th April, I will be cycling with my friend Siobhan from London to Malmo for the Eurovision Song Contest. I will be raising money for a charity close to my heart – Special Olympics GB. Any donations big or small, will be really appreciated.


TO DONATE:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MandyNormski

READ MORE ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS:
http://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE LEEDS OWL TRAIL:
http://www.leedsowltrail.com

FIND OUT MORE INFO ON LE GRAND DEPART 2014:
http://letour.yorkshire.com/the-grand-depart-2014