We are so proud of SV client, Eola Canham, for completing Ride Across Britain, a 972 bike ride, from Land's End to John O'Groats, last month.
The cycling trip took nine days to complete, with 34-year-old Eola and her fellow cyclists covering 100+ miles a day.
Eola has been seeing Sophie for regular maintenance sports massages and some sports therapy sessions. She has been suffering from tightness in the neck with nerve sensitivity in the arms and hands due to lots of cycling training. Eola has also suffered from hip flexor and ITB issues due to a pelvic malalignment and we have been managing both symptoms using soft tissue therapy, acupuncture and exercises. We asked Eola a few questions about her epic bike ride...
When did you do the Ride Across Britain event?
9 - 18 September 2016 Why did you do it?
I love cycling but I've never done anything like this before. I wanted to do it as a personal challenge but also to raise money for the British Paralympic Association. I raised £1350. Tell us about the trip...
My Bianchi bike did me proud! We had an early start each day - we woke up at 5:30 and were on our way by 7:15. We covered over 100 miles per day, with our longest day being 127miles. Each day we cycled around 8/9 hours, with two pit stops.
Did you enjoy it?
I loved it. I can't believe it's all over...
What training did you have to do?
I did a lot of training, from double spin classes, to ensuring I did at least one 100 mile ride before the trip. I was covering up to approx. 200km per week, with long rides at the weekends.
Was it easier/harder than you expected?
A bit of both - there were some days that were easier than others. A head wind always made it that little bit tougher. But we had gorgeous weather the whole duration. In Scotland especially, which was unreal.
Would you do it again?
At the moment I would say yes.
Do you have any advice to anyone thinking of doing this kind of event?
I would say make sure you get in a group, as these guys and girls become your friends during and after the ride. I definitely recommend anyone to take this challenge on. With the right training, taking care of yourself and taking each day as it comes on the ride, it's completely achievable. Don't be overwhelmed by the daily distances - think of them as three separate rides. Work in a group and enjoy the amazing scenery Britain has to offer, especially when you hit Scotland it's just breathtaking.
What's your next challenge?
I've signed up for the Cape Town Cycle Tour in March 2017, and I'd like to take on Mont Ventoux again and do a few new climbs in the French Alps.