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Istanbul to Leeds charity challenge: Mike Tomlinson diary
The YEP is charting the family's progress in twice-weekly diaries.
Here is the first entry from Mike:
July 21, 7pm: As we were loading up our support vehicles at a warehouse in Holbeck, my phone rang. I was up to my eyes in it, so I went to press 'ignore' but then saw it was a friend, Dave.
"I just wanted to wish you well and be safe," he said. Dave had represented a media group on all Jane's rides but wasn't travelling this time.
"We will," I said.
"Please be safe, you can't be too careful," he said.
OK, why this concern after eight years? I wondered.
"Please, promise you'll take special care," he insisted again.
"Fine," I said. "Please promise me," he persisted.
"Dave, you're freaking me out now. Stop."
"I just can't get the image of little Jane and the giant juggernauts out of my head," he said.
When people ask what I hope from the trip, my answer is always the same – for us all to get home in one piece. Over the next five weeks the riders will cycle a total of 17,500 miles.
July 24, 10pm: The support vans arrived in Istanbul after 72 hours of continuous driving. The journey included a two-and-a-half hour stop at the Turkish border to prove that the RV was legitimately hired.
The drivers had a book full of stories but my ears pricked up when they mentioned that Bulgaria has potholes the size of craters and the Romanian roads are one continuous white knuckle ride and far too dangerous for them, let alone cyclists. We'll make judgment calls as and when, but safety of the children is paramount.
I often get asked whether I miss Jane and I have to say it's a stupid question. But there are times when my memory is jerked and the pain is as raw as the moment she died.
This happened as I packed our bags and sorted some cycling equipment, untouched since she'd used it last. My heart raced and tears flowed. We wouldn't be here without her and three years on she continues to influence our lives, positively.
Mix
As for Istanbul, it's a wonderful mix of Asia and Europe from the muezzin calling prayers, the bazaars, carpet shops, the headcase drivers, the smokers hazily lounging outside bars sitting on rugs, it's amazingly atmospheric and blisteringly hot.
I am looking forward to the ride, in a naive sense.
I'm nowhere near fit enough, it's a long way home and my bottom is gonna take one helluva beating.
But after being married to Jane any moaning would be churlish and disrespectful.
I'm alive and going to soak up every experience, each revolution is an honour to make.
****
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
