The Last Night - Participant Reflections
Changing Gears UK Blog – Participant Comments
August 26, 2005
Oh blimey, it has finally happened, the end of the ride is here… it’s been a whirlwind in every sense of the word, the early mornings and late (ish.. we have been pretty sensible.. for safety reasons) nights are beginning to take their toll on us all. I am really tired, but very happy!
At first I felt as though I was going to be sponsored to go on holiday, well that’s turned out to be partly true, although how many people go on holiday with a group of complete strangers? Although you couldn’t have wished for a more perfect group of strangers, who will never be strangers again, especially for me. The women on this ride have every conceivable good quality between them and I will miss them immensely.
The ride itself has been through some great roads, but riding in a formation is a lot harder than I thought, the level on concentration to not run into the group is high, and you have to ride close in order for no cars to cut in, although on the odd occasion they couldn’t be persuaded to stay out of our line, but bless the leader Dee for having a little word J
We’ve seen some stunning scenery on our way, some fantastic roads, some great youth hostels… although in England you get a better breakfast!!! lol Some of the routes we took are definitely to be re-explored, some of the youth hostels and surrounding areas to be visited again, it’s quite odd being shown some of the loveliest places by an Australian.. it’s a strange feeling.. but Meredith and Megan picked a stunning way to see our country… thank you so much, I will miss everyone on this journey, not seeing the same faces every morning will be strange, so I’m weaning myself off and staying here for a couple of nights with Carolyns, then heading back down south on Monday… I’m in two minds as to whether or not I’m looking forward to it… firstly I need a hot bath, a decent bed to sleep in and a rest before I go home and then I get to play on the GS on my own, so I’m looking forward to that, but not the long ride… my bum already hurts from the past 10 days……
Julie x
This has been an amazing journey. Not just the miles we have clocked up riding through some amazing countryside but also the bonds and friendships that have formed and the adventure that has made the distance thing an elephant, oops, irrelevant (thanks laney!)
I can’t believe this is the last night, and I want to say a HUGE thank you to ALL my friends and family for being involved and supporting me to make this happen. I wouldn’t be here tonight without your help. And special thanks to M & M for giving us this chance to come together as one, awesome!! Someone said today it’s like we’ve known each other all our lives, I said we have, we just never knew it until we met up!!! Living it and loving it. Keep smiling!!!!!
Angi xxx
Last night of the ride …. I can’t believe it’s here already. I am privileged and honoured to have been a part of all this, all be it as a van driver with severe Harley lust…. I *will* get a trike for next year!! I have met the most special people on this ride and hope with all my heart that we all stay in touch, I love all of you ladies, you are all my sisters. My special memories are too numerous to list here, but I won’t ever forget the squirrels, the donators, or the dormitory incidents. It has certainly been a cathartic experience for me – I have learned a lot, and gone through some pretty strong emotional rides – not only in the van, but I have also relived and sorted out some of the issues associated with my illness that I had not realized I needed to do… thanks for all of that to all of you. You are all amazing women with true amazon hearts. Namaste,
Laney xxxx (Thanks to M&M for making it all happen so smoothly)
What a fantastic experience this has been!! These UK women know how to ride. I am so impressed on how well they have come together as a group. I Thank them all for making my first trip overseas a very special one. Once again I have made life-long friends and can’t wait to come back next year and ride through the beautiful country side of England and Scotland. I have felt a special connection to this land and people. Thanks to Megan and Meredith for inviting me on this adventure. I look forward to riding the next two legs of the Global Run -the US ride and Australia are next. UK women Rock!! Love to you all.
Cathy (Fearless).
There’s something balancing about this experience – perhaps it’s not being a minority for a while, perhaps it’s the freedom from all the roles we assume, and an opportunity for a clean slate – to be yourself – not more and no less… whatever it is it works. Each day we take another step in this journey together – each taking control of our journey, but sharing the ride and working together…. Oh dear – I’ve had a few glasses of wine and become contemplative to the point of incoherence… On this our last night out I’d like to say a big thank you to all the women on the ride and to M&M for organizing it wonderfully – and to my family for leaving me free to roam.
pchu Heather
Everyone is getting pissed and enjoying themselves - great but it is the last night of our incredible experience and I will miss it! I have had several glasses of wine and champagne but that does not disguise the fact that tomorrow we shall be parting. I thank everyone for being such inspirational women. Everyone has such a fantastic strength and personality – I really don’t want it to end, it has been one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life. It has reawakened my interest in motorbikes – I shall be rushing out to buy one after 5 years. Most of all I shall miss everyone and thank Megan and Meredith for making this happen. There were times when I asked myself what was I doing – when it rained, hailed and was generally freezing – but we survived and had fun nevertheless. Thank you Cathy and Donna for coming so far and mucking in. I certainly hope to meet you both in your home countries.
Jacqui I love you all.
Well this is it, the last night together, we’ve had a pretty amazing time together over the last 10 days and nights, the free admittances to landmarks in England and Scotland, reduced dinner bills, all in the name of bonding and being cheeky. (If you don’t ask you don’t get!!!!) Its been a rollercoaster of experiences, emotions, togetherness like I’ve never experienced before and I feel so privileged to be a part of the first UK Changing Gears Global Run, I cannot thank M&M enough for their support and commitment to us on this very special and unique journey. To be shown around your own country by an Australian and an American is absolutely amazing and they have done themselves and their countries very proud in their attention to detail, we certainly have something to live up to next year!!! The relationships and friendships formed on this journey will be something carried forward and no-one will ever truly know how much this whole experience has meant to me, so thanks to everyone who took part, the friends made, the laughs, the tears, everyone is truly amazing, we are all Amazon Women.
Dee xx
The last night. It has come around so quickly. I am truly exhausted – the ride has taken loads of concentration and the emotions have been so free flowing this week, it’s left me tired out….but incredibly empowered and strong. I have cried so much….and been awe struck so many times….and realized how important it is for me to be with breast cancer survivors. Before my involvement with Changing Gears I was afraid to call myself a survivor….just in case I’m not. But now I realize that the fact I experience and live in the present, in the ‘now’, makes me a survivor. I have Meredith and Megan and all the other participants to thank for that. And I truly can’t thank them enough. I feel like I can get my life in gear, even though it felt so confused and messy before my involvement with this. I feel like I really will be able to change gear – and embrace the rest of whatever comes my way….I’m looking at all the women round the table now…all talking and laughing, and realize that life really is for grabbing and shaking. And I’m sure we all 16 of us realize that much more now. What a week! What an experience! What a life!
Alison x x x x x
August 26, 2005
Oh blimey, it has finally happened, the end of the ride is here… it’s been a whirlwind in every sense of the word, the early mornings and late (ish.. we have been pretty sensible.. for safety reasons) nights are beginning to take their toll on us all. I am really tired, but very happy!
At first I felt as though I was going to be sponsored to go on holiday, well that’s turned out to be partly true, although how many people go on holiday with a group of complete strangers? Although you couldn’t have wished for a more perfect group of strangers, who will never be strangers again, especially for me. The women on this ride have every conceivable good quality between them and I will miss them immensely.
The ride itself has been through some great roads, but riding in a formation is a lot harder than I thought, the level on concentration to not run into the group is high, and you have to ride close in order for no cars to cut in, although on the odd occasion they couldn’t be persuaded to stay out of our line, but bless the leader Dee for having a little word J
We’ve seen some stunning scenery on our way, some fantastic roads, some great youth hostels… although in England you get a better breakfast!!! lol Some of the routes we took are definitely to be re-explored, some of the youth hostels and surrounding areas to be visited again, it’s quite odd being shown some of the loveliest places by an Australian.. it’s a strange feeling.. but Meredith and Megan picked a stunning way to see our country… thank you so much, I will miss everyone on this journey, not seeing the same faces every morning will be strange, so I’m weaning myself off and staying here for a couple of nights with Carolyns, then heading back down south on Monday… I’m in two minds as to whether or not I’m looking forward to it… firstly I need a hot bath, a decent bed to sleep in and a rest before I go home and then I get to play on the GS on my own, so I’m looking forward to that, but not the long ride… my bum already hurts from the past 10 days……
Julie x
This has been an amazing journey. Not just the miles we have clocked up riding through some amazing countryside but also the bonds and friendships that have formed and the adventure that has made the distance thing an elephant, oops, irrelevant (thanks laney!)
I can’t believe this is the last night, and I want to say a HUGE thank you to ALL my friends and family for being involved and supporting me to make this happen. I wouldn’t be here tonight without your help. And special thanks to M & M for giving us this chance to come together as one, awesome!! Someone said today it’s like we’ve known each other all our lives, I said we have, we just never knew it until we met up!!! Living it and loving it. Keep smiling!!!!!
Angi xxx
Last night of the ride …. I can’t believe it’s here already. I am privileged and honoured to have been a part of all this, all be it as a van driver with severe Harley lust…. I *will* get a trike for next year!! I have met the most special people on this ride and hope with all my heart that we all stay in touch, I love all of you ladies, you are all my sisters. My special memories are too numerous to list here, but I won’t ever forget the squirrels, the donators, or the dormitory incidents. It has certainly been a cathartic experience for me – I have learned a lot, and gone through some pretty strong emotional rides – not only in the van, but I have also relived and sorted out some of the issues associated with my illness that I had not realized I needed to do… thanks for all of that to all of you. You are all amazing women with true amazon hearts. Namaste,
Laney xxxx (Thanks to M&M for making it all happen so smoothly)
What a fantastic experience this has been!! These UK women know how to ride. I am so impressed on how well they have come together as a group. I Thank them all for making my first trip overseas a very special one. Once again I have made life-long friends and can’t wait to come back next year and ride through the beautiful country side of England and Scotland. I have felt a special connection to this land and people. Thanks to Megan and Meredith for inviting me on this adventure. I look forward to riding the next two legs of the Global Run -the US ride and Australia are next. UK women Rock!! Love to you all.
Cathy (Fearless).
There’s something balancing about this experience – perhaps it’s not being a minority for a while, perhaps it’s the freedom from all the roles we assume, and an opportunity for a clean slate – to be yourself – not more and no less… whatever it is it works. Each day we take another step in this journey together – each taking control of our journey, but sharing the ride and working together…. Oh dear – I’ve had a few glasses of wine and become contemplative to the point of incoherence… On this our last night out I’d like to say a big thank you to all the women on the ride and to M&M for organizing it wonderfully – and to my family for leaving me free to roam.
pchu Heather
Everyone is getting pissed and enjoying themselves - great but it is the last night of our incredible experience and I will miss it! I have had several glasses of wine and champagne but that does not disguise the fact that tomorrow we shall be parting. I thank everyone for being such inspirational women. Everyone has such a fantastic strength and personality – I really don’t want it to end, it has been one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life. It has reawakened my interest in motorbikes – I shall be rushing out to buy one after 5 years. Most of all I shall miss everyone and thank Megan and Meredith for making this happen. There were times when I asked myself what was I doing – when it rained, hailed and was generally freezing – but we survived and had fun nevertheless. Thank you Cathy and Donna for coming so far and mucking in. I certainly hope to meet you both in your home countries.
Jacqui I love you all.
Well this is it, the last night together, we’ve had a pretty amazing time together over the last 10 days and nights, the free admittances to landmarks in England and Scotland, reduced dinner bills, all in the name of bonding and being cheeky. (If you don’t ask you don’t get!!!!) Its been a rollercoaster of experiences, emotions, togetherness like I’ve never experienced before and I feel so privileged to be a part of the first UK Changing Gears Global Run, I cannot thank M&M enough for their support and commitment to us on this very special and unique journey. To be shown around your own country by an Australian and an American is absolutely amazing and they have done themselves and their countries very proud in their attention to detail, we certainly have something to live up to next year!!! The relationships and friendships formed on this journey will be something carried forward and no-one will ever truly know how much this whole experience has meant to me, so thanks to everyone who took part, the friends made, the laughs, the tears, everyone is truly amazing, we are all Amazon Women.
Dee xx
The last night. It has come around so quickly. I am truly exhausted – the ride has taken loads of concentration and the emotions have been so free flowing this week, it’s left me tired out….but incredibly empowered and strong. I have cried so much….and been awe struck so many times….and realized how important it is for me to be with breast cancer survivors. Before my involvement with Changing Gears I was afraid to call myself a survivor….just in case I’m not. But now I realize that the fact I experience and live in the present, in the ‘now’, makes me a survivor. I have Meredith and Megan and all the other participants to thank for that. And I truly can’t thank them enough. I feel like I can get my life in gear, even though it felt so confused and messy before my involvement with this. I feel like I really will be able to change gear – and embrace the rest of whatever comes my way….I’m looking at all the women round the table now…all talking and laughing, and realize that life really is for grabbing and shaking. And I’m sure we all 16 of us realize that much more now. What a week! What an experience! What a life!
Alison x x x x x
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