As a Cisconian, I’m used to get out of my comfort zone quite often, and that means following my heart in every possible way, both professionally and personally. When I got to know Rebecca and Bron, I knew I had in my hands the power to make their world a better and hopeful place by taking the lead on a fundraising campaign for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Research Foundation. And so, I embarked on the most outstanding humanitarian adventure on 2 wheels between the UK coast and Scotland. Dare to follow me for 819Km?
The Ride 4 Bron 2024
From June 10th to 14th, I cycled 819Km throughout UK and Scotland to raise funds for the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Research Foundation. PWS is a very rare condition which Bron, the son of our beloved Cisconian couple – Rebecca & Cam – suffers from. It results from abnormalities on chromosome 15 and the most common characteristics include small hands and feet, abnormal growth, and body composition, hypotonia (weak muscles) at birth, insatiable hunger, extreme obesity, and intellectual disability. Currently, there is no cure for PWS and most research aims to treat specific symptoms for quality-of-life improvement. Hence the importance to help the foundation on its research for new treatments and eventually, a cure. It’s about the ride and how we, at Cisco, impact the destination as a part of our culture’s DNA. Ready to go?
The Preparation
May 25, 2024, is a key date, marking 15 days until our 2024 Ride 4 Bron – the NC 500 across Scotland. This period is critical for final training. One notable challenge was cycling 300+ kms at 2 AM in a downpour, my route disappearing in the North Pennines. Yet, even in the rain, the wilderness felt like home, with a young deer appearing in my front lights.
Last weekend, I completed two 200km+ rides with Paul and Soura, where the wild terrain silenced our conversations, interrupted only by a curlew. Rebecca’s card and stickers, along with her unwavering support, are my anchors. The connection with Bron, Rebecca, and Cam will be crucial when facing physical challenges like my aching calf, knee, and neck.
Age has taught me endurance, but longer recovery. I’ve considered sleeping in a tent in the garden to enhance rest. Our route, campsites, and bookings are set, and I’m thrilled Julia is joining me this year. We’ll document everything in our roadbook.
With 10 days to go, an inspiring PWS webinar reminded me of our family’s activist legacy and my gratitude for Cisco’s support. Final route tweaks and added reading material are done, and nervousness is part of the adventure.
The long training sessions are complete. Now it’s about maintaining fitness and gear readiness. I’ll ride “El Toro” for 70km+ today and “Geordie” for 100km this weekend. Strava shows me just shy of 1900km for May, far exceeding my usual 1000-1200km. Happy days indeed. For me, the concerns are tangible: the relentless midges that could turn a serene evening into a test of endurance, the unpredictable weather that can transform landscapes within moments, and the looming question – will my body have the resilience to recover during covering over 800+kms, with daunting climbs, all within the span of five days?
Embracing the Start of a Grand Scottish Journey
On a tranquil Monday morning in Inverness, we find ourselves poised to capture the inaugural moments of our journey on video. A friendly voice interrupts, “Stephan, what are you doing?” momentarily casting a shadow of doubt. But with a smile, the realization dawns—it’s time to announce, “This is the start of our Ride4Bron 2024…”
The day’s agenda, laid out neatly on paper, suggests a straightforward ride: a 140km stretch from east to west, cresting the storied Bealach Na Ba Pass before descending into the welcoming embrace of Applecross. The machine (“Geordie” all my bikes have names, only the tandem isn’t allowed to have one) purrs contentedly beneath me, a steadfast companion against the backdrop of a sky draped in shades of grey.
Despite the overcast canvas above, we remain undeterred, our winter gear stowed as a testament to our readiness for whatever the Scottish elements may bestow upon us. Today’s journey, though seemingly simple, is the first stroke of the brush on our grand adventure’s canvas.
Challenges along the way
I had thoroughly studied the Bealach Na Ba Pass, knowing its gradients and the 10km stretch beyond the summit. However, an hour into the ascent, the road revealed a steep ramp with hairpin bends. Then, a fierce headwind, sub-zero temperatures, and hailstones tested my resolve. Urgently needing to escape the icy mountain, I dismounted and pushed my bike upwards. The summit offered only 2-5 meters of visibility, making the descent treacherous. Yet, I persevered, reaching the campsite to triumphant cheers.
Emboldened, I extended the second day’s journey to 245km to reach the northern edge in one go, saving time for the stunning sandy bays the next day. The ride to Ullapool, completed after 7pm with 50km still ahead, was extraordinary, each hill and curve unveiling new “wow” moments. By 10:30pm, exhausted and with no mobile reception, I followed random signs and car taillights to finally find the campsite—a sanctuary by the road, a beacon in the night.
Moments to cherish
From a long list of unforgettable moments, I highlight the opportunity to share this unbelievable experience with my amazing wife Julia. See her so happy and free just makes me realize how much nature is needed in everyday life. Gilbert; the French couple; Heather and Rupert from London; David, the fisherman and bike mechanic – just to name a few of the individuals I met along the way that gave me extra inspiration and joy to keep going. Traveling has a lot to do with the memorable people you meet along the way. Finally, seeing my team supporting me in every corner of the world. From EMEA to AMER to APJC it was a delight to see everyone moving for Bron and raising awareness for this cause.
Nature and the final stretch
The wilder it gets, the better. Immersing ourselves in nature, we leave all hassles behind, discover our inner selves, and feel a deep sense of belonging. As we ventured along the East coast, the landscape contrasted sharply with the untamed beauty of the Northwest. The slightly more developed infrastructure was a welcome change, providing a gentle reprieve before we turned inland on Day 5 for the final leg of our journey.
That day, I felt an unexpected grace; the climbs were effortless, as if the Scottish hills conspired to smooth my path. My spirit soared, and I felt so vitalized that I believed I could continue for another week. Scotland’s proud flags fluttered everywhere, but their significance eluded me in my focused state.
It wasn’t until we reached Inverness that everything fell into place. The city buzzed with festivity, celebrating both a local event and the first EU Football Championship game. Apologies to the local lads, who had just lost to Germany, but the atmosphere was electric and perfect for our own triumph.
It’s about the ride and how we impact the destination
Traveling through the wild is profoundly restorative, especially when combined with physical fitness and mental rejuvenation. We are immensely thankful for our employers’ unwavering support, particularly Cisco’s incredible commitment to our cause.
Reflecting on the past, the joy of giving last year still resonates vibrantly. The connections we’ve forged with individuals and organizations have grown stronger, and the feedback from the FPWR community has bolstered our spirits. To everyone who joined us in “Move 4 Bron,” we tip our hats in admiration — chapeau again.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are filled with anticipation and resolve. Whether we ride, swim, walk, or hike, we will unite in spirit and purpose. Let’s continue to weave this tapestry of camaraderie and support, for together, we are an unstoppable force for good. It’s about the ride and how we impact the destination!
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2 Comments
Thank you David, endurance sport can upgrade your mind beautifully = best business ideas accrues after a few hours indeed.
To detox from the "noise" completely you might need to go out in the wild.
Last but not least the emotional connection to the communities you support warms your soul and connects you with people you meat along the way…
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