The 12th ride

Sunday's ride was held in the shadow of cyclist John Cassar who was seriously injured in a traffic accident while training last Friday and could possibly not be fit for this year's Betfair Lifecycle Challenge and after the wedding of cyclist Nick Calleja and backup team member Stephanie Galea the night before. When the cyclists and backup team arrived outside Mater Dei Hospital, everyone was asking for latest news on John's injury. His cycling buddy Maria Muscat was on the phone conveying all our well wishes to which John reciprocated.

Alan briefed all present about the route and what training he expected the cyclists to do, after which the cyclists set off. Sunday's three-lap loop started off from Ghajn Tuffieha towards Miżieb, Mellieħa Bypass, Ta' Penellu, Xemxija hill, Pwales, up San Martin Hill, Żebbiegħ to finally end at Mġarr square. The cyclists had to cover 160kms, 70 of which were done on the ride, while the remaining were, as now customary, either done before or after the ride. Nick and Luke started their ride at 2.00am and by 11.00am had covered 140kms.

The hills were tough for the cyclists, some more than others but at the end of the day the goal is to finish the challenge and give hope to the Renal Unit patients. Hope is the last word that should fade, and that is why we are all still hoping that John will recover in time to do the challenge after months of training and sacrifice.

Arriving at Mġarr, most of the cyclists were visibly tired and some had to be seen to by the physiotherapists, but that coffee and snack made them regain their energy which was enough for them to finish off their remaining kilometres and cycle back home.

Earlier last week other Lifecycle cyclists had close shaves when training and this prompts me again to ask why drivers do not calculate cyclists, motor cyclists, joggers and others. Why do cars drive at high speed close to cyclists? Why do drivers have to open their car door without checking if anyone is coming from behind? Yes we had a cyclist knocked down by a car door too! We had a cyclist skidding on diesel which must have leaked from a bowser, and another on irrigation water from centre strip irrigation!

The cyclists are continuously told to respect the rules and I am sure most do so. A bit of common sense is needed by all to avoid nasty incidents.

Donations can be made through landlines on 5004 9065 - €10, 5004 9060 - €20 and by SMS on 5061 8920 - €6.99, 5061 9229 - €11.65.

Lifecycle Organisation thanks you in advance for your generosity.