The most amazing Jubilee experience that I will cherish forever
“When I decided to cycle more than 1,300 miles from ‘Home to Rome’ I didn’t actually own a bike. And I wasn’t much of a cyclist. But it was Jubilee Year. Plus I’d recently turned 40; mid life crisis, and I couldn’t afford the Porsche!
“I wanted to do something that would challenge me while also raising money for Alzheimer Scotland, a cause that means a lot to our family. So I bought a bike and spent the next few preparing for the trip.
“What kept me motivated was thinking about my gran Anne and my great-gran Mary, who both died with dementia. They were both strong women until their later years when I remember the impact dementia had on them and indeed on the wider family.
“After a lot of preparation, I set off from home in Newcastle to begin the 1,325-mile journey south. I cycled through the Netherlands, following the Rhine river in Germany, into France and Switzerland, following the Via Francigena Pilgrims Route over the Alps and down to Rome.
“It was an incredible journey. Stunningly beautiful at times, but physically and mentally tough also. After 24 days on the road, I was fortunate enough to reach the Vatican just in time for Pentecost Sunday mass in St Peter’s square with Pope Leo, after which I was able to walk through the Holy Jubilee Door in St Peter’s Basilica.
“What a climatic finish. My legs were like jelly, but just the most amazing Jubilee experience that I will cherish forever.”
Chris
