My ear plugs did not really do the trick as I could still hear the snoring echoing around me. Thankfully I was tired so the pain was not endured for a long time. A few early risers, who luckily for them I did not manage to identify, meant that everyone started waking up around 6am even though it wasn't necessary for us to do so. I guess, that deep down, we all wanted to get our bikes sorted and make sure that all was in order.
Theresa and her team had woken up earlier (but no I was not referring to them as the rowdy early risers) and prepared our breakfast in an adjoining room. Hot coffee, fresh bread, Nutella, peanut butter, cereal and biscuits were laid out for us and did not last very long as all of us woke up famished. Once breakfast was sorted we all went back into the gym, started to open our boxes and assemble our bikes.
All seemed well when I opened my bike bag and start unpacking the various bits and pieces but soon after disaster strikes! My bike’s disc and frame are badly damaged. I burst into tears. We haven’t even started cycling yet and the bike is broken. No dramatic fall to show for it. Just the carelessness of the airline's baggage handlers. My tears of frustration turn into tears of anger. So much for the FRAGILE stickers. 'Space' comes to see what the problem is and in true typical 'Space' fashion points out to the dent, telling me that I have major problems. Do I want to hear that? Do I need to hear that? No No No!!!!!! Simon, who has come to see what's wrong, tries to tone down the situation whilst Robert, painstakingly fixes the damaged disc. The dent cannot be repaired so the frame, eventually, will need to be changed but I am assured that it should not hinder my participation.
The rest of the morning sees the gym a hive of activity, with all cyclists busy assembling their bikes, making sure they have enough spares available. The backup team is taking care to ensure that enough food is available, drivers ensure there is enough fuel to start off the journey and Ray is busy snapping away taking photos and videos which will provide us with a lovely memory of this challenge.
With almost all cyclists having assembled their bikes, we have the luxury of some free time. Some cyclists decide to hang around in the gym while a few us decide to head off to the city centre. The first stop is a bike shop since Nicholas inadvertently left his cleats and helmet in Jesmond’s van on his way to the airport, whilst others want to buy last minute knick-knacks. Some of us decide to visit the Grand Bazaar. Although I have been, I feel it is the best way to capture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul and I never tire of going there.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and around 5,000 shops selling a variety of items such as jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antiques. Generally all stalls are grouped by the types of goods they sell but souvenir shops selling the traditional eye, shishas and prayer beads. A traditional trading centre since 1461, the complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams and several cafes. It is easy to forget, for a couple of hours the real purpose of our visit to Istanbul until fatigue starts hitting us and we decide to take a taxi home, avoiding the uncomfortable hour long bus ride home.
By the time we get there, the cooks are already getting ready for the evening meal, whilst a few cyclists are putting the finishing touches to their bikes. Alan, Tim and Mario going over the maps ensuring that the routes are in order. Edward, Mario and Liz busy affixing Lifecycle stickers to the vehicles ensuring that they are recognisable from a distance.
The Maltese Consul, Simon Pullicino joins us for dinner. He will be joining us for the first 20kms of the cycle tomorrow and final logistical plans involving the police escort are discussed. Theresa, Jenny and Steph provide us with a hearty supper of pea soup and pasta with chicken. Although we haven't started cycling we all have a healthy appetite with most of us going back for seconds. Shortly after dinner, Fr. Pierre calls us for mass. What strikes me is the curiosity shown by the Turkish boys who have been lounging about the gym. They sit down on a nearby wall, watching the religious ceremony, occasionally whispering something in each others' ears but never disturbing the proceedings.
An early start at 4am is planned for tomorrow. so that by 6am we leave the premises in a convoy, heading towards the Bosphorous bridge where we will start the Challenge. I guess all of us, except for those with previous experience, are a bit apprehensive although not everyone shows it. I am very apprehensive and am not embarrassed to say so. I battle with my nerves, Carolyn who knows me well enough gives me a pep talk which does make me feel better.
Trying to avoid the nasty dent, I give the bike one final check. Oiled chain, well inflated tyres, spare tube and puncture repair kit in bag and enough light for me to be seen and to see. All seems well so I decide to turn in for the night.
Settling down on my mattress, I read the text messages of encouragement I get from my friends. So many people have put their faith in me. I certainly don't want to let them down. My determination is the surest thing I have. Whether my body will be able to keep up with that will be seen.
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