Bike Bengal has been an amazing experience in so many ways! The adrenalin rushes of staying on the bike amid traffic chaos, finding a safe route through a minefield of potholes and trying to stay calm as a bus threatens to squash you against a wall. The camaraderie of all the special people that made up our group of riders and support team. The physical challenge of the last day of cycling and that unforgettable 4,000ft climb. The encounters along the way. The sights, sounds and smells of West Bengal - not all of them pleasant but some: corriander; cooking smells; incense; perfume. Being led through the main street of Kalimpong by the school band. The reception we received from the clapping and cheering pupils of Dr Graham's Homes school. I have uploaded a selection of photographs.
There is a lot to digest and many great memories and I am full of appreciation to all those who contributed to making it the rich experience it was. Thank you to each of my fellow riders and team members for what you contributed and your friendship. Thank you to Prakash and his team. Thank you to Andrew for the loan of his bike. Thank you Alan for making me aware of the event and encouraging me to participate. Thanks also to my lifelong travelmate, Petra, for supporting me despite the fact it meant travelling without her for the first time.
The biggest thanks, though, go to all of you who have sponsored me. It was important for me to see the school, see the damage caused by the earthquake, feel the spirit and warmth of the children and staff and those little charmers who have been fortunate enough to be taken in from the streets of Kolkata and offered what will undoubtedly be a great start in life. On behalf of all the children, staff, committee members and supporters of Dr Graham's Homes a huge, huge thank you! What you have contributed is going to make a difference!
I will give an update on the total we raised, in due course. Meantime, for those who haven't yet contributed but would still like to, this is possile here. It was heartbreaking to see the earthquake damage to the school buildings but wonderful that repairs have started and, with the help you have given, will continue!
Let me know if you are interested in sponsoring a child at Dr Graham's Homes.
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| 'Off to a flying start' Children at the Dr Graham's Homes kindergarten |
There is a lot to digest and many great memories and I am full of appreciation to all those who contributed to making it the rich experience it was. Thank you to each of my fellow riders and team members for what you contributed and your friendship. Thank you to Prakash and his team. Thank you to Andrew for the loan of his bike. Thank you Alan for making me aware of the event and encouraging me to participate. Thanks also to my lifelong travelmate, Petra, for supporting me despite the fact it meant travelling without her for the first time.
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| Repairs to earthquake damage at Dr. Graham's Homes |
I will give an update on the total we raised, in due course. Meantime, for those who haven't yet contributed but would still like to, this is possile here. It was heartbreaking to see the earthquake damage to the school buildings but wonderful that repairs have started and, with the help you have given, will continue!
Let me know if you are interested in sponsoring a child at Dr Graham's Homes.
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