Last month was certainly one to be proud of for Jamie Clowes, and his good friend Sean. The pair took on the “do it yourself” Race Around the Netherlands Challenge which is a self-supported bike packing cycling challenge covering 800 miles!
We spoke to the pair who shared their experiences with us including the highs, lows, and realities of this intense challenge.
“Having all those completely unknown miles of racing ahead of you, not knowing where you’d eat, sleep, or get water was quite daunting. The first day flew by but the second was one of the hardest days I've ever had on a bike, mile after mile of unrideable sand. We did 170 miles that day, riding into the night. Sean and I really struggled physically and mentally at points, and we saw each other in some states. But knowing some people had dropped out on day two, and we were almost finished, kept us going,” said Jamie.
Completing such a high intensity elite challenge came with many barriers for the lads, as well as moments of contemplation, but Jamie and Sean were absolutely determined to complete the challenge. They also made lots of mates among fellow participants including, Ed, Niels, Michael and Olivier who became great companions during the event and are now lifelong friends.
Towards the end of the race Jamie was able to reflect on what he was doing and why it was so important to him, as well as the people in his life, especially his mum Sue who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
“On the final night of the race, we decided to ride into the night a little to start eating into the final section for the next day. It felt like we were on our way to the finish at that point and it was the first time I'd had chance to think about what we were doing, why I was there and how what I was doing had raised money towards something my mum had chosen. This really was a wind in the sail's moment. I remember spinning along at about 20mph with tears in my eyes, feeling unstoppable. It was brilliant.
“Finishing the race was a feeling I’ll never forget. I felt completely and utterly content. We got to the finish with our new friends, everybody shook hands and thanked each other, and we all sat down for a beer. I'd done what I'd gone there to do, something I wasn't sure I would manage and something I'd always wanted to do. The event organiser took a picture of us all sitting outside the café where the race started and ended and we're sitting in a line with our beers, all looking happy and relaxed. I now have that picture framed on my living room wall. It was such a good feeling, and that picture really captured it for me,” said Jamie.
During the challenge, Jamie and Sean had heaps of support from friends, family and colleagues who were rooting for them back in the UK. Jamie and Sean have managed to raise over £1,400 for CancerCare.
We’re so proud to have supporters like Jamie and Sean. Fundraisers like this are incredible and we’ve loved following their journey through the Netherlands! Thank you and once again, a huge congratulations from everyone at CancerCare.
If you want to donate to Jamie and Sean, click this link, their page is open until the end of July! To donate click the button below