Unforgettable experience at Cycle Slam 2012

Few months ago, I watched Darren Brown's fantastic program on TV about luck. And, the moral of the story was that people make their own luck. I know it was all smoke and mirrors in a way but it encouraged me to take a chance more often.

Had it not been for that program, I probably wouldn't have met a bunch of fantastic people (and the Mail on Sunday journalist, who joined us for the last day): Mike Elsom, Levent Ural, Michelle Dite, Carmen Rendell, Martin Smith, Richard Eldmann, and the legend himself, Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff. Martin's adventure naturally made mine (and most other people's) effort look like a walk in the park. At the age of 56, he is cycling all the stages with a huge smile on his face. I feel humbled!

We had 2 things in common, raising money for 3 great causes:

• Dallaglio Foundation
• Andrew Flintoff Foundation
• Virgin Unite

And, the desire to enjoy the whole experience, not just the cycling.

What topped it all off was the epic 4th day journey with 190km of ride and 3000m of climb. We we on the roads for 14 hours, and the welcome reception was very emotional. Here's a glimps of what all the other cyclists and support team had done for us:

http://www.yok.to/CvUDlJ

It was a big welcome at Sienna on the finish line as well:



Amazing setting, mixture of tiredness, sore bottoms, exhiriration and sadness and envy for the Stage 3 riders.

We are short of the £2M fundraising target though. So, please donate generously at
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdilAkkus

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@affoundation, @dallagliofn, @flintoff11, @smudge1310, @cars_rollers, @mdite105, #fb