Action100: Looks of amazement

So I've done my first big ride: 36 miles and proud. It was tough, especially the last eight miles, but I did it and for me it was an acheivement.

What's the response? Husband still thinks I caught the train; echoed by flappy-eared son who hangs off his fathers every word as if it were gospel; sister and staff stunned; and father suggests that this is acheivement enough as I'm (quote) "not the most athletic person in the world".

The point of the challenge is just that, guys. For me this is a big thing.

From the time I left school until I had my children, I had always done something I hadn't ever done before on an annual basis. This has meant I've travelled and spent long periods of time in some great places across four continents, learnt a new language, and generally had a ball.

However, the sporting challenges/physical endurance ones are always more challenging. At the age of 20 I parachuted straight into a tree. (As a complete aside, it was the tallest tree in Thruxton, the fire brigade hadn't got a ladder long enough and air sea rescue finally helicoptered me out, with a broken leg and nose.)

I've fallen climbing a waterfall and landed flat on my behind roller skating whilst back packing in Australia.

Skiing in Andorra was hampered by the friend I was with running off with the ski instructor (She's the only person I've ever met with the nerve to send back an instructor demanding a better looking one!).

And diving in the Dominican Republic landed me in hospital with a burst ear drum. Even my personal fitness trainer phase landed me with a diet that helped me put on weight.

So I feel it's natural for me to tackle physical challenges with some trepidation. And to treat this as one of my biggest challenges, even if it's a highly acheivable one for most people.

So those detractors should get their hands in their pockets and cough up for the charity!