A few weeks back I got an email from the Co-founder of Cycle Against Suicide (CAS), Evelyn McLoughlin. She asked me if I would be interested in talking at some point during this year’s cycle. Within a few days I got a call from Jim Breen and decided that I would talk and cycle for some part of the journey. I put down the phone, then immediate panic and hysteria set in, partly because I realised I would be speaking to large crowds and also because I am not the most prolific cyclist, ok ok…I am not much of a cyclist at all. Before embarking on my first every CAS journey I was away in Berlin, where I decided to do a bike tour, I even convinced myself it was “training”. It was neither training or helpful as my panic went up another notch! I had a few days between coming home from Berlin and heading off to join CAS, and I spent it thinking about what I wanted to achieve from my experience. I wasn’t quite sure what exactly that was but I knew for sure that I wanted to leave everyone with something to remember, a positive message or just simply to know someone cares. The day finally came, I packed my bag, grabbed my helmet and off I went on my journey.
Before I talk about that journey I want to be 100% honest and open, and I also want you to do so with yourself. I had decided that at each point we stopped on the cycle I wanted to write something down, something memorable or positive. After 25k we stopped for the first SoS Beag (Small break). I typed these words into my phone; ‘Am I going beyond what is required of me?’ and I mean this in relation to helping people. That question stayed with me for the whole journey. I spent a lot of my cycle mulling over that question. I thought about the excuses I sometimes use when I don’t act; I don’t know that person well enough to ask how they are, that person is a stranger I can’t intrude, Im not close enough to that family member to offer a hug, it’s not my job to ask. Sometimes I even think that my action may be too insignificant so why bother, or other times its a kind of selfish reason and I think, well that person doesn’t do anything for me so why should I do anything for them. I am human after all, I sometimes get caught up in life or thinking like so many other people do, about myself. I often get caught up thinking about my action in relation to my roles or responsibilities as a family member, a friend, a stranger, a colleague. Do you ever think like this?
I must also emphasise that when I say act, I mean to ask if someone is ok or how they are doing, even offer a hug or just tell them you care. I do not mean try be a professional!
Ok so back to my cycle. The morning started off positive, the sun was shining, Christ King’s girls school in Douglas was buzzing with excitement. I stood by the side of the stage unaware as to what was to come. The music begins, and Jim starts to bounce around the PE hall, interacting with students, cyclists and teachers. The energy raises another notch. There are some talks and then its time to cycle. I take to my bike alongside an old colleague Breifne Earley (check him out, his story is amazing!). As we cycle, we chat and catch up. Every so often I can hear shouts of ‘HOLE”, Breifne informs me that its the more experienced cyclists at the front warning people behind of potholes. The road got a little steep and the wind picked up slightly, Breifne and another experienced cyclist started to cycle on front of me, when I asked why? Breifne said it was to shield the wind off me so I could cycle without a struggle. I noticed they weren’t the only ones doing such acts, some cyclists were pushing others along or just offering words of encouragement to each other. As we approached the first SoS Beag, I again noticed cyclists helping each other with punctures and likes. I sat on grass and asked myself that question, ‘Am I going beyond what is required?’.
It wouldn’t be right if I spoke about CAS without talking about the great man behind it. I notice Jim wandering around asking cyclists how they are, between doing interviews on live radio! He also is picking up empty bottles and food wrappers. The twenty minute break soon ends and I take to my bike and begin the uphill journey to Mitchelstown. It isn’t long before I hear that energetic man, Jim Breen beside me. We have a quick chat and off he goes, weaving in and out of cyclists whilst helping them along and thanking them for their efforts. I wonder how he is still going after his hour of bouncing around the school earlier. I also must add, the man has a stress fracture!
As I approach Mitchelstown, my legs are tired, the uphill road to the school is getting the better of me and I contemplate pulling over, that question pops into my head again. I look to the streets that are lined with locals who are cheering us all on. As we enter the school, the reception is quite overwhelming. Its evident to see that the school and community, like all schools involved transform into something greater with CAS. Teachers, parents and students become hosts, chefs, friends, supporters, helpers and more. I am overwhelmed by the levels of generosity, support and friendship extended by these communities (even when they found out I was a Dub!). Lunch involved food and some more talks led again by the ever energetic Jim. The one thing I love, is that Jim addresses each school on an individual and personal basis, no script, no practised speech, apart from the time he takes to thank the efforts of various organisations and people.
After the wonderful reception from Mitchelstown, its back to the bikes and head for Cahir. This part of the cycle gets to me mentally, my legs already tired, my mind begins to question if I can cope. I am approached by a guy called Owen. He sees I am struggling and cycles with me for a good 10k, giving me encouragement and taking my mind away from thinking I can’t do it. 75k in and we reach Cahir, I go to the bus to grab my phone and take some much needed protein. Its the first time I meet Christy Bannon, a cycle marshal. I see cyclists dismount their bikes just like me and they get some well earned rest, fluids, stretch and get the mind off the cycle for a few moments. Not Christy, he leaves his bike, grabs his laptop and starts typing away. I ask him what he is doing and he informs me that he is organising the home stays for cyclists, so they know where exactly they are staying for each night. The break ends, Christy closes his laptop and takes to his bike again. I learn that there are many people like Christy on the cycle, people who go beyond what is required without question. There are Guards, physio’s, counsellors, crew and marshals, all continuously working to ensure everybody is looked after.
We eventually reach Clonmel, after 100k. The reception from the locals is again brilliant, everyone heads off for a nights rest before another day. I fall into bed with a very sore bum, tired body and mind! The next morning I make my way back to Clonmel with a now friend, Donal who only 24hours previous was a stranger. He is a great guy with a warm heart, who works tirelessly in the realms of mental health. I knew I would like Donal because he has a good beard, a good laugh and good conversation (the first being the most important of course!). As we drive back to Clonmel the rain beats the car, its not the most motivational of weather and I worry for the cyclists. We reach the school and it starts to fill with students, locals and cyclists. Jim again raises the energy levels, and the rain is all but forgotten for a short while. I speak to the students, they so kindly listen and show their support. After I finish I let out a sad sigh; my time is finished. I take the car to Thurles, where the cyclists will have lunch and where I will say my goodbyes before heading home. In the car I think about the rotten weather and those who are out on their bikes. I ask myself that question again; ‘Am I going beyond what is required’. Upon reaching Thurles I decide to stay, offer my help in anyway I can. Im given a job with the videographer Stuart to unload the cyclists day bags so they can easily reach them on arrival. We unload and arrange over 500 hundreds bags. The next job is to stand outside, hand out foil blankets to cyclists as they arrive and point them into the warm hall. I stand outside, soaked to the skin alongside Stuart, the cameramen and other crew members. Its evident to see that the weather had gotten to many cyclists and we work quick to try help as many people as we can. After saying my thanks and goodbyes, I make my way back to Dublin, I’m soaked to bone but I don’t care because for the first time I can answer that question with a yes.
As I said earlier, before this journey I didn’t know what to expect or what I would give or gain. What I did learn that it’s not only important to go beyond our roles and responsibilities to help each other but it’s also vital. Jim say’s nine words that really form the basis of this blog; Show you care, ask the question, make the call. You may only do one of those things but it might be both important and vital. I will make sure that I keep asking myself that question from now on; Am I going beyond what is required. I will think of all the people along this journey that did so for me and many other cyclists too. And lastly I urge you to ask yourself that question too.
Lastly I want to say thanks to everyone from the CAS family for allowing me join in for a short part of their 1,4000k journey, especially Evelyn, Jim, and all the crew. I would also like to thank the numerous cyclists, students and munities that made my journey really amazing. I look forward to hopefully seeing you all next year!
SeanaCooke 