Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell

on

“I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow ….. “

McCabe 4.PNG

The family deal was “you come back with all of your nose, toes and fingers – no dangerous risk taking” so sadly Pat has had to scratch. (Last time Pat did the race tragically someone lost their hands and feet through hypothermia and frostbite.)

This time, getting off the bike and walking for 5 minutes in every 15 to 30 minutes to keep the circulation in her feet just wasn’t enough. Pat was having to walk continuously. And pushing a 45 Kg bike with a rucksack on your back averaging 1.5 mph, for 65 miles in temperature reported down to -40c,  well do the maths, it’s not viable especially when you can’t stop without risking your toes.

And tiring?  Sleep walking?  Quite possibly!

McCabe 5.PNG

So Pat was recovered by the skidoo support team (Spencer and Glen, thank you!) back to Pelly Farm and in due course by road to Whitehorse.

It’s been a brutal year for the racers;  less than a third are still going. Even the legendary Enrico has scratched and he’s won on foot, Skis and Bike in the past.

Yann ‘s episode 5 is a gripping picture of the challenge faced by and the impact on the athletes. You’ll hear Enrico saying it’s all in the decision making.

 

Until next time then?

Pat will no doubt add a report when she gets back.

No idea who wrote “So long, it’s been good to know you”

Mike

6 Comments Add yours

  1. Clare says:

    Pat, you are a testimony to others for your ultimate achievement of listening to what God has planned in your life and just going for it! Just being in this race, your bravery, tenacity and most of all the encouraging I know you did for others on the way is incredible x

    Like

  2. Joy Weston says:

    ‘Well done, Pat’ . Every step you walked and every pedal push was an achievement that many others would never even contemplate. You’re an awesome woman.
    And thanks to Mike for the updates, they’ve been something special too. What a team!

    Like

  3. Chris says:

    It’s a brave person that knows when to stop. I am sure you have not finished with it yet! Sounds like an awesome effort, keen to hear your report.

    Like

  4. Gayle Hastings says:

    The result doesn’t matter. You are one amazing lady. I hope you found your special place there and we’re looking forward to seeing you when you’re back in Blighty xx

    Like

  5. Dan, Bec and Anna says:

    What an awesome achievement, you are amazing Pat. So glad you made the tough but wise decision to come home with all your digits. Much respect and love from us 3 👏😉

    Like

  6. Geraldine Jordan says:

    Thanks for the update Mike. So much respect for Pat ! What an awesome lady you are ! 👏🏻🙌🏻

    Like

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.