Habb bike ride 2008 - final day
Day: 3
Hello all,
Well the cycling is now over and we all survived!!
After a fantastic BBQ at the villa the night before, involving singing round a roaring fire, we all woke up ready to face the last day of cycling. Spirits were high as we packed and said goodbye to our country hotel, ready to set off on the bike one more time.
The route started off well, with lots of gentle climbs, along the coast line where we could see the waves crashing over the old lava fields. We then had a steep climb up to a view point of El Golfo, where we stopped to look down at the emerald green lakes on the beach. We then tackled another small hill, before a lovely descent down to view the lake up close.
We then started a steady pace up to our next rest stop - looking at the salt flats in Salinas de Janibio. It was here that Jonathan tasked us with a challenge!! For those brave enough, we could do an additional 10km on a tougher route to lunch. Those that didn't want to do it would carry on to the lunch spot. Pleased to say, all three Wella bike riders took the challenge!! 10 of us then took off for our challenge, led by Max Kramer. It started off nice and steady, but then we hit a gradual climb against the wind (which was strong). We then stopped at a rest point and what lay in front did not look fun!! A very steep climb up a rather large hill into the town of Femes. This proved a huge struggle for all, but once again, Jonnie, Andrew and Robert were fantastic and made sure all the girls made it up (in the lowest gear the whole way!!). Lynn and Victor were once again outstanding as they managed to tackle the climb on the tandem - not an easy task.
A real sense of achievement followed when we all stopped for water in Femes and looked back at how far we had climbed. And once you get to the top, the only way was down!! The start of the descent was a steep decline on a tough corner with no barriers on the side of the road. This had to be tackled carefully, but once round the corner, it was free wheeling the whole way down for about 11km to the roundabout to meet the others. The wind was strong again, making a few bikes wobble.
Both groups then met up before we headed off road towards lunch. This part was not enjoyable, with many finding it tough. The road was long, un-made, with many pot holes and battles against the wind. But it was worth it as we turned a corner to a lovely lunch on the beach of Papagayo. We all managed to relax and enjoy the sun before making our way to our final hotel.
Everyone then enjoyed a fast paced cycle ride along the promenade of Playa Blanca to our final hotel. Spirits were definitely high. Shouts of laughter and encouragement for the final 4km rang through the group as well turned the corner into the hotel car park! Approximately 50km covered again today, which was a great way to end the cycling! We then all said a not so sad goodbye to our bikes and checked into a lovely 5* hotel for some much needed relaxation! The group then all glammed up for a well deserved celebration meal. We were lucky enough to be taken out for dinner by a salon owner and his wife to a wonderful restaurant in the marina of Playa Blanca were we had the place to ourselves. Lynn told us more about HABB as many did not realise the extent of the work that the charity does, or how important it is to our industry. The families, especially the children, as well as hairdressers really rely on the charity in times of need and HABB undertakes some fantastic work. All of us realised how much we had helped by cycling for 4 days. Talks then started of where we should do the next one, with many saying how they would love to do it all over again.
An evening of fun then followed with food and a glass of bubbly to celebrate the wonderful achievement that we had just done.
The next morning was a chance to relax and have a sports massage for those brave enough! Gradually, everyone said their sad goodbyes to the group and were whisked off to the airport to make their way home after what has been an amazing experience, where friends have been made and many laughs have been had, while raising money for a very important charity.
Many thanks to all who have supported us and who have sponsored us. All of us feel very proud and were grateful for the chance to experience this!
Claire, Jonnie and Andrew
To read other HABB charity bike ride diary entries click below
Or If you wish to make a donation to the 2008 HABB charity bike ride, you can do so by clicking on the following links:
https://www.justgiving.com/beatriceaidin
https://www.justgiving.com/pamburriss
