Cycling from Cardiff to the Caspian Sea
My best friend, Beth Baines, recently lost her loving and talented father, Phil Baines, to Multiple System Atrophy in January 2024. When friends are heartbroken, you feel helpless, and the love and support you offer never seem enough. I’d always wanted to travel beyond the horizon on my bicycle. I’m not sure why, as spending 10 hours on a hard saddle in the wind, rain, or scorching heat seems illogical, but it offers a freedom that other modes of transport can’t match.
Beth’s dad was also an avid cycling enthusiast, and before his diagnosis, he loved nothing more than getting out on his bike. It was rare to see him without a cycling jersey on. So, of course, I rode in his memory. I planned to set off from my capital city, Cardiff, and head east, though I hadn’t settled on a destination. While poring over maps, I noticed that Turkey is a natural funnel for those pedaling east, and just beyond Anatolia lies the Caspian Sea. So, there it was: the plan was set. Cardiff Bay to the Caspian Sea by bicycle, raising money for the MSA Trust’s magnificent work.
After 4,500 miles, two continents, three mountain ranges, tropical forests, last-minute visa problems, long coastlines, and more farms than I care to remember, I made it to the Caspian Sea, three months after setting off. I crossed fourteen borders in total, and many of the border guards were as bemused as the locals, who often remarked, “Can’t you afford a car?” Of the countless highlights, the oxygen-rich Slovenian forests and oxygen-scarce Georgian Caucasus mountains are high on the list. And can you believe it? I didn’t get a single puncture. Blessed.
But this isn’t the end of the journey. I’m writing this from the Silk Road town of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, having continued across the desert. I’ve got a lot of landmass in front of me and hopefully many more pounds to raise for the MSA Trust in the future.
I’m so grateful to everyone who donated and offered words of support. However, Beth, her mum Jackie, and her sister Felicity are the ones who show true granite strength, and I cannot wait to see them when I return for Beth’s wedding in July. Here’s to Phil.
If you’re interested in getting involved in your own fundraiser please get in contact with a member of the fundraising team at fundraising@msatrsut.org.uk.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blogs published on these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MSA Trust.
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Such an awesome achievement so far and thank you for raising awareness and funds for the MSA Trust. My husband Andy has MSA but refuses to give up and has traded his 2 wheels for a recumbent ice trike. I know what his next adventure aspires to be!!!!
Keep going!!