Ben raises £5000 for TimeNorfolk

Senior Support Worker Ben Gore has just completed an epic solo cycling expedition from King’s Lynn to Istanbul, raising more than £5000 for pregnancy loss charity, TimeNorfolk. Here, he urges anyone to go out there and embark on challenges of their own – however big or small

The goal was to cycle solo and unsupported from King’s Lynn to Istanbul, spanning 4500km and taking around 2.5 months. By doing this I wanted to raise money and awareness for TimeNorfolk, as they offer a free therapy service for couples who have experienced baby loss or difficult pregnancy decisions. Free, licenced therapy with a short waiting list isn’t often a thing in this world, but it is with TimeNorfolk. It’s my pleasure to say I’ve achieved those goals. And had an adventure of a lifetime doing so.

The highlights were the people I met along the way. I was taken in and given free board and accommodation by curious strangers on around 20 of the 74 nights. In all kinds of weird and wonderful places. The culture exchange and story-swapping on those evenings were some of my fondest memories of the whole trip. In contrast, my other biggest highlights come from when I was alone in the mountains, 100s of kilometres away any people or resources. I had everything I needed strapped to the bike and it was utter freedom. It was daunting yet exhilarating.

In terms of difficultly, it was just about where I thought it would be. I chose the route through the Alps and Dolomites, so I expected the extreme climbs. And I knew the heat would be relentless towards the end. It was basically spot on to what I imagined.

Albania was the friendliest. It was melting pot of Balkan and Middle Eastern culture and the people were so warm, kind and curious. I was often chased by high-fiving kids, waved at by bewildered farmers and stopped/invited in for tea by friendly road-side locals. This was consistent with the whole Balkan stretch. The more rural I went the more friendly it was. Friendliest people, unfriendliest dogs.

I got back to Norwich a few days ago. It’s time to rest up, spend time with my partner and get back into work. In terms of what’s next, I’ve always got adventures in the pipeline, and I’ve learnt on this trip that a loaded bicycle is the best way to do it. So, watch this space. For now, though, I hope above all else that this has inspired someone else to go out there and embark on adventures/challenges of their own. No matter how big or small.