46 | Cycling World
Le Tour de Recovery Leamington to Sheffield
Scot Christian visits substance misuse services and recovery communities , discovering true camaraderie on the way
On a chilly September morning , I arrived outside The Recovery Partnership ( TRP ) offices in Leamington Spa to begin a memorable , inspirational journey . On this occasion I was not here to utilise their life changing services but to pedal part of Le Tour de Recovery . The ride had been devised by Steve Bliss to raise awareness of the importance of communities in the building of effective and visible responses to sustaining recovery from substance misuse – and the continued need to keep harm reduction at the top of the recovery agenda . It involved five days of pedalling from Leamington to Durham , arriving conveniently in time for the ‘ Recovery Walk ’. The walk was organised to celebrate the achievements of individuals in recovery , and acknowledge the work of prevention , treatment , and recovery service providers .
Steve had contacted me several weeks earlier to see if I wanted to participate and with no hesitation I ’ d said yes , however I would only be able to commit to two days , so Sheffield would see me leave ( reluctantly as it transpired ). The simple plan was to ride gradually north calling at substance misuse services and recovery communities along the way . Our lycra clad group were a refreshing mix of people in recovery , and workers from all over the Midlands , we were all treated as equals , the commonality was the passion for cycling .
The gang were equipped with a selection of gleaming carbon fibre frames , Giant , Merckx , Trek and my retro Ribble . Even some had slick gleaming legs , Steve and Stuart .
As we stood for one final photo , our team jerseys vibrant in the now early morning sunshine , I felt a little apprehension . Before I had time to contemplate the route and challenges that lay ahead , we were off ! Next stop Coventry .
Ride One – Leamington Spa to Burton-on-Trent ( 70 miles )
The early pace was sedate , due to the constant stop / start , a prerequisite of town centres with their annoying traffic signals and even more annoying drivers . Once out into the countryside we started to stretch our legs , breezing through Stoneleigh and arriving in Coventry in good time and most importantly good shape , where a rapturous welcome greeted us .
After a short rest we got back on the bike and tentatively negotiated the trudging city roads , which once again tapped into the frustration of the peloton .
Eventually we encountered some pleasant greenery as we approached Bedworth ( never thought I ’ d ever say that !) allowing us to increase the speed and focus on getting to know each other . There is something special about pedalling in a group , the chance to offer support , encouragement and chat freely can be really underestimated .
We weaved our way through Bedworth with ease , the traffic a minor inconvenience and within in no time we had arrived in Nuneaton and at another welcoming TRP building . Once again the crowds were out in force , they had prepared a hearty