REAL RIDER
Despite the risk of dislocating her neck at any time, Natalie Wilson completed a 97-day, 5000-mile ride around the British coast
Ilive with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). It’s a genetic condition that causes multiinternal systemic problems and can mean that my joints dislocate. Five years ago my condition meant my husband was washing my hair for me as I had been pretty much bed bound since having brain surgery. Around then I first got my trike, using it as an alternative to a wheelchair to do my food shopping. The trike has since given me independence, physical strength and a chance to fulfil new dreams.
Cycling is a safe activity for me, as it is a linear movement. In February 2018 I set off around the coastline of Great Britain to raise awareness of my condition, and see our wonderful country close up. I chose that time of year to start as the roads wouldn’t be packed with tourists. I’d also get to meet local people and by starting in the south west I’d avoid any snow… in theory.
I got caught by the snow and storms that were The Beast from the East three times! At least on the trike I was able to ride on roads so icy that a bike wouldn’t have coped with. I’d get up at 5am and spend an hour or so in my tent or hotel eating everything I had. I’d update my social media and contact local radio stations and newspapers to help raise awareness. Then I’d take my medication – 30 tablets a day – pack and head off.
I rode with bike clubs, other EDS sufferers and cyclists who’d heard about my story on the news. I spoke at schools and saw such beautiful, diverse scenery.
When I stayed at hotels they often refused to take money off me when they discovered what I was doing – the kindness I encountered was incredible. I got my best night’s sleep while camping near the village of Evie on Orkney, waking up to the sounds of sea birds. From John O’Groats I rode into a headwind for two weeks solid. In the final weeks the weather changed again and since a trike is pretty much like riding a sunlounger I ended up with sunburn, but by completing my goal I’d rebuilt my confidence and self-belief in the process too.
Since a trike is pretty much like riding a sunlounger I ended up with sunburn