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 This section will grow with time. Below you can read about training progress, other Fireflies events and news live from the ride. Consult the archive on the right to view archived messages. |
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Aaron’s letter… Dear Adrian, Nick and Fuzzy, I am not sure whether it is appropriate to write a letter about the Fireflies ride but, appropriate or otherwise, I thought that I would, certainly before my mind is clogged by the mundane inevitability of going back to work. How can ‘thank you’ be sufficient for such a huge experience? Indeed, how can a letter express what I have felt? The extraordinary success that can only proceed failure; the unassailable high that follows despair. Perhaps it will come as no surprise to seasoned riders that I felt great sadness on Friday – sadness that the addictive adventure has come to an end, that the route to proving to oneself that the unimaginable was possible, had closed. Nick asked me on Thursday if I had enjoyed myself: a simple but surprising question – rather like asking someone on their first visit to India if they liked the Taj Mahal. The answer is too long, too complicated and language is found wanting. So, thank you, Fuzzy for your tireless organisation and care, Nick for your patience when I behaved badly and Adrian for the fire that will burn in my memory forever. At the age of 42, you don’t think that there is much more in life to surprise, or if there are surprises, they will only be sad ones. I am completely overwhelmed and that alone, is an astonishing achievement. My very best wishes to you all Aaron. Posted by GOAT on . |
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| Mr G's Paloma speech Paloma Beach - Mr G’s end of ride speech. Excuse the bog paper it was all I could find to write this speech on, as you all know by now you have to learn to improvise on these rides. I woke up at 5am this morning after helping to paint a massive fireflies sign on the side of a barmy mountain road. My head thumping from the toxic paint and mind buzzing with images of another amazing ride and the impending lunchtime awards ceremony. I have never really been a great fan of award ceremonies, they tend to drag on and on, the food is normally shit, and particularly in this case they lionize the few at the expense of the rest. Now, if I had to make an award up for this ride it would be to celebrate ‘The Spirit Of The Fireflies’ in recognition for the person/s who exemplified those qualities that epitomize the gargantuan struggle that is this amazing ride. In my mind these virtues are a delicate muddle of brains, courage and heart. You know the things the scarecrow, the lion and the tin man searched for in that magical, metaphorical, musical ‘The Wizard Of Oz’. Unfortunately not everyone can posses all of these virtues, I know I certainly don’t. Anyway lets start with brains. I see this as the ability to realise that we are only temporary custodians of this remarkable event and are duty bound to pass on all the advice, insights and spare bike parts that we posses. Courage. Well that to me is the fearless dedication and determination to completing the ride. Whatever it takes. And should never be mistaken for the slightly dubious acts of self-promotion that occur. For this ride is bigger than any individual. The firefly has the courage, to get up, get on a bike and go to the physical and mental edge everyday. It is not afraid of failing and does not fear the mountains, because it embraces them. For the mountain is a metaphor, it is the daunting, sometimes impossible looking fight, that is so huge, that it overwhelms us. And even though fireflies feels the dread they still get up, don the lycra, get on the bike, clicks into cleats and rides towards that mountain with the intention of giving it a good spanking. Heart. Is an intangible quality, it is the bright glow at the centre of all fireflies. You can’t see it, but it surrounds them, and when needs must, they can feel it. It’s a bit of a soppy one, but it’s the love and it radiates from all fireflies, it’s an infectious, warm, comforting aura. It is the food of life, forget the power gels and energy bars this is the real deal. It’s what’s made us grow from five to thirty-six, and if you look closely you can even see it in a glazed, weary fireflies’ eyes. It’s never there at the beginning of the ride but it always burns incredibly brightly by the end of it. You won’t realise it know but it will feed and nurture you for years to come. So, who the fuck is it? Do I posses any or all of these virtues? In my face of adversity how did I conduct myself? Well, in my eyes you have all faced your nemeses, slain your dragons and achieved the status of Gods. But unfortunately I am not the judge or the jury. Only you can answer this one. So the next time you look in the mirror take a long hard look at yourself and you’ll know if you epitomise the spirit of the fireflies, the selfless ascenders of mountains, who rides for those who can’t, but hopefully someday will. So lets raise our glasses to ‘The Spirit of the Fireflies’. For those who suffer we ride. Big wet X. Mr. G. Posted by Fireflies 2005 on . |
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| Fireflies viral campaign Whilst you're waiting in anticipation to the latest coverage from the ride, have fun with the Fireflies viral ad: http://ridewiththeo.com Posted by Fireflies 2005 on . |
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 Your donations are important to us. There are different ways to make one. You can either fill out a form and send it out with a cheque, or you can make a donation to Leuka online. Read more first Download the donators form Make an online donation |
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 This year we are hoping to raise a minimum of £100,000 and whilst we recognise individaaul donations as given above integral to this cause, we also consider corporate sponsorships as key to achieving this goal. Unprecedented interest in the Fireflies offers sponsors an exciting platform for promotions and branding. See who is currently sponsoring us and find out how you can become a sponsor. |
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 The Fireflies' arrival into Cannes has generated great support from the advertising industry and culminates with a hero's welcome at the Palais des Festivals. |
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