Portrait: Julie
This year Julie signed up for a new adventure… taking on a tough trek through Ibiza for SameYou’s Bike & Hike challenge. Here she speaks about the joy of taking part - and how she is ready to sign up for the 2027 event.
I entered this challenge with some trepidation. There were those at home who doubted my ability to meet the demands and others who wished me luck and encouraged me with remarks like “onwards and upwards”. Determined to do my best and prove the doubters wrong, I took on the challenge.
I had done lots of walking at home, but the shaded woodland pathways here were so very different from the conditions that faced me in Ibiza.
The day before the actual challenge was due to begin, I met Hannah Moon and her partner who invited me to join them on a “trial” walk. The track was stony, dry, dusty, slippery, mostly narrow and very steep. So different from what I was used to - putting my concentration and balance problems to the test. However, I was not alone and Hannah and Duncan where always there at my side with helping hands and words of encouragement – and the views around each corner were just amazing, making everything worthwhile.
The terrain remained the same for the two “official” days of the challenge, but at least I now knew what to expect. Walking with a group of “survivors”, we shared our stories and bonded, it was as if we had known each other all our lives and not just for a few hours.
Despite the company, this hike did take me to the end of my physical abilities, but with the help of water, electrolytes, power gummy bears and Hannah’s ever helping hands, I soon recovered and completed this strenuous walk – exhausted but exhilarated.
The final day was, in comparison, a mere 10 km stroll along cliff tops and sandy beaches with beautiful views and in the best of company.
The celebration party for all hikers and bikers was a worthy ending to one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Everyone received a well-earned medal, but I was also awarded a trophy for being the “spirit of SameYou”!
It is difficult to describe the feelings that were going through my head on that evening and for weeks to come.
I have never felt so proud of myself and of everyone else too. We had all taken on this challenge not knowing what to expect or whether we would succeed, but we had all come out on top.
I am now looking forward to taking on this challenge again in 2027!
Thank you SameYou for the outstanding organisation and to all the amazing people I met and especially to Hannah – my tower of strength.