Entering this event for the first time, on my original home turf so to speak, has been a fabulous experience.

The bike has been a pleasing surprise to boot! Who’d of thunk a Harley Fat Boy carrying a less than svelte girl was so easy to handle!

I take away from this trip aching stomach muscles from all the laughter, and a deep camaraderie that can be so hard to come by in a such a very short amount of time. Sharing our history and ourselves came easily, at least as I speak for myself.

The accommodations were quite “from the manor born”, an amazingly well preserved house from the centuries past – no way there’s anything like this in America, even in Massachusetts where I now reside permanently.

I can say from the bottom of my heart that I’ll be queuing up for the US tour next year. Soup to nuts this has been extraordinarily well thought out and structured, whilst last minute drop outs and changes were just picked up in stride.

Let’s ride again!

Norma Giliker

Bloody Hell – Where to start!!

Tarting about the Cotswolds has been a fantastic experience, mainly due to the fantastic women.

We ride like a well oiled-machine. We fit like we have known each other for years. I know that friendships have been forged here that will last.

When I took part in the Amazon Heart event in California I cried every day, catching up on the rawness of my cancer. Here I have laughed so much! I feel like I have been reintroduced to my life, made better by the bravery of the women I have met. Heather, thank you so much for this. I would not have missed that Police escort into Stratford for a gold pig!!!

Marie Atherton

Ever since the first ride in 2005, I’ve said every year “Nah, I won’t bother this year, been there and done that”. Yet every year I’ve not been able to resist the pull, the universe keeps calling me back. I can honestly say I’ve not regretted taking part in any of the rides, each time making new friends and reconnecting with old ones.

I can’t explain it to anyone who hasn’t been on one of these rides/challenges. The mutual support, the love and acceptance that’s so readily given and received make these friends special. Even without a diagnosis of breast cancer, life can be all too short. These days are precious, we use them well.

Karina Gallagher

Having been a participant on the UK 2005 ride, I’ve been desperate to join another ride with Amazon women. And thankfully, I was able to make this Cotswold caper!

What a weekend we’ve had! Can’t remember a time when I’ve laughed so much – well perhaps not since the 2005 ride! It’s been an absolute pleasure to have spent precious time with such wonderfully inspiring women. Some of the ladies here are old friends, some are new ones – but I know that each and every one of them will be a friend for life wherever in the world they are, and whatever life continues to throw at us all. How lucky am I to have had the Amazon Heart experience?!

Alison Self

Following on from the California ride I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this one.  How could I follow such a unique and special experience?  Well, with another one!  Of course it’s different – staying in beautiful Cotswold cottages, riding through autumn leaves, a police escort into Stratford feeling like royalty.  But essentially it’s always about the people and the chance to spend time with a group of exceptional women who know what it’s like to live with cancer.  And it doesn’t mean being serious and miserable – it means having a laugh and fun and a celebration of being alive.  So I’ve made more new friends, and had a fantastic weekend, and I am so blessed to have discovered Amazon Heart.  Thanks you so much.

Wendy Peek