WEEK THREE UPDATE: THROUGH FIRE AND FORGED STRONGER
Eva, Steve and Danny are 867.73km into their journey and just shy of 50% of their fundraising goal!
We’re incredibly proud to share that the Blindly Following Dreams team has now completed a massive 867.73km across Europe, and they’re just 175km away from reaching the Czech Republic!
They’ve also now raised just under 50% of their fundraising target, and support is continuing to grow every day.
Despite cold weather, relentless rain and emotional exhaustion, the team has pushed through another 300km; and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
A Brutal Start to Week 3:
The week began at rock bottom. After a 65km ride in freezing rain, they arrived to an unfriendly campsite, exhausted and soaked. Tensions were high, Danny was struggling, and for the first time on this journey, they considered calling it quits.
“Let’s just go home.”
But they didn’t.
Thanks to a kind stranger named Sebastian, who offered help and warmth, they held on. That one act of kindness made all the difference.
Naming the Trike and Finding Their Fire:
This was also the week their trike and trailer earned their names:
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The Blacksmith – the trike, because it’s been beating the hell out of them.
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The Anvil – the trailer, heavy and unrelenting.
Their chosen quote for the week says it all:
“To make a sword, you have to put it through fire and beat the hell out of it.” – David Goggins
And that’s what this journey is doing – forging them into something stronger.
Weekly Highlights
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Tuesday: 85km ride into Winterberg, including a sprint to a bike shop with five minutes to spare after Danny’s cleat broke.
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Wednesday: 70km finished in Neustadt, where they camped on a grass verge next to a car park.
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Thursday: 60km to a campsite, which appeared closed – until the manager opened the building and offered shelter, toilets, showers, and warmth.
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Friday: A well-earned rest day. The team was supported by two incredible people – Jonas (who gave them €10 in change and asked for it to be donated), and Steffen, the site manager, who waived their €46 campsite fee – both donations have already gone to OpenSight.
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Saturday–Monday: Three more solid days of 50km, including a wild camp.
Week Three Stats:
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Total Distance So Far: 867.73km
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Distance to Czech Republic: ~175km
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Fundraising Progress: Just shy of 50% of goal reached!
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Weather: Finally clearing up!
Your Messages Keep Them Going:
They’ve been deeply moved by the words of encouragement from supporters this week. Just a few of the heartfelt messages received:
“What an inspirational journey. Well done for not giving up – we are all so proud of you.”
“You’re doing amazing. Sending hugs and wishing you well on your journey xxx”
“So proud of you all for pushing through, even when you wanted to quit.”
“Keep going guys – you are doing amazing – you got this xxxxx”
These messages make a real difference. Thank you to everyone cheering them on.
What’s Next?
The team is aiming to cross the Czech border by Monday afternoon, where they’ll be reunited with friends and family – including Eva’s parents – for a well-earned break.
They’re tired. They’re battered. But they are still riding.
“To make a sword, you have to put it through fire and beat the hell out of it.”
They’re being forged – one kilometre at a time.
Want to Support Their Journey?
If you would like to support their mission and help OpenSight continue making a difference for people living with visual impairments:
Donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/blindlyfollowingdreams?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Follow their video journey:
We’ll continue sharing weekly updates – so stay tuned as they push into their final stretch toward the Czech Republic!
