As I posted back in February late last year I decided to do one charity event a year with the view to raising money for a breast cancer charity.
The Ride100 was announced. Essentially re-creating the Olympic road race from London2012.
I secured a charity place in support of Breast Cancer Care. BCC are a charity that provides much needed help to those not as lucky as Sarah and I, surrounded by amazing friends, family and colleagues. In the dark days of treatment and recovery everyone needs someone to be there for them.
I started training. Banged out a few 40 mile rides in February. Started researching which bike to buy. I was up for it. Could I do it in 6 hours? That was my goal.
Then I went skiing. And on the 1st of April broke my leg. I was on crutches for 12 weeks. Lost muscle mass in my thighs and whatever fitness I had at the start. I’m still limping. And will for some time. Lying in the hospital bed I realised the Ride100 wasn’t going to happen.
But about 2 weeks ago my consultant said “yes you can start riding your bike again and I see no reason why you can’t start the Ride100.”
Gulp.
I’ve so far managed four longish rides – 31 miles was the most.
On Sunday I’m going to start the Ride100. I don’t know how much I will complete. I already know I will dodge the two massive hills (Box & Leith) which will shave 8 miles off the course. Fret not! At the end I’ve got to cycle home (7 miles) and the start is actually 2 miles from where we meet. And I will need to cycle part of the way there. So I will do 100 if I finish it. I’ve got no more than 9 hours to complete it.
And yes I want your money. But in an old school way. I’d like you to sponsor me “per mile”. To give me an incentive to go as far as I can. On Monday I’ll reply to this email with how many miles I completed. And then if you are feeling generous you could sponsor me. If you want to hint at how much I could earn for the charity please enter it here (before Saturday night).
If you are particularly bored on Sunday I will be using Garmin’s Livetrack facility (technology permitting). So you can watch my progress. I will tweet the link around 8am as I start my journey.
Thanks for reading thus far – and I guess you’re thinking “you’re a looney”…but wish me luck none the same!
Cheers,
Rob.
PS To those that have sponsored me already…thank you. And sorry I can’t guarantee to finish.