Every two years we do our best to do some good and embark on a challenge that will raise money for worthy causes. In 2016, we took on Lands End to John O’Groats on a Vespa and thew in the National Three Peaks for good measure. This year we decided on two charity fundraising cycling events, in aid of Cancer Research UK, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Ride High, Milton Keynes.
As a non-cyclist it wasn’t clear if we had set our sites too high, but in April training started. We’d signed up to take part in the Prudential Ride London and Surrey 100 in August and climb Mont Ventoux in France by its famous three sides in September.
100 miles on closed roads through London was a pleasure, despite the Surrey hills stunting the initial good progress. Finishing the ride in 5 hours 15 minutes wasn’t bad for someone who had only started cycling four months earlier!
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We then moved on to Mont Ventoux, heading to France after a motorcycle trip with Spyder Club in Switzerland. The initial plan was to drive the 400 miles from Zurich to Malaucene, take a day off and then ride the 84 miles and climb the 4,340 metres the following day.
For some reason we changed the plan, canned the day off and started pedalling up-hill the next morning.
But we did it. During a beautifully sunny day in Provence with temperatures a little warm at 30°C, we started at 08:35 and were back at the hotel by 19:15. Actual riding time was 8:44:31 but most importantly, the fundraising total to date is £7,980 (plus gift aid, £9,650).
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The majority of donations have come from family, friends and Spyder Club members, who have been hugely generous with their support. Cancer Research UK, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Ride High, Milton Keynes will all benefit equally.
All three charities are important to our membership, family and friends, with too many personally going through very tough times.
If you haven’t, please consider donating so that we can hit our £10,000 target and help those who are unfortunate enough to need the support of these organisations. Thank you, Spyder Club.