Harriet Firth
Harri's attempting the Etape
Fundraising for British Dyslexia Association
Story
Entering its eighteenth year, the Etape du Tour has established itself as the most challenging and yet gratifying cyclo‐sportive events in Europe. The Etape du Tour offers over 8,500 amateur cyclists the chance to ride the same mountainous terrain that the professional riders will conquer four days later in the Tour de France. In order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France’s first foray into the Pyrenees, this year’s ride will cover the invigorating Stage 18 route. Stretching over 108 miles from the foothills of the Pyrenees to its highest peak at the Col du Tourmalet.
Not being of a particularly athletic persuasion, the sum total of my efforts to date being a 6 mile run round Hyde Park about 5 years ago and so the thought of riding 108 miles, over a total ascent of 4000m fills me with dread. Put in into perspective, ride from London to Brighton and back, climbing the equivalent of Ben Nevis 3 times on the way.
So back in January this year I set out on my first of many training rides. The cold, wind and driving rain of London and the South East I hope has prepared me well for the mammoth undertaking on the 18th July. I have lost count of the weekends, early mornings and late evenings I have spent in the saddle in preparation for the Etape which is now less than a week away!!
As many of you will know Dyslexia is something that is very close to my heart and I am taking on this challenge to try and raise some money for this very worthy cause. If you would like to show your support any donations would be very gratefully received.
Thank you very much, Harri Armstrong x
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