Thanks for taking the time to visit Adam, Jon, Mark, Mike and Nick's page. So what possessed us to try and cycle over 520 KM  from London to Paris in 3 days despite the fact that two of us haven't been on a bike in 10 years, 1 of us is recovering from major surgery and the other swore never again?

Our idea is simple - we want to raise £6,000 to look after 4 children in Calcutta for a year at Shuktara. Many of the boys and girls who have come to live at the small and personal home of Shuktara were abandoned or orphaned as young children and suffered terrible hardship and discrimination, living on the streets and begging for scraps of food.

Because of their disabilities, they were written off as incapable of learning, developing as individuals or integrating into society. Their personalities and their potential were ignored.

The difference that a few years or even a few months at Shuktara makes is astounding. The boys and girls grow in every sense - physically, in confidence, in skills, in communication. Their personalities blossom, they begin to come to terms with their disabilities and to fulfil their academic potential. Shuktara UK spends no money at all on administration - everything goes directly to the home in Calcutta, so you know that any money you give is well spent.

If you would like to learn more about the children we hope to support, go to:

http://www.shuktara.net/thechildren.html or click on the "My Video" link on the top left of this page.

The London-Paris is THE premier cyclosportive. It’s a professional event for amateur riders and if there's just one event to ride in 2010 - THIS IS IT! - Clearly we are Punching above our weight!!!!

The London-Paris is the closest you'll get to the Tour de France experience – 350 cyclists, rolling road closures, a 100-strong support crew, Subaru lead vehicles and motorbike outriders.

This event attracts some of the biggest names in sport and it’s where the amateur can really experience the adventure of the peloton.

In 2010 we’ll be joined by Rebecca Romero and Magnus Backstedt, Tour winners, ex-professionals and Olympians along with a host of other professional sportsmen.

London-Paris has been ranked as one of the world’s top participation events, alongside the London and New York marathons.

The 2010 route will be a 520km northerly classic to Paris. We start close to the historic Royal Palace of Hampton Court, cycling through the garden of England and cross the Channel to France where we will all hit the bar!!!! before we test our legs on the flagged yellow, green and red sections. We finish at the iconic Eiffel Tower after riding past the famous Parisian landmarks.

L2P is a tough cycling challenge, mentally and physically. It will test our endurance, stamina and fitness. * What have we done!!

Thank you for supporting us on our hapless cycling mission and please dig deep!