<p>Dad died on November 5th 2010. &nbsp;He was 71 and had lived with Motor Neurone Disease and its insidious march for nine years.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dad always had an interest in my latest physical challenge and contributed fully to the training plans I failed to follow. He would have been full of advice for this summer's folly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>On July 11th I will be taking part in the Etape du Tour; a stage of this year's Tour de France. &nbsp;Taken at amateur, middle aged, pace; the route will climb the famous col du Telegraph, the 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez and the mighty Galibier. &nbsp;With luck, it will not be thirty degrees on the day.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I am riding for the Motor Neurone Disease association who supported Dad throughout his illness and continue to fund research into a possible cure. &nbsp;Please make a donation in his memory and to support the work of MNDA. &nbsp;Thanks.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Francis</p>