It's 15 years since I last cycled over the big mountains of the Pyrenees, so what better year to try again than 2010 - exactly 100 years since the World's largest cycling spectacle, the Tour de France first tackled the high mountains?
For six days in July, I plan to climb the following mountains with three other riders:
Col du Portet-d'Aspet - 1069 metres
Col des Ares - 797 m
Port de Bales - 1755 m (climbing twice)
Col de Peyresourde - 1569 m
Col d'Aspin - 1489 m
Col du Tourmalet - 2115 m (climbing from both directions)
Col de Soulor - 1474 m (climbing twice)
After deciding to take up this challenge, I suffered a set back last January when I came off my bike, ripping my shoulder ligaments, which means I still have difficulty in climbing 'out of the saddle' but with your help, I'm confident that I can get over the mountains to raise money for my local charity.
My chosen charity is WheelPower, raising money to allow people of all ages to lead an active life - please have a look at their website - www.wheelpower.org.uk and take a couple of minutes to watch this short video - http://www.wheelpower.org.uk/WPower/index.cfm/what-we-do/film/
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
