I am competing in the Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon on 10 July and the L'Etape du Tour de France 2010 on 18 July in aid of Mercy Corps - a charity that helps alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps are a team of professionals who help turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world. By trade, Mercy Corps are engineers, drivers, community organisers, project managers, public health experts, administrators, social entrepreneurs and logisticians.

The Quadrathlon on 10 July involves a 1.5km swim to the north side of Loch Tay, a run over seven Munros encompassing the Lawers and Ptarmigan Ridges to Morenish (approx 24km), an 11km canoe back to Ardtalnaig and a 54km cycle around Loch Tay. I hope to complete the Quadrathlon in around 10 hours.

L'Etape is a stage of the Tour de France that is open to amateur cyclists. This year it is taking place on the 181km stage from Pau (165m altitude) to the Col du Tourmalet (2115m) in the Pyrennes and involves climbing three mountains over the Col de Marie-Blanque (9.5km at 7.5% incline), Col du Soulor (22km at 4.9%) and the Col du Tourmalet (19km at 7.4%). If all goes well, and I am not swept up by the broom that enforces a minimum pace among the riders, I hope to finish in 9 hours.

I know I wasn't supposed to do any more ludicrous challenges this year, but I couldn't help myself and hope you'll agree that this is a worthwhile cause.

Thank you for your support.

Tom "Wally"