I rode l'Étape du Tour this year to raise money for the MS Society. Throughout my life I've encountered a number of people who have been affected MS. When I was in my early teens, I lost one of my favourite teachers to MS and, most recently, a friend was diagnosed with MS. All my miles this year are dedicated to them.
You can now read about my experience, have a look at my GPS track, look at pictures of event, and see how I placed.
If you're curious about the dude in the picture with the big moustache, read this blurb I wrote Of Moustaches and Mountains.
Training
I'll be putting a few of my longer or more interesting training rides up here.
26 June, 2010 - The Long One sportive, 200km in the South Downs
28 May - 1 June, 2010 - Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 - Paris to Geneva (pics)
16 May, 2010 - Cornwall Tor, Cornwall (pics)
25 April, 2010 - Up and Downs sportive, Dorking
28 March, 2010 - Outdoor Show 100, Birmingham
14 Feb, 2010 - Montserrat Loop, Barcelona (pics)
2 Jan, 2010 - Betancuria, Fuerteventura (pics)
4 Oct, 2009 - Blenheim bike festival, UK (pics)
My Inspiration (and my gimmick)
L'Étape this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first time Le Tour went through the Pyrenees. The stage is 181km long and finishes atop the Col du Tourmalet. The Tour that year was won by Octave Lapize who had a truly impressive moustache. I figure that's the secret to taming the Tourmalet -- a big old soup-strainer.
Training is vital for l'Étape and so I grew a practice moustache in November. You can see pics of this early attempt here. I'll start growing my true competitive 'tache in June.
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.
Raised:
93%
Raised so far: £1,869.40
|
Étape-ing us up for cash again? (ho ho ho) Donation by Mat Hampson on 30/11/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
|
|
May the hair be with you... Donation by Gabriel Gilson on 30/11/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
|
|
Nutters always need support. Here's mine! Donation by Andy Davy on 29/11/09 |
|
|
|
£10 for now - and, to come, 1p for every 1s you finish ahead of the last man home. Good luck! Donation by Rhys on 20/11/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
|
|
Good luck Chris! Will you be adding a stripey polo neck to your ensemble? Donation by Val Murray on 19/11/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
|
Don't forget the bike! Donation by Ethel the Dancing Elk on 19/11/09 |
£75.00 |
|
|
I'm only donating because I have a thing for men with moustaches. Donation by Andrew Owen on 19/11/09 |
£20.00 |
|
|
Dear, dear Chris, I think you're bonkers but good for you! Donation by Tim Harness on 16/11/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
|
|
Allez, allez Monsieur Yanda! Donation by Julie Adair on 16/11/09 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £1,866.04 |
|---|---|
| Offline donations: | £3.36 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £1,869.40 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £199.40 |
* Charities pay a small fee for our service.
Find out
how much it is and what we do for it.