Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.  This page is my main page for the event - and donates to Helen & Douglas House.  (Off-line donations are what I've been told about - they may be made on-line when the time comes). 

Flash Update 23rd June

In a word, it was "tough". But I did it - completed the course.

Windy? Yes, it was very windy!! But at least it was sunny annd dry.

My four targets:

1. raise £1,000 in sponsorship. Thanks to the generosity of all my sponsors to date - I've achieved this one. Thank you so much. Further donations will take me well clear of the target, which will be compensation for the other targets!!

Update 14th June

Did a six hour ride today - and I can still walk!!  I don't want to speak too soon, but this was a good confidence booster.  OK the terrain was a bit flatter than the actual ride, but 6 hours in the saddle is well on the way to what I expect I'll need to do next week.  I shall focus on fund raising this week - that £1,000 target is a way off yet and will give me a great boost if I can get close before the day.  Plus a few medium rides - don't want to over-do it now!

I plan the next update for after the event - fingers crossed!

Update 6th June

Well, the week has been one of train - come rain or shine (and it did). I've put in some early morning rides this week - a couple of 25 plus milers and a couple of 30 plus milers - Tuesday's being notable for the rain! Not sure how much this will benefit me, but it must be doing some good? This weekend will be a 50 miler (plus) if I can. Then the same again next week and next weekend.

Many thanks to those who have sponsored me already . Two sponsors have offered an extra £5 if I get round in one piece. So my aims are now:

- get round in one piece

- get round without having to get off and push (traffic permitting)

- get round in under 7 hours

- if the conditions are good (fine and little wind), aim for as close to 6 hours as I can

I had hoped all this riding would mean I'd be fit and that I could eat and drink as much as I liked, but no. My legs ache and my **** is sore, so please help motivate me and add your name to my sponsors.

Update  29th May - I have now set up a page for anyone who wants to donate to the YCR.  Please read my page below and then go to www.justgiving.com/johnedowling-ycr.

Today is the day I set up this page - Tuesday 27th May.  Over the weekend I had an update from the ride organisers, so I have finally got round to setting up this page.  They said there are four weeks to go.  The event is on 22nd June - and I suddenly feel I need to increase the training - rather a lot!!  I had intended to do so over this bank holiday weekend - but the weather put me off!  No more - I shall have to start, fair weather or foul, come what may.  102 tough miles are just under 4 weeks away.  For details of the event, follow this link - it takes you to the profile - just to show the hills to start with - and from there you can access the rest of the site.  www.circuitofthecotswolds.org.uk/route-profiles.php

So any sponsorshop will be much appreciated and encourage me on my way.

Thanks. 

A message from Justgiving:

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Helen & Douglas House gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Final point - I have used Justgiving before to make donations.  It seems to work, so give it a go.

John

27 May 2008