In 2005 I raised nearly £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support - now in 2009, I aim to raise further donations but with a greater physical challenge....................... !
The Septuplet Challenge:
1. 26th April 2009 - White Peak Cycle Challenge - 69 miles (actually organised by the British Heart Foundation which I will personally contribute to) 29 miles from near Matlock Derbyshire - but I'm going to start from my home in Sheffield, and add a further 40 miles to the distance. => http://www.bhf.org.uk/get_involved/take_part_in_our_events/event_finder/view_event.aspx?ps=1000311
Update: Successfully completed the White Peak Challenge - but due to knee injury (but don't ask how - and is ok now) - did just the 29 miles. However, to compensate - now also doing the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride on June 13th from Wetherby to Filey.
2. May 15th to May 18th - Sustrans (cycle) route Coast and Castles - Edinburgh to Newcastle - 200 miles over 4 days => http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1095084811031
Update: Successfully completed - 209 miles - quite tough mainly due to very strong continuous SE winds. Forecast monsoons fortunately failed to materialise. Strong on ride but strangely felt somewhat "whacked" in the evenings! Good though!!
3. June 13th - Great Yorkshire Bike Ride - Wetherby to Filey - 72 miles => http://www.gybr.co.uk/
Update: Brilliant ride - mainly road bikes but enjoyed the challenge - quite a quick route, one major climb out of Malton and some minors in the Hawardian Hills. Stats: 70.54 miles ; 4hrs 18mins ; 16.4mph (avg - on mountain bike) ; 36mph (max).
4. June 25th to 27th - Sustrans (cycle) route - Celtic Trail (Pembrokeshire) - 190 miles over 3 days => http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1095083832359
Update: Great four days (did additional 35 miles on first evening) - however very tough - with many climbs. Unfortunately no stats. Certainly the toughest challenge so far.
5. July 11th - Leeds to Liverpool via the canal towpath - 127 miles in one day, on a mountain bike! Starting at 6am and hoping to arrive in Liverpool for 6pm -mental (Dave H's idea!)
Update: Toughest challenge ever done - 1/3 off road; 1/3 grass; 1/3 paved - ultimately murderous! Hit the wall with 20 to go, with excrutiating back problems. Never again - but recommended for a one off challenge!
6. 6th September 2009 - Ride of the Roses Cycle Challenge - 100+ miles Lancaster to York => http://www.bhf.org.uk/get_involved/take_part_in_our_events/event_finder/view_event.aspx?ps=1000380
Update: Really enjoyable but challenging - not just the 5.30am start from Sheffield to get to Lancaster for the 8am start - but nearly all climbing in first 60 miles (7400 feet; avg speed 14.6mph). Felt good at end - although back really playing up - but must buy a road bike for next year!
7. THE MONSTER!!
November 21st to December 3rd - Macmillans Trans Central America Cycle Challenge - 680kms
Includes Panama / Costa Rica / Nicaragua - described as 680 hot and gruelling kilometers over challenging terrain =>
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Get_Involved/Biking_events/CentralAmerica/Day_by_day_itinerary.aspx
Update: Tremendous! 657 kms; 20,968 feet of climbing; max temp 42C; But very tough - hot, humid, tropical rain, difficult to sleep, to dry anything, tummy cramps - full blog, stats and photos here =>
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nagalka/sets/72157622943119068/
Any contribution would be greatly appreciated - Macmillan get no state handouts, all financial receipt is received from public and charitable contributions. Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of those affected by cancer both patients and immediate family - with their range of nurses, doctors, professional carers and cancer care centres - and even financial help.
One in three of us will get cancer and two million of us are living with it at anyone time.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support 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.
So please sponsor me now!
Thanks - Keith.
Photos from bike rides: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nagalka/sets/72157617355772552/
