I cycled in the first ever Avon Cycle Marathon on midsummer's day (21st June). Starting from Mangotsfield (East Bristol), this anticlockwise circuit of the 85mile (137km) Avon Cycleway hopes to raise a goodly sum for Bristol-based charity TREE AID. This relatively small outfit is doing relatively wonderful things to established sustainable tree-centred economies in some of Africa 's most destitute countries. As an added challenge, I rode a fixed wheel bike - 1 gear and no free-wheeling down hills! Having said that, I hooked up with another fixie rider and together we were the first to complete the ride despite a couple of hills that were so steep i had to kind of weave from side to side in an attempt to traverse the slope and some blurred-leg 35mph descents! Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Tree Aid 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! Next year, perhaps a wooden bike?! Thank you (in anticipation)