This year I plan to under take my most difficult physical and mental sporting challenge of my life to date.
The Grand Raid CristAlp is the World's hardest one day mountain bike race. Starting in Verbier, Switzerland, it covers a 121 gruling kilometres, all off road on mountain tracks. With over 5500M of climbing (that is 5 and a half times up and down Mt Snowdon!) It passes remote mountain regions and individual climbs are as long as 22KM. In fact one climb finishes with 3KM of bike carrying for the final section of loose and steep rocks.
Descents are very technical, often on narrow footpaths thousands of metres high and are as demanding physically as the climbs.
The race is so difficult and dangerous that you have to prove your personal ability and fitness as well as your bikes mechanics.
In order to prepare for this huge challenge I have been training for more than 8 hours a week since November last year. I have to admit that training over the winter has been hard in terms of motivation. However, the fact that each year many people drop out, get injured and some even die due to lack of preparation keeps me motivated.
My motivation is also drawn from my desire to help those less fortunate, especially as charities now seem to be second to the personal effects of the "crisis"
In order to help me reach my goal I am using a cycling coach and a structured program which is now reaching it's final stages of intensity. With work and family comitments my motivation has been really tested.
My aim is to raise £5K for Temi. Temi is a community for less priviIeged people and in particular children. The community is based in Georgia (the one near Russia) and provides help, support and a family environment. Can you imagine life as a child in a place like Georgia without a family? As a Father of two children, a minx of a 2 year girl and a manic 4 year old boy, I cannot imagine what life would be like for them without a loving family. Life is often about opportunity, my son has the opportunity to do fun things like the mini grand raid, other kids dont even have 3 meals a day. Temi, provides opportunity, love and support. You can read more at www.temi-community.com
I have chosen Temi as a result of meeting an inspirational man called Martin Pope who acts as Chairman for Temi. Martin's passion and enthusiasm for helping others really inspired me to do more. Having met Martin I know that every penny raised will be spent carefully and with maximum effect.
Your help is needed to help me reach my target of £5K. All my preparation costs and training costs will be paid by me personally, not via my chosen charity.
Please help by sponsoring me now. Any donation, small or large makes a difference.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: ChildAid will pass all funds raised here directly through to Temi. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.