The Race Across America (RAAM) is an infamous non stop challenge in which cyclists race as fast as they can to cover 3,050 miles across the USA stretching from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland – hailed as the toughest bike race in the world! On 17th June, I along with my support team will be on the start line to begin RAAM 2009 as one of only 28 solo entrants. This time, the target is to ride the 3,050 miles in under 12 days to raise money for the Sabre Charitable Trust – a small charity working to enhance education provision within rural communities in Ghana, West Africa.

Davis Langdon have selected the Sabre Trust as its 2009 charity of the year and, as part of their Kindergarten School Building Programme, is working alongside them in designing a prototype kindergarten school in the hope that the resultant school will provide a significantly improved learning environment to the young children in Ghana and set the foundation for them to remain in education for longer.

I have previously completed RAAM as part of a 4 man team, reached 8000m on the North Face of Everest, run 3 marathons, completed regular cycle races throughout the UK and came 6th at the 2008 British Time Trial Championships.  However, I can freely admit that riding RAAM solo will be the toughest challenge that I have attempted to date. The reason for this 'madness' is to raise at least enough money from this Solo RAAM challenge to completely build one of these sustainable kindergarten schools in Ghana.

None of this can happen without you. Your support WILL make a massive difference so please pledge all that you can.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Sabre Charitable Trust (Team Sabre) gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

The team and I look forward to reading your messages of support (!) and thank you again for sponsoring us.

Please visit http://www.richardnewey.co.uk for more information.