Many people are familiar with Wells and what he said about a bloke on a bike and the human race, but less people have heard of Susan B Anthony (1820 - 1906, abolitionist and leader of the American women's suffrage movement). She said this:

“Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel…the picture of free, untrammelled womanhood.”

So, there are many reasons for you to give inappropriately, filthily generously in support of me riding for 40 miles, furiously (and I will be furious - if you know my chimp when she's out on her bike - you'll know she can be uncontrollable) up and down the passes of the North Lakes for the Team Townend Challenge this Saturday (yes - that soon). 

The most vivid reason to give is in memory of the Townend brothers Christian and Niggy who I will never get to meet, but who hold a place in the hearts of those I love. 

The most important reason to give is to help Road Peace in their role; helping those involved in a road crash, fighting for the rights of vulnerable road users and therefore, in my opinion, fighting for every person who finds themselves on the wrong end of the magic equality wand. A bicycle is probably one of the most important tools of social and economic mobilisation, ever. Unlike other technologies which have become outdated, very little has changed, yet it is still as significant and as loved as ever.

The best reason to give is for love. LOVE FOR THE FREEDOM OF FREE WHEELING DOWN A HILL SINGING Ging gang goolie goolie goolie goolie watcha, Ging gang goo, ging gang goo. Ging gang goolie goolie goolie goolie watcha, Ging gang goo, ging gang goo. Hayla, hayla shayla, hayla shayla, shayla, oh-ho, Hayla, hayla shayla, hayla shayla, shayla, oh. Shally wally, shally wally, shally wally, shally wally. Oompah, oompah, oompah, oompah.

Or maybe that's just me.