Story
66 miles, 6 ferry crossings and a sore backside!
On the 21st June, I’ll be setting off with my trusty bike to take part in the Solent Coasts Cycling Challenge 2008. The challenge is to complete the 66 mile course in one day to raise funds for three charities:
Hope and Aid Direct – www.hopeandaiddirect.org.uk
Growing Care – www.growingcare.org.uk
Women for Women – www.women-for-women.org
Why am I doing this? ……….. Because I have a friend who’s an inspiration. She's inspired me to take some action! Not to just think about doing something good, but to actually get on and do it! Plus she plied me with wine before suggesting it and guaranteed I'd drop a dress size. Haven't lost a bloomin pound in weight but have spent loads on cycling gear! Thanks Yvonne!
The route will take me across to the Isle of Wight, around the Solent coastline, and back through the New Forest, and for those of you with a good sense of geography,(who’ve already worked out that it involves crossing stretches of water) no I’m not swimming, with or without the bike, an iron woman challenge is a step too far this year, I’ll save that for when I’m nearer 40!
There are 6 ferry crossings on route which means I get time to load carbs into my system guilt free for a day! It also means that I’m challenged before I start. Those of you that know me well will testify to the fact that my natural skills (obviously of which there are many 
)do not naturally lie within the land of all things strategic! I’m working very hard at improving my map reading and have my pen and paper at the ready to do the maths relating to ferry timetables…….if I get it right I should know how fast I need to go so I make THIS ferry, not the one in an hours time! .....ummm……. maybe I'll buy you logical folk a pint or two to help with this before I leave ;-)
It’s the first cycling challenge I've ever done, my previous long distance adventures being on horse back, so wish me luck and more than that show your support by dipping your hands into those deep pockets or digging out those bits of plastic and punching in some numbers to push up the sponsorship fund.
If everybody who reads this donates I will reach my target of £300 and who knows I may even break it. It's a modest target, but I'll be pleased to raise it for such worthy causes. Of course, I'll be meeting all my own expenses, including petrol, chocolate funds, pain killers, chiropractic bills, massage oil and a few beers when I finish!
Best wishes and THANK YOU!
Shelley x
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The charities get 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!