Hi

My name is Steve, I am 38, and this year I will be tackling the 200 mile bike ride from Dublin to Cork. I set myself the challenge as I wanted a goal to attain, and I wanted to help a great charity in the process. The ride will take place over 4 days and is around 229 miles in distance.

My goal is to raise at least £2,000 for Scope, and help people that are less fortunate than myself, I would be very grateful if you could think about sponsoring me, and helping  these people as well. I am doing this as I feel that I would like to try and help other people, and I think it will be challenging and very rewarding.

Until 2 months ago I had not ridden a bike as an adult, so this will be a huge challenge for me to complete.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Scope will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

I plan to have regular updates on my progress with training in the coming months.

Steve

-------UPDATES ARE AT THE BOTTOM-------

Day One

From Dublin to Glendalough

Approx 30 Miles

We will travel south out of Dublin, along Dublin Bay, and pass through several villages along the coast until just after Killiney. Then we will start travelling inland to the Wicklow Mountains. Highlights will include a pass at 1,600ft, called the Sally Gap Road. From here we will travel through the mountains to the overnight stop at Laragh, which is near the monastic site at Glendalough.

Day Two

From Glendalough to Wexford

Approx 70 Miles

We will leave Laragh and up out of the valley to Glenmalure. The route then follows the river valley to the village of Avoca (better know as Ballykissangel). We then make our way back towards the coast road to ride all the way to the historic town of Wexford, where we have an overnight stop.

Day Three

From Wexford to Youghal

Approx 70 Miles

Leaving Wexford, we take in the rolling countryside until we reach the Barrow River, here we cross on a small ferry and enter the lovely Waterford, know for its crystal glass. The route then follows the costal roads taking in the charming villages, and the town of Dungarven. The overnight stop today is the town of Youghal in East Cork.

Day Four

From Youghal to Cork

Approx 30 Miles

The last leg takes us through the charming Cork countryside from Youghal, past the otown of Midleton, home to the Jameson Whisky distillery. After this we finally make our way into Cork, and the end of a wonderful journey.

UPDATE - 12 Feb 2008

Well I have done my first big mileage ride over the weekend, some 30 miles, of mixed road, and cross country riding, didn't feel too bad to be honest, but it was a fairly flatish course. Just hope my knee holds out a little so I can get the rides progressively longer.

UPDATE - 13 May 2008

Well I have been a bit slack with the updates, plus with all that is going on at home, I haven't really done any big milleage rides recently. I did do a nice 40 miles ride at the weekend, 40 miles in 2hr 53 mins.

The weather was superb, and getting up at 7am is always alot easier when the sun is shining. The riding is getting easier I am glad to say, so looking hopeful of increasing the mileage month on month, I am still unsure of how the bum is going to fair though, this bit doesn't seem to change, after a few hours in the saddle it hurts like hell.

My latest ride stats are 40 miles in 2hr 53 mins, at 14 mph.

UPDATE - 19th June

Well I have had a sneaky look at some of the route, as I did go on holiday to the Wicklow mountains at the start of June. I must say I didn't realise it was quite so hilly along the coast, still not as hilly as going up the Sally Gap. I did manage to get up the Sally Gap on one of the days of my holiday, no rest for the wicked.

It is quite a long ride up, about 8km, but it was satisfying to get to the top, I have added some pictures of some of my sights on the various rides I did.

Average speed is staying about the same, but just lengthing the rides every week, can do a 50 mile ride, though the bum does get a wee bit sore. Still not sure how 2 long days together is going to feel though.