Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am taking part in Brighton Housing Trust’s annual sponsored cycle ride from Brighton to Paris in June this year. For me this is a chance to try and give back to BHT a small part of what they have given to me. 30 months ago I entered treatment with BHT. I was a broken man.  I had lost everything, my house, my job, cars, wife, family, my reputation, my dignity. Although, let’s face it, I’d lost that many years before.

The year I spent under the care of BHT has turned my life around. For the first time in my life I had choices and clarity. Since then I have been busily rebuilding my life. I have completed voluntary positions and an internship at BHT. I then secured a full time post as a Floating Support Worker with Route One, helping vulnerable clients with mental health needs with accommodation and support. Nearly 4 months on and I am now a Floating Support Officer with my own caseload. I am flourishing in this opportunity to not only work, but work in a field that is very close to my heart.

I have taken part already in fundraising events for BHT. In 2013 I did the Three Peaks Challenge raising money for people in addiction to get involved in outdoor activities. I am looking forward to this opportunity to take this up a notch. I love cycling, and it is cycling that has been one of the joys I have discovered since coming out of treatment. I cycle into work from Woodingdean each day, which doesn’t sound that bad but I live at the heady heights of 500feet. OK, it’s not at oxygen levels but after a hard day’s work the climb home uphill against the wind and the rain is not always the most welcome!! I like to say I’m not competitive, but I am still trying to deal with the rush of testosterone when someone cycles by me on the way up Elm Grove of an evening. How dare they? Do they know who I think I am? And…… relax. Going to give myself a heart attack one of these days.  Acceptance, Alasdair, acceptanceJ

Regarding training, I cycle around 15 to 20 miles a day as it is so I am fairly on top of it. I will have to push myself more on the longer rides though. Got to earn your luvverly donations. Did a 40 mile run over to Worthing and Steyning area on Saturday and felt it in my back. Going to have to check bike settings!

Bought myself a helmet camera, so will try and get some footage for the site. Will keep you updated!!

Here is a rough idea of the journey:

Brighton to Newhaven Ferry – 10 miles /16 km

10 miles along the undercliff walk and through the dean’s on the NCN route 2. Ferry leaves at 11pm. Remembering to take bike lights, ferry booking slip and passport!

Dieppe to Le Coudray – 59 miles / 90 km 

A long ride!! Get kicked off ferry at 3 am, ready to ride pre-dawn.  An enchanting and surreal experience when the rest of Europe is asleep. Not forgetting to ride on the right hand side!
We are starting when it is cold, dark and possibly damp. Once you can see some daylight, we will see we are riding on a traffic free cycle-track through some lovely farmland, open pastures and river valleys.
The next major stop is 28 miles later in Gournay-En-Bray. Lots of bars, shops and a supermarket. Not much time for any of that, sadly!!

Gournay-En-Bray to Maison Laffitte – 68 miles /109 km

Some lovely cycling through rural France, before heading onto the Epte Valley Greenway which starts after Gisors.  An old railway line dotted with castle remains, alongside the tranquil waters of the River Epte.
More lovely gentle hills, blue skies and warm breeze as you glide through the Picardie region of France. Arriving at the Seine, with views of Paris as you cycle down into the valley. It’s all flat riding from here.

Maison Laffitte to Central Paris – 22 miles/37 km

On the way round the bend, literally. The river is on your right for around 2-3 hours, cycle past busy St Germain. We will be sharing the paths and tracks now with more and more urban dwellers.Head through a number of urban parks with ornamental gardens, rest areas for tired city workers and dog walkers.
It’s all eyes on the road and map simultaneously, as the Avenue Verte signs disappear in the city sprawl. And we're in Paris!! All downhill from here. Technically..........