Training update:

Since my last ride I've had a 3 day stay in the hospital with a nasty UTI including IV antibiotics and all the trimmings. The arrival of my wonderful little guy Ronald in December followed by (unrelated) my spasms getting so bad that I could barely get out of bed without involuntary dancing like I was in Ibiza listening to an absolute banger. Then I start getting back on my bike and it decides to give up and the only way it attaches is through being plierred on to my wheelchair.

Huge shout out to @silkcyclesexeter / @jakescoynes for helping me swap bikes over meaning all the problems of my old bike shouldn't (hopefully) to be a problem. Then a dose of food poisoning and all of the colourful side-effects last week I couldn't get to the gym or use my bike at all, or barely function for that matter. Add to that last week (late August) having an infection meaning a four night hospital stay. IV antibiotics, high temperature, shivers, the lot basically. Training has not gone well as what I’m getting it. Two weeks to go and I’m feeling very underprepared but very up for the challenge. What I thought would already be a very tough challenge, has got a hell of a lot harder!

So later this year, I will be taking part in my biggest challenge. I’m cycling 350 KM, roughly 217.48 miles exactly for the readers who don’t use Strava to make their workouts seem more impressive (I see you 👀) over three days for the great charity that is Regain. Since my last trip in September I’ve been a bit slack at using my bike, I am also very happy to report that I have become a father. Which I’m sure, as you can imagine takes up a lot of my time in a good way! 

So here I am again, asking you kind people for your hard earned cash, fully aware that we are all living through tough times right now. Any contribution is really appreciated. Be that, money, a share or a word of encouragement, as long as you’re happy with whatever you give without stretching yourself.

Regain supporters will cycle from the fashion capital of Milan to the islands of Venice in 2023. We'll ride over 350km through Bella Italia and raise thousands of pounds to help make a difference for sports tetraplegics.Together, we'll cycle along the southern edge of the Dolomites, past mountains, vineyards, and the idyllic lakes of Iseo and Garda and spend a night in Verona. We'll experience Italy in the best way, taking in not just the tourist hot spots, but also the tranquil towns, small roads and rolling hills of the countryside. Our last day on the bikes will see us cycling to the edge of Venice for a fantastic celebration. Then, you'll have a free day to explore the canals and islands of Venice, filled with the triumph of conquering an epic bike ride for a small but crucial charity.