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You’ll probably be surprised to learn that I’m taking part in a serious bicycle trip - Japan Coast to Coast is a one-week, 500km trip from the Pacific to the Japan Sea. A 500km bicycle trip sounds like a big enough challenge. But when you stick the Japan Alps in the middle of it, it takes on a whole new meaning…

No one’s accused me – yet – of being motivated by a midlife crisis. But it wouldn’t surprise me. I haven’t been particularly active for years, and working at a computer all day every day hasn’t helped. So why the sudden decision to take on a major physical challenge?

Well, I prefer to think of it in more positive terms – it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Maybe not the Alps part of it, but I’ve always enjoyed cycling and it seemed like something I could get more into. I’ve been tempted in the past to take up offers to go riding but I’ve never followed through. This time, the huge challenge came with a few months advance notice and a chance to prepare, to get into shape. And the purpose and the people were right, so I said Yes almost right away. Above all, I guess, I trust the judgment and experience of my “teammates” Lowell Sheppard and Tony Torres to make sure this trip is done right.

All that having been said, I am the least experienced of the three of us and my biggest concern is that I’ll end up being a burden. Knowing that people are following the tour and offering their support will be a big help. But the final motivation, hopefully the extra push I need to get over those towering peaks, will be the knowledge that I’m doing this to help others. So I’d like to ask you to consider please sponsoring me on this trip. Your sponsorship will go to a worthwhile and important cause: 100% of what you pledge will help provide access to clean water so a needy family can become self reliant in Cambodia. And of course the thought of relieving you of some of your hard-earned money will help me break through the pain barrier! You can sponsor me here on JustGiving or by going to the HOPE Global Challenge site.

Thanks for reading, Mark.

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