Cyclists, outdoors enthusiasts, or just those in the wrong place at the wrong time, the air ambulance represents the last line of support. But they need this support to be returned in order to carry out the job they do so well. 

In 2015 I will attempt to complete the South Downs Way 100 mile off-road trail, twice, non-stop. 

How I've got here... I've aways enjoyed cycling, but in 2009 things got a little more serious and along with two friends I rode the 100 mile off-road South Downs Way (SDW) over two days. It took 14 hours on the bike and I was wrecked for days! 

Since 2009 I've spent increasingly more time on bikes, accomplishing a goal of the SDW in less than 10 hours in 2011, a good benchmark I thought! 

In 2012 I got a road bike and the saddle time increased and my one way time fell, to under 9 hours in 2013 and last July I set a best of 7 hours 47, one of the faster times one way. 

The challenge ahead... Next year I will ride the SDW, then turn around and ride straight back, hopefully completing the trip in under 24 hours unsupported. Sounds simple... But the double is so much more than twice the distance: it's navigating the route and obstacles in the dark, it's carrying food and drink for two days and it's sleep deprivation. 

Many of you will know me as a keen cyclist, but I can assure you, this is completely out of my comfort zone by every measure.

Please support with what you can... This ride will take all of me physical and mental resources to complete, not just on the day, but getting out for long winter miles, pushing hard through 'interval training' to make sure I don't let the Air Ambulance down. Check out my training here: 

http://www.strava.com/athletes/458344

Hopefully you can provide some motivation by supporting my cause and donating what you can.

Thank you,

Tom