JOHNSTONE WHEELERS CYCLING CLUB (JWCC) are racing for Kersland School.  (http://www.kersland.renfrewshire.sch.uk/)

(http://www.johnstone-wheelers.co.uk/)

 

Members of JWCC are competing in the Tour of Flanders Sportive on 2nd April 2011 (also known as the “RONDE”).  The Tour of Flanders is one of the oldest and, according to one Lance Armstrong, the hardest one day races on the professional calendar.  It is usually cold, wet and windy with the route heading out from Bruges to the North Sea Coast and then back inland where the hills can be found.  Is this what you want with 130 kilometres of block head wind in your legs?   The climbs vary from the mildly unpleasant to the virtually unrideable with many of them on very rough Belgian cobbles or pave.  In between the climbs is some 24 kilometres of cobbled sections classified as 4 star pave which, given that the Flandrian cyclists are hard as nails, means brutal.    Did we mention there are no less than 18 climbs?!   It sounds like a day in hell so far.   The goal is to raise money and awareness for Kersland School in Paisley.  The children need financial support to help towards the refurbishment of their swimming pool and to help with Duke of Edinburgh Expedition costs and equipment.

 

There are 72 pupils at Kersland aged from 5 to 18.    The pupils have all been diagnosed as having Additional Support Needs and these can range from Downs Syndrome, Autism, Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy and one off particular conditions.  Labels don’t always help and Kersland like to see the pupils ability rather than the disability.  

 

The School undertakes a range of qualifications which include SQA, ASDAN, Caledonian and MV Awards.   In the past 2 years they have undertaken the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for senior pupils aged 13 and over.  Part of the Award involves an expedition which is very challenging for the pupils but is also very rewarding.   The Adventure Show showed a few of the pupils who have surpassed themselves and will go to Holyrood Palace this July to receive their Gold Awards from the Duke of Edinburgh.

 

There are currently 31 pupils from the senior school enrolled for the Duke of Edinburgh programme.  They have a rolling programme which now will have 10 of their pupils attempting their Bronze Award which will entail camping on Commer Estate on the North Side of Ben Lomond.

 

Pictures of the pupils engaging in the Duke of Edinburgh Award can be viewed above.

 

Donation through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us.   The Beanfeast Charity for Children will receive your money faster and if  you are a UK tax payer an extra 28% will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

 

So please sponsor us now!

 

Many thanks for your support.