So about a year ago some friends talked about the Birmingham Velo. For those who are unaware it is a 100 mile cycle ride that you must complete in around 8 hours. Of course, with the beers on board I decided that this would be easy and was signed up. A few months went by and finally in January I thought I had better get on my bike and see what all this cycling was about..........

I went out and rode circa 5 miles and could barely walk for a day, at this point realising that this may be a bit of a challenge!! Since then I have entered a few events and spent many hours in the company of my bike. This exercise lark is all new to me and it has been tough. The longest event to date was 75 miles a few weeks ago and the toughest event was the first 40 mile one I did way back in March with Andy Cutler!!

I always wanted to do this for charity, but not one of the traditional ones. I have been raising money this year towards a local kids football team who play their games on my local school field. They have very few facilities but have over 70 kids (both boys and girls) playing football every Saturday morning. Any money raised will be shared between the school and AFC Gnosall to improve these facilities for all.

I believe that if we keep kids interested in sport from an early age that they will be more likely to be healthier in later life and raising any money for these guys can only be a good thing.

So, if you think you can spare a few quid, that would be great! If you can't, then that is also good but please think of me this Sunday when I am sitting on a bike for 8 hours riding the equivalent of Wolverhampton to Blackpool!!!!

Thanks, Andy