The Jack Earl 100 x 100 mile rides

For most of 2020, I have been undertaking a challenge to ride my bike for the continuous distance of 100 miles, 100 times. It’s been a bit of a slog at times and an absolute pleasure at others.

Back in March, Band of Climbers supported my effort with the attached article, which provides a little bit more information from a distant time when I had more enthusiasm and felt less tired https://www.bandofclimbers.com/blogs/climbs/the-imperial-grimpeur-a-century-of-centuries

I am now hopefully coming to an end of the challenge with three rides remaining to reach 100 x 100 which I aim to end in late November or early December depending on the numerous things in life that I have had to constantly plan around. As the weather and darkness make the rides more challenging, I thought it would be an opportunity and provide extra encouragement by supporting a number of local charities to spur me onto the final target.

The two causes that I intend to split any money raised are both local to the North East:

The Great North Air Ambulance

This has been selected as a preferred charity of Jack’s by Sharon Dyson the daughter of the much missed local cycling photographer, Ashington resident and general workie ticket. Jack passed away earlier this year and gave so much to the local community and is missed by a lot of people. Most of all he was just a lovely bloke who I miss and want to name the rides after.

The Newcastle Building Society Community Fund

My employer for the past 28 years, who as a local mutual building society, supports our members, customers, local communities and colleagues. Part of this support is in the form of a Community Fund which makes grants available to charities and groups local to our branches. The aim is to give grants which can make a real difference to the areas in which we're based.

The Society donates £1 for every new Newcastle Easy Access Saver. This is supplemented by continuous fundraising by the Society colleagues and members.

When it comes to distributing the grants, our customers nominate where the funding should go. So if they know of a project in and around our branch network that might benefit from financial assistance, they can apply on their behalf. More information is available here. https://www.newcastle.co.uk/community/newcastle-building-society-community-fund/

You can follow me on Strava if that’s your thing https://www.strava.com/athletes/319892 and for the final 100 I intend to post a little more information for those who want to get involved (whilst adhering to current lockdown rules).

Finally here‘s a picture of me on one of the 100s in the Swiss Alps in 30 degree heat. They have not all been like this.

Update

After a busy week or two, I was able to accelerate completion with extra rides on the weekend of 28th November, one month and a weekend ahead of plan. Band of Climbers who have supported me throughout released the following which provides a more detail regarding the year. https://www.bandofclimbers.com/blogs/climbs/mission-accomplished-100-century-rides-in-11-months