Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Monday the 22nd of August 2016 I set off from my home in Nottingham to ride my bike at least 5000km (3000miles) across Europe. Riding through England, France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, Spain, Portugal and Wales, I smashed my target and completed over 7000km before Christmas!

I hope my trip inspires more people to seek out adventure and take on new challenges, whilst helping children who need it most. In the UK and around the world, the charity Save the Children gives children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.

http://m.nottinghampost.com/8203-dominic-s-ambitious-5-000km-charity-bike-ride/story-29649994-detail/story.html

Having never ridden more than 4 consecutive days in a row, this is by far the biggest cycle challenge I’ve ever completed. I carried all the kit a needed to ride the journey unsupported, camping wild and cooking outdoors to save money on accommodation and food. I had huge amounts of moral support from family and stayed with friends, firefighters and complete strangers along the way who hosted me through couchsurfing. 

My route included riding:

- South from Nottingham to the Limousin region of France.

- East through France along Eurovelo Route 6           

- Along Eurovelo route 15, following the Rhine through Germany, Switzerland and Austria 

- Through Liechtenstein in just half a day (it's small country)

- Over four alpine passes of over 2000 metres in Switzerland and several other big climbs, along with a hike to nearly 3000metres with my mate Mike

- Through NW Italy and back into France via Monaco

- Over the Pyrenees via Andorra and into Spain

- Through Madrid, Andalucía and on to Faro in Portugal enjoying a few well earned rests

- From the South coast of Portugal North through the whole country and back into Spain

- Through the mountains to Santander to catch a ferry to Plymouth

-  All the way back home to Nottingham via Torquay, Hinton St George, Bristol, Cinderford, Gloucester and Oxford.

I sponsored myself £10 for every 1000km I completed. Other friends sponsored me for every country I visited. Any further donations are massively appreciated, whatever you can afford.

£3 Could pay for life-saving treatment for eight children who are sick with diarrhoea.

£5 Could buy building materials for 10 latrines, helping to protect families from disease.

£10 Could fund malaria testing for 145 children, so that cases can be diagnosed quickly and more lives saved.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.