Arran White
Arran's Team seize_the fish riding the Route des Grandes Alpes
Fundraising for Dementia UK
Story
Mum and son taking on the challenge of the Routes Des Grandes Alpes on their bikes, unsupported, carrying everything they need
including camping equipment.
We are Arran (age 13) and Libby (Arran’s Mum who doesn’t like to talk about her age but is definitely too old for this) are flying to Geneva on 15th July with our bikes, assembling them at the airport and then riding 700km south with around 18000m of uphill to Nice. We will take
on 16 alpine cols including the likes of the Cormet de Roseland, Col d’Iseran, Galibier, Izoard and Col de la Cayolle. We are hoping to swim in as many pools, rivers and lakes as we can en route and eat our body weights in pain au chocolat.
We have been doing lots of training – day and multi day rides to test the kit and ourselves but it’s going to be tough – riding an average of 1250m of uphill, some climbs are 30km and it will be hot and then having to set up a camp each night, maintain bikes, eat and fit in some sleep. Decamping and doing it all again the next day.
Why are we doing this? Well my lovely Mum / Arran's grandma passed away this, year, good friends have been very unwell, I am not getting any younger and Arran will, in a few years. be leaving the nest. Time for a bit of Carpe Diem. Hence the name seize_ the_fish.
We thought that others could benefit from our cycling suffering so we are raising money for two charities that support illnesses that have affected people we love - I am raising money for Dementia UK and my Mum for Cancer Research UK. Justgiving doesn't allow fundraising to be split between 2 different charities whilst also claiming the gift aid so I have set up a team page and you can choose which charity to donate to. Our plan was to split the money 50/50.
I realise money is tight right now but if you can sponsor us that would be really appreciated – and it will motivate us to keep grinding those pedals up the 10% gradients on some of the climbs.
You can follow us and receive updates on our progress (and send us encouragement?) on Instagram at seize_the_fish.