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Hello, I am Ben, and those that know me understand why MIND is such an important charity to me. The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone and have left us feeling worn down at best, but for many, it has resulted in mental health issues. 

Sitting pondering on the sofa being kept company by Richard Ayode and Rick Stein’s travel programs and longing to travel again myself I felt quite aimless. The pounds began to join me at my side as if to replace the friends and family I no longer had physical contact with. Those events that used to keep me fit and and provide challenges and something to look forward too felt like they may never return. 

So, when I read that one of my favourite events, ‘Eroica Britannia’ were partnering with Goodwood, and the launch would be at another one of my favourite events 'The Goodwood Revival' I couldnt help feeling a strange feeling. A distant memory told me this was excitement, so I wanted to do something to celebrate

A good challenge' seemed to me was to cycle my 1905 French racing bicycle, dressed in the period wool racing kit from Bakewell (The old home of the Erocia Britannia)  to the Goodwood Revivial. What could be better, Vintage Bicycle, Vintage cars and vintage fashion!

The ride will be approximately 70 miles a day (which on a single speed fixed gear will seem much further, especially on the long descents) with me ending up at the Eroica stand hopefully around 11am on Friday the 17th of September. 

The ride is more about a journey and the rekindling of the spirit of bygone days epitomised by Eroica and Goodwood. I will not be riding fast, I suspect I will be getting lost, and I am sure my legs will not be thanking me, but I hope it shows people after a year and a half we can get off that sofa and do amazing things. 

Please follow my instagram Instagram.com/open_road_vintage where I will post my exploits trying to cram months of training and turn around lockdowns of unfitness into just over a month!

 I will post the route by the end of August (although in the loosest sense of a 'route'), but plan to have a live tracker. If you wish to come and keep me company on ride sections, possibly help find me,, shout encouragement, have a beer, you are more than encouraged.

Chapeau 

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