It was 10 years ago, in a pub garden in Northamptonshire, that the idea of a cycle to Asia was first mentioned. A decade on, we three long-standing school friends in our late sixties, aggregating over 200 years of age, are fulfilling that unlikely suggestion. We, Clive Rockell, 67, from Northampton, Paul Sorensen, 67, from Cranbrook, Kent and Chris Dowdeswell, 68, from Hindhead, Surrey will be busy over the next week (aah - frighteningly updated - TOMORROW!) trying to get ourselves into shape for the upcoming challenge.

On 15th September 2019, we will set off from The London Eye and, in relay, will complete (hopefully) a journey of over 2,500 miles to the Asian section of Istanbul by mid-October. We each will cycle around 40 miles every day, thereby totalling 120 miles per day, following the River Rhine, then the Danube as we visit 10 different countries whilst cycling the continent. This is a distinct personal challenge for us especially as none of us consider ourselves to be 'cyclists.' The big question is - can we do it?

If we do complete the task, we are also supporting an excellent charitable cause, BeatSCAD, as we pedal. SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) is a rare type of heart attack which can have devastating and, at times, fatal effects, mostly upon young fit women. Its cause is not yet known and, because it is considered rare, it sometimes goes undetected. A patient-led fundraising campaign has raised over £50000 per year for the last three years to fund research run by Cardiac Consultant, Dr Alice Wood. Because of the fantastic initial response Clive, Paul and Chris have set themselves a fundraising target of £2580 - £1 for every mile cycled - but, regardless, are hoping to raise a substantial amount towards that necessary £50000 figure this year for the Alice Project to BeatSCAD via its charity (registered charity no: 1164066 ).

 Thank you for your support.