On 2nd September, I’m cycling 230 miles (and climbing over 3,000m/10,000ft) from Manchester to London, in one day.

I did it last year, setting off at 6am from the Manchester Velodrome, it took me 16hrs 34mins. Towards the end of the ride I tried to sit on my own testicles to ease the pain caused by sitting on my backside. I couldn’t sit comfortably for 4 days afterwards, and was eschar/scabs from unmentionable places for a week after that (too much information….)*

In previous charity efforts, I’ve cycled the height of Everest; cycled 900km round 5 European countries in four days and this year completed the hardest climb in cycling, Mont Ventoux in the French Alps. The Manchester to London is the hardest day of cycling I have ever done. And this year I need to beat last year’s time.

But…..it’s for an equally huge cause. The ride is to raise awareness, and money for the Charity 'Ambitious about Autism'.

The day is designed to be the toughest day imaginable as an insight into how difficult Autism is to live with. Every day. Over 11% of children in the UK suffer with Autism, often seen as the silent disability. Social exclusion and greatly diminished academic achievement are only two of the issues children with Autism face.

Ambitious about Autism is charity supporting Children and Young People with Autism, helping them, providing life changing services as well as raising awareness and understanding. Their aim is to significantly reverse the negative life impact children with Autism suffer, and prepare them to live fulfilled, independent lives.

I have several friends with Autistic children, and my brother in law is likewise Autistic. We have seen first-hand how great the impact of this condition can be, and even more so, how much misunderstanding and ignorance there is.


I’m undertaking the task of spending 16 hours in the saddle to share that hardship for just one day, all I ask is that you make it worth it by making even a small donation towards this amazing, life changing charity.

Further information and updates, plus insight into my training and nutrition can be found here: http://www.GaryM2L.com 

Thank you.

*Remember I said I couldn’t sit for 4 days (and the scabs issue…?), well 3 days after completing this M2L ride, I’m riding 800km over 4 days to cycle the four corners of Wales (and riding to/from Wilmslow) on a follow-up charity ride with Ava’s school. I really am putting my arse on the line….