In 2022 I plan to change all that, and test my limits once again by taking on some pretty epic off road events and races. Along that way I'll continue to raise awareness for mental health issues, and fundraise as I go. 

This is really important to me personally, and so many others, as we try to navigate such uncertain times. I hit my own low point in 2020/21 and I know how important services like Solent Mind are to those who need help that is maybe not available elsewhere. Cycling is one of the ways that helps me keep on an even keel, so it makes sense that I cycle to raise money to help others.

***Update***

My Dales Divide ride didn't go too well, as it was just a few weeks after months of illness, which I hadn't fully recovered from.  This has continued to impact my energy levels in the first half of the year, and so after completing the Great British Escapade, I took the difficult decision to withdraw from this years GB Duro.  It is likely that I will try again in 2023, as I have been offered a place already.

The fundraising link however, will remain open all year, and can still be donated to.

Dales Divide
In April I take on the Dales Divide. It's a 600km bike-packing Coast to Coast and back event. It starts in Cumbria and crossed the Yorkshire Dales & the North York Moors before riding back to the start. It's going to be tough, and to date I have never ridden that kind of terrain. Ideally I'd like to complete in 3 days, but there are no guarantees, especially as I'll be carrying all my own gear.

The Great British Escapade (Take 2)
In June, I'll once again tackle the Great British Escapade, and this time I hope to finish it. The 2021 edition was my first attempt at an off road event, and it sparked a new passion, one for following trails rather than roads. That being said, the weather was dreadful, and very few riders made it past the first 24 hours (including me). But this year, we've been promised a heatwave by the organiser, so I'll try again.
It's around 480 km and takes in the North and South Downs.

The GB Duro (The big one)
This one ride is quite possibly the biggest and maddest ride I have ever attempted. I'll be riding from Land's End to John O'Groats again, but this time around half of it will be off-road. And it's not a direct route either.
It's just under 2000 km, and I'll have just 10 days to complete it. Yes it's actually a race - eek!!.
Not only is it a bike-packing event, but I have to be completely self-sufficient, and I have to camp out for all of it. Sneaky hotels or any non commercially available outside help will lead to disqualification. I'll be 56 years of age, while most of the field will be much younger. I genuinely believe this will be significantly harder than my GWR challenge!

Thank you