Story
Having spent 17 years learning how to be a reasonable Ultramarathon runner, I was more than a bit put out to learn that my left hip is shot and needs replacing.
To me running was my stress-busting go-to activity and I always had the next Ultra lined up to keep me focused and motivated. Then in October 2021 (a month or so after hobbling round the 46 mile Green Man Ultra) I found out that without a new hip, my running days are abruptly over.
So I’ve started again: learning how to ride a bike in competitions, with my goal of completing the 100 mile Ride London race a month or so before I plan to go under the knife and have the hip done (which will put me out of action for months).
I have never cycled in a race before and have no clue what to expect. I have signed up for a range of races in the run up, starting with the Wiltshire Classic on 12th March (42 miles), then the Tour Du Bristol (100k) on 9th April, and finally Taunton Classic (100k) on 1st May. Then it’s the Ride London race on 29th May.
I’ve chosen to raise money for ‘Get Kids Going’, a charity which supports disabled children participate in sport by providing bespoke Sports Wheelchairs (which can cost up to £7k each). I figured, given my current predicament, this would be a good charity to support, so please give something if you can!
To me running was my stress-busting go-to activity and I always had the next Ultra lined up to keep me focused and motivated. Then in October 2021 (a month or so after hobbling round the 46 mile Green Man Ultra) I found out that without a new hip, my running days are abruptly over.
So I’ve started again: learning how to ride a bike in competitions, with my goal of completing the 100 mile Ride London race a month or so before I plan to go under the knife and have the hip done (which will put me out of action for months).
I have never cycled in a race before and have no clue what to expect. I have signed up for a range of races in the run up, starting with the Wiltshire Classic on 12th March (42 miles), then the Tour Du Bristol (100k) on 9th April, and finally Taunton Classic (100k) on 1st May. Then it’s the Ride London race on 29th May.
I’ve chosen to raise money for ‘Get Kids Going’, a charity which supports disabled children participate in sport by providing bespoke Sports Wheelchairs (which can cost up to £7k each). I figured, given my current predicament, this would be a good charity to support, so please give something if you can!