This mad idea all started on the 1 year anniversary of losing our dear friend Richard ‘Beers’ Carson. We all decided that we wanted to find a fitting way of remembering him.  

We all met Beers over 10 years ago playing touch rugby on Wandsworth Common. After many long afternoons enjoying a pint or two after a Saturday morning run around, we developed a longstanding and great friendship. Through this, Kev shared a flat with him and Paddy went on an insane mountain biking holiday with him. Needless to say, he was much loved and we all enjoyed spending time with him. 

The Beers we knew was a proud Kiwi who loved his cycling, rugby and daughter, so we felt that a fitting tribute would be to ride from Land's End to John O’Groats this summer in his memory, covering around 1000 miles between 17 to 31 July, whilst raising awareness for mental illness. We want to make sure people know they are not alone and that there are people here for them to talk too.  

This adventure will be a challenge in itself; new bicycles, eating plans, route plans and training schedules have been the status quo since we agreed and committed to this cause, and this is only the beginning. 

Long days on the road, the battling of the inevitable headwind and saddle soreness await us, but these all pale into insignificance when compared to the struggles and challenges that other people are facing.

The charity we’d like to help is Mind.

Mind’s mission is simple: “provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.”

We are very grateful for all the encouragement and support we’ve received so far and we’d like to thank you for any donations you contribute to our cause.

For updates from us on the road, please visit http://kevinrides.blogspot.com/

Thank you,

Paddy, Jill and Kev