Update:  I managed to complete the 158km and 4136m stage of the Tour de France stage yesterday. I started in position 14990 and ended up in 7447th, so I’m pretty chuffed with that. Especially considering that I’ve only been riding since lockdown, and before that, my last bike was my brother’s hand me down Raleigh Chopper when I was 9. Never had to ride said Chopper in 34 degree heat in Stoke either. The video, overall result, and strava links are below:

https://www.tissotwatches.com/fr-fr/letape_du_tour.html?irwchannel=983&irwtoken=6eb81ae5e282e30f34a3cde17d22571a

https://resultscui.active.com/participants/44549731

https://www.strava.com/activities/9421286604

Thanks to everyone who has donated to this wonderful cause and in memory of such a wonderful person.

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My best man Martin Clarke (or Wigger to all his friends) struggled with his mental health for a number of years, and he unfortunately passed away very recently. Mental health support is chronically underfunded in the UK, so I want to do my bit to help, and even the smallest donation can help support or improve the situation of someone who is struggling.

I've entered a bike race that replicates one of the most difficult mountain stages of the 2023 Tour de France, which conveniently finishes next to where I live. Here is the race route and preview: 

https://www.letapedutourdefrance.com/en/the-race/route 

https://youtu.be/xi3QyvhQTas

It's significantly longer (and more worryingly) bigger in terms of total elevation than any other ride I have completed. I'm hoping the memories of all the good times I shared with my mate, and the fact that I'm riding for such a good cause will help spur me onto the finish line. Frankly I need all the help I can get. As an extra incentive to donate, please note that I will only stop sharing photos of me training in lycra once I have reached my target.