Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. (Macmillan colours....!!!!)

Update : 22nd September 2009 - and we're back....!!!!!

Just changed the Target to the minimum amount required by Macmillan to give a more accurate percentage raised. Now hoping to clear £1000 more than the minimum. This can only help to give Macmillan the support they deserve............ Now back to the thank you's..............

Wow.... what a challenge...!!!

I would say I've earned every bit of the sponsorship, it was definitely one of the toughest challenges I've ever done. Sure, more training would have helped instead of missing the longer training rides later on in the programme, but nothing can prepare you for the continuous climbs that The Alps has in store for you.

Having said that, it was a great event with some great people. The days went to plan (so well done to Ellie from Macmillan and Jo from Discover Adventure), everybody looked like they were enjoying it and helping each other along the way. At this point I'd like to thank Nigel Harris and the boys from BAM for the banter and encouragement.

The fundraising is due to reach £150k for the group, the final number of challengers being 59. So, I would like to again thank everyone for the sponsorship and support. It was a great experience and I will have some long lasting memories of the pain and the pleasure. Cheers everybody....!!!!!!!

Update : 16th September 2009 - 1 day to go

The training has dropped right off (according to the programme) and it feels weird not being out. Anyway, this has helped me concentrate on the fundraising and I've now broken my target of £2500. This means the full £1650 will go to Macmillan as I've raised the minimum amount on top of the travel costs.

A massive thanks to everybody who has supported me this year, especially the generous people of Biwater Treatment Ltd and the friends from Dukinfield Golf Club. Definitely not forgetting the friends from the Inca Trail trek in Peru 2006. Great to see you all on the Bank Holiday weekend and thanks for your sponsorship.

Thanks also to Biwater Treatment Ltd, ARCO, Dustacco Engineering, GB Calibration Services, Kingspan and Proenda for the sponsorship and donations.

I guess that's it for this event, at least until the challenge report when we get back.

Before I finish, I must say a big thanks to Ellie and Sarah from Macmillan Cancer Support. Great organising, updates, news, information, etc...............

Update : 7th September 2009 - 10 days to go

After the exploits of the "Foxhole Festival" on the Bank Holiday weekend it was rubbish weather for training all week, so I came to the Manchester 100 about sixty miles light on the training last week. At least Sunday was forecast to be fine.

Wythenshawe Park 07.55 start time, as my wife reminded me of the "Hare and the Tortoise" fable, I resisted sprinting off and soon found a comfortable pace. 16.04 and I'm back across the finish line. Official time 7hr 36min (actual ride time according to the computer 6hr 54min). Really happy breaking 8 hours in my first 100 mile event and feel more confident in the challenge ahead. All those tips about drinking and eating frequently seem to pay off yesterday, so a big stock of gels and bars is needed I think.

The minimum sponsorship required by Macmillan has been passed and I'm almost at the £2500 target (obviously some people don't know they've made a pledge yet, but I know the're good for it). Thanks to everybody who has sponsored me to date and please make a donation if you have visited this page. I hope something inspires you to.

Best wishes................ Steve

Update : 27th August 2009 - 3 weeks to go

Great news, the notices at work are getting people asking me ........."when are you coming round with your sponsor form".......... nice to know the support is there without having to twist people's arms. I've also got a reunion this weekend with the friends I did the Inca Trail with in 2006, so that should get me some sponsorship. Not sure if they just feel sorry for me or not, I might ask when I'm full of San Miguel...!!!! Problem is I'll be missing the long ride on Sunday - DOH..!!!

Managed to stay with the training programme over the last two weeks and did the Snake Pass route again, but added a detour to see my sister (that added another climb from Glossop to Padfield). This time 53.9 miles in 4 hr 21min. I think I'm just pushing a bit more since watching the TdF, my 14.2 miles mid week route now down to 50 mins. I know it's not a race but the times are just convincing me I'm getting fitter, still need to shift a few pounds though. Anyway, my enrty number for the Manchester 100 has come thru' - 549 if anybody is in the area. I'm really looking forward to that (strangely enough). I hope it will give me some better feel for food and drink intake and get an idea of any signs of fatigue. Maybe not a good day for trying out anything new, except maybe the Macmillan cycling top if it arrives in time.

Update : 10th August 2009 - 5 weeks to go (on Thursday).

Well, I missed an update last week but was pleased with the ride on Sunday 2nd August. Covered 51 miles with some good climbs up to Chapel-en-le-Frith, Castleton, Bamford, Ladybower reservoir, over the Snake Pass, thru' Glossop and back home. Out for about 4hrs 30mins. Made all the smaller runs that week as well but only did half what the training programme said yesterday (chores at home, etc). Happy with the way things are going and sorted out some new pedals (105's to match the gear) and shoes last week. Some bad news on the sponsorship front though as work have just announced redundancies to come. I don't think the atmosphere will suit asking people for sponsorship, but they can only say no...!!!

Just received a Macmillan fleece for having the corporate sponsors names embroidered so thanks to Elle and Sarah. A big thanks to Biwater Treatment Ltd, ARCO and Dustacco Engineering for their donations to date. A massive boost to my fundraising total.

Update : 27th July 2009 - 7+1/2 weeks to go.

Missed the Sunday long ride again but took part in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks for the British Heart Foundation on Saturday 25th, which was also a mini reunion for the Inca Trail 2006 crowd. Amazed how much different the muscle use was and could feel it on Monday, but the 13 mile route eased the aches so I was quite happy. Last week saw more effort on the fundraising front and I've now had pledges for £350 from a couple of suppliers at work, which is brilliant. Also plan to do more this week and start with the individual sponsors. Finally, signed up for the Manchester 100 on 6th September, which is the last long ride on the training programme before the trip.

Update : 20th July 2009 - 60 days to go.

Missed the longer distance ride for Sunday (19th) due to being away but did the shorter runs thru' the week. Managed the 13.4 mile route I've got worked out in just under 40 mins. A bit flat but with some sections to stand up on the pedals and grit your teeth. Now hoping I'll be able to do more on this week's training sessions but have also got my rowing machine clear from clutter which will add to the training. There is also a concerted effort required on the fundraising but more people are asking me when I'm "coming round with the form" so I'm anticipating a good response. Otherwise it's back to the intimidation tactics of previous years...!!!!

Update : 12th July 2009 - less than 10 weeks to departure.

Completed the Manchester - Blackpool Event in 4hr 22min (approx. 62 miles). I'm well happy with the way I feel after it as my calfs and quads (and backside) are OK. Strangely, my knees feel like I've been snowboarding..?? That's a first during the training. Anyway, the training was also helped by the fact that I had to ride to The Theatre of Dreams (Old Trafford) for the start, then ride home from Manchester after getting the train back. About another 22 miles I think, which made up for missing the Friday training.

I'm keeping this comment in for inspiration. "So, Lance can do the Alpe d'Huez in less than 40 minutes. Now that's what I call setting a target, but he's never been up Collier 'Brew' in Glossop...!!!!"

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