Joe Tay
Virtual Ride for Recovery
Fundraising for Humankind Charity
Story
Introduction
For me, this is a big challenge. It will be, without a doubt, the biggest mileage I have done on my bike. However, it is only for three days and does not compare to the challenges I see our service users face on a daily basis. Each day at work I am proud and inspired by the people that fight so hard to make significant changes in their lives. This is my way of expressing my respect for them by helping to raise funds to support people's ongoing recovery.
Background
Last year I had the privilege of taking part in Humankind’s Ride for Recovery, representing colleagues and service users from North Yorkshire Horizons, the county's drug and alcohol service.
During this year’s pandemic, I have discovered the world of indoor bike training. I’m able to put my bike onto what looks like a rolling road and hook it up to a virtual world where I can ride with other people from around the world. While it will never be as good as the real thing I have found that it has really helped me cope with the turmoil of 2020. During one of these indoor sessions it clicked that whilst Humankind can’t run the physical ride for recovery this year it would be possible to simulate it. This initial thought has since evolved into the Virtual Ride for Recovery.
The Challenge
Three days of riding covering a total of 335 miles
Simulated climbing totalling 9,854 feet or the equivalent of more than twice up Ben Nevis.
The Challenge
Three days of riding covering a total of 335 miles
Simulated climbing totalling 9,854 feet or the equivalent of more than twice up Ben Nevis.
I will be virtually visiting Humankind’s substance recovery services along the way.
Day 1 - 28/09/20
Primary Care Recovery Service in Forest Hill, London to Birmingham Town Hall (118 miles, 2,643 feet)
Day 2 – 29/09/20
Birmingham Town Hall to Forward Leeds in Leeds
Calling in at Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service and Barnsley Recovery Steps (114 miles, 4,335 feet)
Day 3 – 30/09/20
Forward Leeds to South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service
Calling in at North Yorkshire Horizons in Northallerton, County Durham Drug & Alcohol Service in Bishop Auckland and Humankind's Head Office in Bowburn (104 miles, 2876 feet)
Along the way I will be logging my progress on a map of the UK and updating regularly on North Yorkshire Horizons social media so you can follow along.