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Help us Raise £2,000 to Bring Mobile Access to Over 200 People!
A passionate team of over-50s from Edinburgh is gearing up for an incredible challenge to support a worthy cause. On June 22nd, we'll be taking on the Chase the Sun UK North double-century feat, cycling an epic 200 miles from the beachfront at Whitley Bay at sunrise (04:40 am) to the esplanade at Ayr by sunset (22:05 pm). This 17-hour and 25-minute journey requires us to maintain a steady pace of 12 miles per hour, non-stop, to complete the distance.
Why We're Riding
Our goal is to raise £2,000 to provide internet data to over 200 people. In today's world, internet connectivity is essential for education, employment, healthcare, and staying connected with loved ones. Your donation will help bridge the digital divide and bring vital access to those who need it most.
The Road to Preparation
Preparing for this challenge has been an intense journey. Over the past four months, we've been following a rigorous training regimen, cycling 3 to 4 times a week and covering between 100 to 200 miles weekly. By the time we take on Chase the Sun, we will have cycled approximately 2,000 miles in training.
Balancing this demanding training schedule with full-time work has required meticulous planning and unwavering commitment. Our families have been incredibly supportive, enduring early morning indoor cycling sessions, weekend rides lasting up to 10 hours, and recently, pre-dawn starts to prepare for our 04:40 am kickoff.
The Beauty of the Ride
The Chase the Sun North route takes us through the picturesque rural villages of Dumfries and Galloway, making every mile a scenic adventure. This beautiful journey reminds us of the importance of connectivity and access for everyone, regardless of where they live.
How You Can Help
• Donate: Please contribute whatever you can to help us reach our goal of £2,000. Every pound makes a difference!
• Share: Spread the word about our campaign on social media, with friends, and within your community.
• Support: Send us messages of encouragement to keep our spirits high during training and on the big day.
About People Know How
We are proud to support People Know How, a charity striving to make everyone connected and eradicate digital exclusion. People Know How runs the Connecting Scotland Helpline, helping everyone to be digitally included across Scotland. Their support includes the provision of Data SIMs, ensuring that more people have access to the internet. Find out more @ www.peopleknowhow.org
Did you know:
• It is estimated that, in the UK, approximately 13-19 million people over the age of 16 are experiencing some form of digital poverty
• In 2022, the average data consumption per user increased by 24% to 8GB per month, up from 5.6GB per month in the previous year increasing the cost.
• The 2022 Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index established around 14 million people in Britain (a rather sizeable 27% of the population) still have the lowest digital capability. This means they’re not only likely to struggle to interact with online services but are at risk of being left out of society.
Join us in making a real difference. Your support will not only motivate us to complete this challenging ride but will also help provide essential mobile access to over 200 people. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and create lasting change.
Thank you for your generosity and support!