Thank you for visiting our JustGiving page in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Martin and Paula plan to cycle the USA Pacific Coast starting in Vancouver, Canada, and ending at the US southern border with Mexico – a 2000 mile challenge! The trip will take place during September and October 2025. We will be carrying all our own camping and cooking equipment and personal belongings on NON-ELECTRIC touring bikes. We will be pitching our tent in the many US state parks and staying with host families where we can.

*** UPDATE ***

As of 4th October Martin & Paula have reached San Francisco having cycled 1447 miles (2315 km) including 77,463 ft of climbing (23,617 m)

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ARRIVED AT THE MEXICAN BORDER

We completed the challenge on November 9th in 60 days of cycling covering 2402 miles, 119,651 feet of elevation gain, zero punctures, mechanical issues or body failures.

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This challenge is not just a test of endurance; it is a heartfelt mission to raise awareness and funds for those living with or affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

In March this year our friend Roddy Grant was diagnosed with flail arm syndrome a form of MND. As you can imagine this came as a shock to both him and to us as part of his friendship group of >35 years, but he continued to get on with day-to-day life undeterred. Roddy has always been fit and healthy with his main hobby being cycling. He has continued to ride his bike since the diagnosis, only recently buying a new bike that would better suit his weakening fingers. Unfortunately, he was only able to ride this new bike six times before his weakening arms failed to support him while cycling. Luckily his helmet and shoulder brace took the impact, and he was not injured. This has not stopped his determination to cycle, he is now researching an option of a recumbent trike as a way to get out to explore and enjoy the beautiful Scottish landscape.

As some of his cycling friends, we have seen this decline, with a feeling of being unable to help directly. But rather than simply accepting this however, we can raise money for MNDA, a charity which has already provided great help to Roddy. The MNDA plays a vital role in improving access to care, advancing research, and advocating for individuals impacted by this devastating condition.

This will be a great challenge. You can contribute too by donating to our JustGiving page. Please do so generously today, if you can. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to MNDA’s essential efforts, helping to provide support and hope to countless individuals and families facing the challenges of MND.

JustGiving makes it simple, fast, and secure for your contributions to reach the MNDA directly. Your details are safe with them - they will never sell your information or send unwanted emails. Together, we can inspire change and bring hope where it is needed most.

Thank you for your support.