Charity Cycle Rides

I have decided to do a couple of charity cycle rides over the summer. The first is for an organisation close to my heart (or should I say head). The Stroke Association. Their charity ride is the Thames Bridges Bike Ride 2010 on Sun 23 May. 13 bridges starting at Southwark Bridge zig zagging across the bridges to Hurst park nr Hampton Court. This should be less of an arduous event, and more of a sight seeing event as the route is a mix of roads past many of London's most spectacular sights and beautiful towpaths.

The second event is a ride I have always wanted to do 'The London to Brighton Cycle'. This one is in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Approx 50 miles over the South Downs on Sun 20 Jun 2010. This one should be very challenging.

Again, I have roped my erstwhile cycling buddy and younger brother Chris in on both events. He is hoping to have purchased a new steed by then. Guess what? A Specialized Roubaix. Who says older brothers are a bad influence? We have formed a team aptly named 'All the Gear' this is a comment on the fact that we tend to have excessively high-end kit for what is afterall a part-time weekend hobby. Couple the bikes with the latest Garmin Edge 705 Satnav capabilities, and you find two bikes with kit suitable for a leg of the Tour de France. We just need a support car/bus (not necessarily for the Thames Bridges Ride), and we're laughing (I can't persuade the missus to help out here).

I am also hoping to enter a few Sportives, or more likely Audaxes, to further test my cycling credentials. I think of myself as a cyclist, but the reality is......

I am busy during week nights interval training on the indoor trainer, and trying (weather permitting) to get out on weekend rides (mostly to pubs if truth be told). I have gone as far as to procure a spare wheel, so that I can easily change my indoor trainer tyre to roadworthy one at a moments notice, should the urge take me out on the road (if there is a break in the weather). I have to admit that the weight hasn't shifted. I am not built for hill climbimg, weighing in at over 96Kg's (15 ^ 1/2 stone in old money). But I have a game heart, and a ridiculously low pulse rate (thanks to the medications) since the stroke. I have read two of Lance Armstrong's Books, and one by his personal trainer which further arms me with cycling knowledge (and hopefully prowess). I know how to train, and am adept at getting the most out of my worn and weary body.

So how can you help? Well you can help by supporting me on the charity rides by sponsoring me with your hard earned cash. There should be a link next to this page. You can add further support by accompanying Chris and I on our endeavours, or coming out on a training run (most likely to a pub). It's always great to cycle in a group the more the merrier (You don't have to have a Specialized Roubaix, but it helps). Go on give us a call, you know you want to.

Will Enness
Team Captain (self appointed)
All the Gear