20 December 2009

Le raison d'être

The entire ride is supported, organised by and for the benefit of, The William Wates Memorial Trust a grants giving registered charity set up to help disadvantaged young people fulfil their potential, and stay away from a life of crime, using the mediums of sports, arts and education. Any donations, big or small, will go a long way to support an organisation that does a lot of good work throughout the UK.

WWMT exists to celebrate the life of William Wates (1977- 1996) who was tragically killed when travelling in South America. His family set up the trust to shine some light into the lives of young people who have not had the advantages that Will enjoyed and we feel the aims of the trust reflect where his interests would have been if he was alive today. Since 1998 WWMT has donated just over £1 million and helped over 8,000 disadvantaged young people fulfil their potential. Please have a look at their website www.wwmt.org to find out more about the amazing charities that WWMT have supported.

In order to participate in the Tour I have made a commitment to raise £1,200, and I need the help of friends and family (or even friends of friends) to reach this goal. I have an online donation page set up here. There are obviously many organisations out there fundraising for worthy causes, but I hope that you will sponsor me by giving a generous donation to WWMT. Whether large or small, any donation amount is welcomed.

For more information please see the website at www.wwmt.org or speak to Rick Wates on 07721 411 329.

S

The Challenge....

On Saturday 19th June 2010 myself, Williams (who's fault this all is), Beardy and Roly along with various other charity riders will be leaving Holland and cycling the 2010 route of the Tour de France, staying a fortnight ahead of the professionals, and finishing in the Champs-Elysees, Paris on Saturday 10th July.

We will be riding the same 20 daily stages, with 2 rest days, over a 3 week period. The majority of the charity riders will ride one or two stages of their choice – a true test of stamina, on average burning 7000 calories a day, with uphill stretches up to 30 km long and hill gradients up to 12% over 5 mountains – an awe-inspiring opportunity to experience the greatest sporting test in the world.

We will be attempting the whole 3,556 km, averaging 178km per stage!

This is a challenge that takes in arguably the most physiologically demanding of athletic events and requires effort comparable to running a marathon almost every day for nearly three weeks, while requiring a total climb in elevation equivalent to climbing three Everests...

All in all it is a pretty daunting challenge. Some serious, serious training will be needed just to be able to get round. I have been through various stages of (i) excitement, (ii) bewilderment as to what I have signed up for, (iii) complete and total fear, and (iv) resignation... Currently excited about June, but not so keen on the prospect of a winters worth of training as I look out at the snow...!!

Full details of the route, the charity and how to donate can be found at www.tourdeforce.org.uk

S