222: 2 rides in 2 days for 2 different reasons!

Hey everyone…

Those who know me, know that I’m up for an endurance challenge or two. Over the years I’ve managed to complete a varied catalogue of achievements and 2024 was always pencilled in as a year for another significant one. But let’s just say that my thinking was diverted last year and changed the entire focus and meaning….

So, what’s the challenge Dan? Well, “surprise surprise" it's a bike ride of sorts… in July I will be aiming to ride 500km over two days, splitting the distance into 2 very different rides, for two very different reasons…

So why are you doing it Dan?

Reason 1: The 19th July is my 50th Birthday (hell yeah!) and the target of 500km sounded like a nice round number - adding a zero just seemed the obvious things to do (well to me it did #lol). I have also chosen the weekend before the 19th for the challenge - yep, how selfish of me to prefer eating and drinking on my actual birthday weekend sitting on a comfy sofa and not sat on a bike saddle all day!

Reason 2: I have also chosen the 13th & 14th July for another, and more sentimental reason…

Last year on the 11th July I lost my brother Kieron to cancer just 2 days shy of his 47th birthday. So, I’m going to be riding on Kier's birthday weekend... in memory of him. Because Kier, like many, eventually lost his fight with cancer , I have also decided to raise money for a local Cancer Charity. No one should have to endure what Kier did and ‘We Get It’ - a small charity based in Bath -provide amazing support for people who are in remission, living with cancer or just been diagnosed.

So the rough plan for the weekend is…

Day 1: a 250km gravel ride on the beautiful Ridgeway Trail.

Day 2: a 250km road ride along the b-roads and country lanes of the Cotswolds.

Day 1: Starting in Bath, I will head over to Avebury (Wiltshire) to the Ridgway - popularly known as ‘Britain’s oldest road’. The off-road challenge then begins with a 'head out and back' route along the Ridgeway with the majority of the distance off-road. I haven’t done a lot of long-distance gravel rides and I know that the Ridgeway will give my upper body a serious battering! (Check the route out if interested https://www.komoot.com/tour/1442970709)

Day 2: This one might look easier on paper, but it's still 250km and anyone who has cycled this distance before will know it will bring its own challenges - especially with 250k already in the legs! The route will be quite simple - Bath to Stratford-upon-Avon and back to Bath. Why? Well my brother was a huge thespian and a massive fan of Shakespeare - Kier was also self-employed and his business was inspired by “The Bard”. For over 20yrs he ran educational workshops teaching Shakespeare in schools across the UK and Europe. So off to Shakespeare’s birthplace I go and no doubt a picture opportunity next to his famous statue in Henley Street (view the route here: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1442992476

So, Please support me, Dave my Mr Reliable and "How hard can it be?" long distance cycling buddy, and any other of my crazy cycling mates who will be joining me for all or part of my challenge. But most importantly please donate and support an amazing local charity.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

https://www.wegetit.org.uk