I'm cycling from Paris to London for no other reason than my mate Mitch asked me to over beers and I said yes. I've also never ridden a road bike or much further than Highbury & Islington.
And it's not even London, it's Milton Keynes via London, so I'll have to go past my house after 350 miles and keep riding to Milton Keynes.
Why Milton Keynes? Well, people will ask this question for generations to come, and I have been asking myself this question daily for the past 2 weeks since accepted this challenge. It's because this epic 150 rider event has actually been arranged by Milton Keynes rugby club, who are fundraising for the club & charities, so it's a fair reason if any to visit Milton Keynes in Spring.
The charities: ❤️
Willen Hospice - provide free care to end of life patients and their families in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Only 15% of their running costs are met by the NHS, the rest is fundraised. As a much needed community facility who have supported many of us personally, ROF are happy to continue to raise vital funds for Willen Hospice.
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) - in the UK, at least 12 young people die a week of undiagnosed heart conditions. CRY is working to reduce the frequency of this, to support those who are diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening cardiac condition and bereavement services to those families affected by Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD). We aim to raise enough money to have a cardiac screening day for all MKRUFC players aged 14-35 years to identify anyone who may be at risk.
MKRUFC - originally formed in 1870 as Wolverton Rugby Club, MKRUFC continues to provide a well-established rugby program for both kids and adults. Funds raised allow the club to maintain and develop this community facility and to provide an opportunity for rugby to thrive in Milton Keynes.
So please dig deep and spare a few quid for my some great causes (and my sore bum!).