Pedalling for Play

So I've decided to ride a couple of big challenges in 2018, and given myself another challenge to raise some money doing them- the Tour of the Highlands, and the Lang Way Doon. I’ve decided to try to use these two events to raise some money for a local charity (to me, in Edinburgh) which I think is a super cause and, acknowledging all bias- one that I work for- Play Therapy Base. I suppose I’ve chosen this for two reasons-One; I work for them, so it’s a chance to try to pay something back to an organisation that I hold dear, and Two; it’s an excuse to do something that I probably wouldn’t do otherwise, and added motivation to complete them with the support from anyone who sponsors or donates. With that in mind, here’s the deal. Two rides of 500+km, the first of which is spread over 3 days, the second of which is targeted at under 24hrs. I'm riding the Tour of The Highlands this week (26th-28th May) but as a team we (6 of us nutters) will be riding from Tongue on the Scottish north coast, to Coldstream on the southern border. In 24 hours. That's 524km, a few mountain passes, 5800 meters vertical and riding through the night, and the WHOLE of the next day. This is going to be one of the toughest physical challenges I have ever, or am likely to ever do. It's also one of the most demanding psychological challenges I will ever be likely to undertake. I'm doing this to prove something of a point as well, as a therapist I meet children, young people and adults who acheive the most astonishing things, in the most rubbish circumstances and after the worst experiences. These are people around us in schools and communities who, given the right support and the beleif that they can do it, go on to conquer their fears and their experiences and acheive amazing things in desperate circumstances. It's a priveledge to know them, and this is for all of them.