Pretty much everyone I know has been touched by cancer in some way, my wife and my mum in particular have endured first hand the awful suffering this horrible disease brings, a work colleague has been through literal hell and back in just the last couple of months.

So it was a no brainer for me in choosing Cancer Research UK as the charity to support through this race.

The race itself is a gruelling 100 mile closed road race starting at the Olympic Park in Stratford, going through London to Kingston Upon Thames, and down into the Surrey hills, up Leith Hill and Box Hill before heading back to London finishing at The Mall. All within the 9 hour time limit.

The August 4th event will be televised by the BBC with the amateur race starting early doors and the pro race (Wiggins et al) starting some time after.

When I signed up for this crazy venture I had 2 little problems, first I smoked 24 cigarettes a day which was a bit of an issue, and perhaps more worringly I didnt even own a bike! The smokes were dealt with on November the 6th and my new shiny silver machine of speed has helped me steadily pick up the miles since September.

Still, I use the term 'race' loosely, for me this is about a personal challenge of finishing it, and most importantly, doing something for a worthwhile cause in the meantime.

Which is where you guys come in!

Cancer Research UK is funded entirely by amazing supporters like you. By sponsoring me you can help more people survive cancer.

Every pound you donate really does make a difference to Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer – so please sponsor me now!

Gift Aid it!

If you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at NO cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.

Together we will beat cancer.

Link for full quality PDF of the route - http://www.vso.org.uk/sites/vso/files/content_images/Events/Cycling/RideLondon-Surrey100%20route%20map.pdf