David Mason
David's London to Istanbul Bike Ride
Fundraising for Alzheimer's Society
Story
I reached Istanbul on October 9th as planned after 37 days of riding. I cycled 3,763km from London and climbed more than twice the height of Everest over that period, and although there were some challenging times with downpours, headwinds and busy roads, overall the ride went as well if not better than I could have hoped.
Thanks to everyone who's sponsored me. I've gone well over my target of raising £4,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society and the page will remain live for a while for any late donations.
My friend Jeff rode with me from Vienna to Timisoara and made these videos which give a good idea of life on the road.
Vienna-Bratislava -
https://microco.sm/out/DTnDi
Bratislava-Esztergom -
https://microco.sm/out/YXnDi
Esztergom-Budapest -
https://microco.sm/out/wVnDi
Budapest-Timisoara -
https://youtu.be/q9V2rh6T2gk
Below you'll find Strava files for each day with details of my route, pictures and brief comments.
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On Wednesday August 24th I’m setting out to cycle to Istanbul. I aim to average 600km a week and if all goes to plan I’ll arrive on Sunday October 9th.
I turned 60 last year, so this is a celebration, a personal challenge and an opportunity to raise money for a very good cause. My route will take me nearly 4000km through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. I’m excited to be revisiting many places I visited in my twenties but I’m also looking forward to the journey between them, watching the landscape change, experiencing it physically, and opening myself to adventures along the way.
I fell in love with multi-day rides when I did Lands End-John O’Groats six years ago and I’ve been planning this ride for a couple of years. However, this time I’ll be riding alone and unsupported, although I’m happy that Eve and some friends from my cycling club will be joining me for parts of the way. I know there’ll be some tough times and bad weather, but I’m confident that overall it will be a great experience.
I’m fundraising for Alzheimers Society in memory of my parents. I watched my mother, Gretchen, develop coping strategies as Alzheimers eroded her short-term memory. I also saw my father, Haydn, begin to lose the eloquence and lucidity that underpinned his academic career. Dementia is likely to affect all of us one way or another, if not directly then as family or friends.
Please donate if you can. Alzheimer’s Society is doing great work supporting people with dementia, campaigning on their behalf and funding research.
I’m hoping to raise at least £4000 – a pound for every kilometre – and your support will help me keep pushing the pedals. I’m hoping to update this page at the end of every week, so do come back and see how I’m doing.