On 18th August I will leave Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on my shiny new 2 wheels behind Mark Cavendish. 6 days and 534 miles* later I will aim to be racing him down the Mall to Buckingham Palace [errr... ].
I have never done anything like this before and it is a serious challenge, but for a seriously good charity, Right to Play.
This charity originated as a legacy project from Lillehammer 1994 as Olympic Aid with a number of high profile ambassadors, and grew and was internationally rebranded in 2003 with its current identity. The charity vision is pretty straightforward to "create a healthier and safer world through the power of sport and play" - and they do it well.
Information on the challenge and route detail at www.students4righttoplay.org.uk/studentambassador/bike-ride-pedal-power-the-change.html.
Look at the route, and if you are anywhere near Edinburgh, Berwick, Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham, Oxford, or London on the designated overnights it would be great to see you for some moral support. In particular we finish approx 3pm Sunday 23rd in London and you have no idea how good it would be to see some people. Those of you who know Caroline and Steve, they will be hosting a BBQ that evening which I am delighted to be joining, so get in touch with them or me to confirm attendance. Steve Britton-Hall will be joining me on the last leg Oxford-London [Steve you realise you are leading me home...] which is great and if you know Steve, please use this page to sponsor him also.
Finally, I will also be using the event to promote awareness of the first ever World University Games, which we are going to host in Edinburgh 31st August-5th September 2010. Right to Play are official British Universities Sport partner and do great work www.righttoplay.org.uk/ / www.bucs.org.uk so if you have ever enjoyed a University sporting experience and could spare the cost of a pint or 5 then please pledge it in support...
The challenge to meet the sponsorship target and the challenge to complete the challenge itself go hand in hand - especially day 3 of 170km and 1700m of climb to Leeds... I must stress I have never cycled that far let alone have to do similar again next.
It is clear I would very much appreciate your support. You can pay online here [easiest] and leave a comment which would be great - note that if you do, you do not have to leave your name if you wish to remain anonymous Mickey Mouse is quite generous... Otherwise cheques, cash.. etc all gratefully received. Oh, and I have myself paid for the privilege of doing this so I am not slacking myself...!
Any queries I am on usual email or I have succumbed to facebook http://www.facebook.com/ruthacrawford where I will report hopefully daily.
Thanks all,
Ruth
ruth@edzell.net