For over 50 years the Midi region of the south of France was a very special place for my mother - a home from home - and was somewhere we were lucky enough to spend many long summer holidays while I was growing up. In early June I will return to this area that holds so many good memories and take on a tough cycling challenge to raise money for the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre in Reading.

My mother benefitted from her visits to the Centre for many years, visiting regularly for physiotherapy sessions and forging friendships with the staff and other visitors. 

I am tackling this ride because the money raised will enable the Centre to continue to offer its services free of charge and because I want others to benefit from the attention they can receive at the Centre in the same way that my mother did. 

The Centre receives no central funding from the NHS - it relies on individual donations and support to help it achieve its annual fundraising target of £85,000 that enables it to continue operating. This income has been badly affected during the covid restrictions over the last two years.

If I can raise £1200, this will provide counselling services at the Centre for one month. These are crucial in helping individuals manage their MS holistically, both physically and mentally, and the services can provide long-term benefits after the course of sessions has finished.

The challenge:
On 2nd, 3rd and 4th June I will be aiming to complete a cycling circuit of Mt Ventoux and Mt Aigoual in the south of France, summiting each mountain and covering the distance in between as well. A maximum of 225 miles with 7693m of ascent.

These two peaks lie on either side of the southern Rhone Valley - Mont Ventoux to the east, a lone outpost of the Alpine foothills, familiar to followers of the Tour de France, and Mont Aigoual to the west rising high above the Cevennes National Park and the highest point in the Gard region.

Initially I will be based in Malaucene at the foot of Mt Ventoux, and after completing the climb of the 'Giant of Provence' I will ride west through the garrigue and vineyards to Anduze. From here I will tackle the much more corrugated landscape of Mt Aigoual. The plan for the challenge is straightforward (although the reality will be anything but):

Day 1 - Horribly early start on the 5am ferry to France, and long drive.
Day 2 - Relax and last-minute prep
Day 3 - Malaucene/Mt. Ventoux/Malaucene. 56 miles, 2779m of climbing, maximum altitude 1909m.
Day 4 - Malaucene to Anduze: 78 miles, 514m of climbing,  maximum altitude 443m (crossing the Rhone Valley).
Day 5 - Anduze/Mt. Aigoual/Anduze: 91 miles, 4400m of climbing,  maximum altitude 1567m.
Day 6 - Horribly early start for the long drive back to Calais for the late evening ferry and a late arrival back at home.

Thank you so much for your support.

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