So, in a few months I'll be cycling L'Étape du Tour in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

Why?

Well, partly because it's been on my bucket list for years, but also because my father died of dementia a couple of years ago. In reality though we'd lost much of him to the disease a long time before that, so I appreciate how important their work is.

And what's this Etape thing then?

Well, for those of you who haven't listened to me bang on about it for months ... L'Étape Du Tour is a stage of the Tour de France open to amateurs and ridden on closed roads through the French Alps.

This year the route is stage 20 of the tour which runs for 135km from Albertville to Val Thorens, the pros will ride it on 27th July and the rest of us get to experience it on July 21st.

In cycling terms it's not that far but did you spot the bit about the Alps?  It's just a little bit hilly!  There are 3 big climbs on the day, the last one goes uphill for 35km and finishes in the highest ski resort in Europe, I think that's something we're all looking forward to :-)

If you'd like to support me, thank you, but more importantly if you'd like to support the Alzheimer's Society then your donation would be very much appreciated.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.