Most folk will have heard of Doddie Weir & more recently Rob Burrow who died after long fights with MND.

But this disease also affects ordinary people & my cousin Patricia Swan recently died of it.

Over the last few years I have been donating & doing events for 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation' which if raising funds for research into this terrible disease.

I am doing the 100 mile overnight Rtts https://www.ridetothesun.co.uk/ which will be a test of my muscle power, @rse, bike-lights & bike maintenance skills.

Just when I thought all was going to plan, Glasgow Warriors dropped a spanner in the works by getting to the URC final & kicking off 2 hours before I intend getting on my bike. Willpower is the additional challenge - can I avoid/limit my pints before jumping on my bike.

Hopefully, the thought of a celebratory pint on Cramond beach at 4:30am will sustain me.

It you are willing & able please donate to this via this JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation'. It's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

What happened ?

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Carlisle to Cramond -RttS

A dawdle - aye right

99% of 1,200+ riders were on lightweight road bikes, thin rims, slick tyres & minimal gear

I was on a hybrid with front suspension, rack, fairly full pannier etc - overtook quite a few & kept up with others

Never needed & any of my extra gear, bikes tools, spares etc

I’m sure I was the only one cycling in sandals, nae socks & cycling shirt wide open, sleeves rolled up & even taps aff

Lasagne , chips, sugar coffe as planned at Moffat

Bananas & coffee at Wee Crook after Devil’s Beef Tub which was surprisingly straightforward despite being 7+ miles up hill

Hoped to be at Cramond for 4:30 & made it for 4:33 for sunrise - all beer had been tanned!!!!!

Late start due to rugby running late

PS

Was in Carlisle very early so had whole day trying to avoid bevvy - largely successful until rugby coz did too much off-road cycling in sunshine

I have learned a few things for next time (aye right) - every day is a school day