I get quite a lot of emails about totally irrelevant stuff for this blog, but a message popped into by inbox this week and I was inspired to share it. Cyclists Mark Beaumont, Donald MacDonald and others are currently planning a 3700+ mile charity cycle in October from John O’ Groats to Gibraltar, and yes, I know that’s been done before, but these guys have a rather incredible aim: raising £2.5 million for 3 European children’s hospitals including Yorkhill in Glasgow and GOSH in London.
The gang have already secured some of that money through corporate funding, but are looking to involve the cycling community to up the money raised, and to boost the profile of what they’re doing and the charities they’re helping. Through crowd funding, they’re offering a whole host of rewards, from signed pictures through to a place on the team making the epic journey.
Donald explains,
“We are looking for one more member of the core team to join us on the cycle….if anyone is crazy, (ahem I mean fit enough) to join us. We are also looking for volunteers to help us and join the support team… and we’re looking for help with corporate sponsorship funding to ensure that as much of the crowdfunding goes direct to the charities. We are also looking for someone who could build and update a Facebook page while we are away. Ultimately, you’ll be helping some very sick kids in the UK and Europe.”
THE RIDE
- The 5900km epic will see the team ride a minimum of 209km per day.
- The 2014 Tour de France route ran for a total of 3660.5 km over 21 days with 2 rest days; Lands End to Gibraltar is 2239.5 km longer, and unlike the pros, the team will take no rest days.
- The total ascent is over 47,000, so it’s the equivalent of cycling up Mount Everest 5 times in less than a month.
- The ride will go through 9 countries, including Scotland, England, France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Spain and Gibraltar.
Have a look at www.jog2gib.com to find out more about the ride and the charities it’s supporting and be ready with your pennies for when the crowdfunding page goes live on Friday August 22nd. Maybe you want to join them? Sounds super tough, but it would be AMAZING! I’m definitely tempted!
