San Fran - New York

1st Sept 2016 - 28th Sept 2016

If you’ve not read the story about the ride I suggest you read that first. If you have then here’s some information about both myself and the planned ride in September 2016.

The ride

America is approximately 38 times the size of the UK, it’s also around twice as warm in September with temperatures averaging 68°F. Most people – including myself – imagined America as a highly populated, booming place. That’s definitely true in the main cities, however the middle of America can best be summed up in one word: desolate.

It’s quite painful viewing the roads on Google Maps and I imagine they will be very lonely and unforgiving as I battle my way along them on my bike.

San Francisco to New York is around 3200 miles and I’m going to be cycling it over a period of 28 days. Averaging 120 miles a day, I will cross 11 states and proceed through four timezones. I will be tailed for the duration of the ride by a support team who will be stationed in an RV vehicle.

Although the ride itself is going to be tough, the support in the RV vehicle shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s essential that I’m never in need of food or water in such high temperatures. The washing, cooking, massaging (ha), organisation and of course the directions are all fundamental to the ride going smoothly.

Cycling a distance which is almost 40% further than the Tour De France and travelling a higher average distance per day, it’s not a challenge for the faint-hearted. Add the incredibly hot temperates into the mix and it’s an incredibly difficult challenge for anyone.

I will head through the Rocky Mountains, reaching elevations of over 9000ft and undoubtably experience fatigue because of high altitudes. I will be documenting information about the ride, my training and other bits and pieces in detail throughout the next year.

I’m 100% focused on my goal of completing the ride and doing my absolute best to reach my fundraising target of £10k. I really hope you can help me achieve it!

Thanks

If you’ve any questions, suggestions, queries, ideas, donations or just want to have a chat, I can be contacted on contact@rideforthechild.co.uk.

 

Me

I’m 29 years old, 6ft 2, 77kg and a relatively fit and healthy individual. I used to ride for fun whilst I was at university – around 6 years ago – but I quit in order to concentrate on my studies. I’ve recently started training for the ride and I’ve a lot to do as I’m struggling at 20 miles, never mind 120 miles, for 28 days straight. You see a lot of elite athletic individuals undertaking huge challenges which – although difficult – can be achieved much easier than your average Joe’s like me! I realise I’m going to have to train incredibly hard to reach the desired fitness levels but I won’t lose focus of the children I’ll be helping as a result.