This month we are aiming to set solid foundations in both our fitness and fundraising.
Over the last couple of weeks our training has been dictated by work and weather, however a bad day for training can be a good day for fundraising. James and I have sent out dozens of emails to local and national businesses in the hope than they will sponsor our team. Combined Pumps Ltd, an Aberdeen based engineering firm have made a very generous donation, Graeme Horne, the machine shop manager said "regarding your plans we at Combined Pumps Ltd are very interested in sponsoring you and helping to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. I have spoken with the MD and I can confirm that we would like to sponsor your charity cycle ride by donating £1000."
Wow, what a great start and our first corporate sponsor!
John is a keen after dinner speaker who has a passion for the work of our national Bard - Robert Burns. John said " this is my busiest time of the year speaking at numerous Burns Suppers", being a cannae lad John has been promoting our team "Get To France" and our efforts for Prostate Cancer UK. John said "I had a great night at Clydebank Bowling Club and their Burns Supper, the club members were really supportive and encouraging - thanks for the donation."
Our family and friends have also been keen (insert persuaded!) to bolster our fundraising efforts John and James have been particularly successful in this endeavour.
Have a look at our fundraising page and follow our progress and please give if you can:
http://www.justgiving.com/teams/gettofrance
Our great Scottish winter weather can be described as character building, lets face it if you can get the miles in during the days when it's freezing cold with that horizontal driving rain soaking you too the core then France in June sounds heavenly. One of our winter training staples is riding the track that extends between Glasgow and the River Clyde to Balloch and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is a generally flat route made up of tarmac and hard standing tow paths running adjacent to the Forth and Clyde Canal, we've been using our mountain bikes, not because they're needed on this terrain, but because they offer a wee bit more rolling resistance in our efforts to build cycling strength whilst compressing our training into short days again governed by work, weather and day light. The weather hasn't all been wet and wild though and Robert took advantage of a bright and dry day on Saturday 26 January, heading north on this route towards Loch Lomond. Robert said " I had my first 'off' on an icy corner, I nearly fell into the River Leven but not quite, all that was really hurt was my pride as I nursed my tender behind!!" You can imaging he got a lot of sympathy from his fellow team mates, each to a man asking "Did you damage your bike? No, what are you crying about?"
Meanwhile James is training by using his daily commute from Glasgow's west end to the city centre on his mountain bike and has even found time to fit in three spin classes last week as well. James said "My training hasn't hit full flow yet, but it's coming on".
John, Robert and I have been attending spin classes at the various venues provided by Renfrewshire Leisure. Robert said "the spin classes at Ralston on Thursday nights are painful on the night, but beneficial on the road runs at weekends. I've never broken sweat so much in my life!! The heart monitor is working a treat - no heart attacks yet - and I'm getting to grips with managing my heart rate and effort, both on spin bikes and out on the road. I didn't realise that cycling could be so technical!!"
John has been looking further ahead already by taking advantage of January sales and buying himself a new set of wheels, Mavic rims on Hope hubs, very nice. They're still tucked away in a box as John bashes out the miles on his mountain bike during steady training runs of about 30 miles on our stomping ground between Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm.
We continue to meet for group training rides as and when we can, this has been somewhat hampered for Ewan and myself as we work shifts and have both dealt with "Man Flu" this winter. We're still getting out for a spin as and when we can, I'm sure our individual and combined efforts will pay off as we "Get to France".
To help increase and continue our fundraising the good folks at Seimpre Bicycle Cafe, 162 Dumbarton Road, Partick in Glasgow are kindly hosting a charity night for "Get To France" and Prostate Cancer UK. It'll take place on Friday 8th of March giving us a chance to say thanks to all of those who have supported us so far and an provide a further opportunity to raise some more funds for our worthwhile cause. We've got some great raffle prizes and goodies to auction lined up, so stay tuned for more information and if you'd like to come send us an email at the above address.
Please continue to follow our fundraising and training progress and donate towards our cause for Prostate Cancer UK.
Thanks,
Andy
