Epic year of cycling for two amazing charities.

Hi there, I'm using this site to fundraise for two amazing charities that have helped me greatly, The Back Up Trust, a charity that helps people affected by spinal cord injury, and Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, a charity that supports service personnel and veterans who have lost limbs, the use of limbs or loss of vision.

For those that don't know, I was paralysed from the chest down in a motorcycle crash whilst serving in the RAF Regiment in 1996. After my rehabilitation Back Up helped me to adjust to life as a paraplegic and demonstrated that life does go on and it's still possible for me to be physically active . I'm still actively involved with the charity over 20 years later. I am also a beneficiary of Blesma and over the years and they've helped me in a number of ways, grants to help make my home-life easier as a wheelchair user and also with activities such as photography, scuba diving and handcycling to mention a few.

Both charities have also enabled me to help others through their different services or programmes. The vital work that they do makes a difference to so many peoples' lives.

Cycling is one activity that both charities have in common, whether it be on a handcycle or a bicycle. I've undertaken a number of handcycle adventures with them and this year I am taking on many more and using them as an opportunity to give back to two organisations that have had a positive impact on me, physically, mentally, socially and psychologically.

The events that I'm taking part in are:

The Race Across America (RAAM), the world's toughest cycle race.

As a member of an 8-man team of Blesma Members, all of whom have limb loss or loss of use. We will collectively ride over 3000 miles from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland. Through 12 States, across 3 major mountain ranges with around 175,000 feet of climbing. Each rider will average around 450 miles.

London to Paris.

Three long days of riding with up to 60 cyclists and handcyclists, covering over 100 miles each day and over 15,000 feet of climbing, finishing at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Dunmow, Essex to the Menin Gate in Ypres.

Along with members and friends of Great Dunmow Round Table, a two day, 170 mile ride finishing at the Menin Gate Memorial, where we will lay a wreath in memory of almost 55,000 unidentified casualties of the First World War.

Land's End to John O'Groats.

Over 1000 miles in 12 days. 80-100 miles each day, except for two 'recovery days' in the middle with only 50-60 miles.

The Flat 200.

A 200 mile ride in one day. Despite the name, there is still 3500 feet of ascent over the route. This will be my longest ever solo ride.

Those challenges will see me cycling over 2000 miles. If you factor in all the training I will do, I estimate that I'll be cycling at least 5000 miles this year, all in aid of Blesma and Back Up. I would dearly love to raise £1 for every mile cycled. 

It's also my 50th birthday this year. What a way to celebrate that milestone!!!

Thanks for reading.

Luke.

Read about my two nominated charities below.

Back Up

Blesma