Ride 4 Chernihiv

This year, I've taken on an immense challenge - to participate in the legendary Paris-Brest-Paris 2023 (PBP).

But my journey extends far beyond the physical and mental challenge of the ride itself. I've decided to use this incredible adventure as a platform to raise funds and awareness for a cause that profoundly resonated with me – the Chernihiv Renovation.

Chernihiv, a city in Ukraine, holds a deep significance for many of my friends and colleagues, who have their roots there. Their families lived there, sharing life and contributing to the vibrancy of this community. Now, as we witness the plight in Chernihiv, it deeply resonates with all of us. The devastation caused by Russia's invasion has been staggering, and the city now faces the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring its infrastructure. As an engineer who desires to build and create, seeing this destruction is particularly distressing.

The Chernihiv Renovation Fund, founded by a colleague of mine on a volunteer basis, has taken up the noble mission of reconstructing the city. I have complete faith in this initiative because of my connection and because it aims to restore far more than just buildings and infrastructure. This fund is about reviving hope and resilience among the local community, helping Chernihiv and its people rise from the rubble and rebuild their lives.

Here's the goal: I aim to raise €3,019 – a symbolic 1€ for each kilometer I will cycle.

It includes 1219 km for the PBP event and an additional 1800 km for earning the Super Randonneur title (200 + 300 + 400 + 600 km rides).

This isn't just a number; each euro represents the effort, the commitment, and the hope we're investing in Chernihiv's recovery.

The Paris-Brest-Paris cycling event is the oldest of its kind, tracing its origins back to 1891 and happens only once in 4 years. It is a test of endurance, strength, and resilience, spanning over 1200 kilometers across the captivating, yet challenging, French terrain from Paris to Brest and back again. What makes it even more unique is its format – PBP is not a race, but a test of personal grit and determination, where the only competition is with oneself and the clock.

To qualify for the PBP, one must first achieve the Super Randonneur title. This means that within a single cycling season, a cyclist must successfully complete a series of brevets or long-distance, timed rides. Progress on this demanding journey has been encouraging so far. I've completed 200, 300, and 400 km rides, testing my endurance and resilience. Now, with June 3rd on the horizon, I'm making an attempt to finish BRM 600 Amsterdam.

With every turn of the pedal, every kilometer traversed, and every hill conquered in my journey towards Paris-Brest-Paris 2023, I'm dedicating my ride to Chernihiv. But I'm not doing it alone - your support becomes a part of this journey too. It's not about grand gestures or heroic feats; it's about making a tangible, positive difference, one kilometer, one brick for the new house at a time.