100 reasons to get on your bike and ride
Cyclists taking part in this year’s Ride London/Surrey Classic
The Uxbridge Gazette Series THIS weekend thousands of spectators will take to the streets to watch the cyclists in The RideLondon Surrey race.
Some of the world’s most famous cyclists will race through west London in the Prudential RideLondon Surrey Classic on Sunday before looping round through the Surrey countryside and back to The Mall to finish.
But as well as the pros taking to the roads, the extended three-day cycling extravaganza also allows amateur cyclists to get involved, with several races taking place on Saturday and Sunday, including the RideLondon Surrey 100.
The 100-mile course follows much of the Classic route, starting in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and also ending in The Mall in central London.
We have spoken to some of those taking part in the 100-miler, and got to the bottom of the reasons why they are taking on the challenge.
Nigel from Pinner will be raising funds for the Michael Sobell hospice in Northwood and is cycling the 100-mile event in memory of his father who received care there before losing his battle with cancer in 2008.
The hospice is based at Mount Vernon hospital in Northwood and contains a 16 bed in-patient unit and day therapy centre to cater for patients, but needs £1.6million a year to provide the care required.
Speaking of the ride, Mr Wakefield said: “My father (Alan Charles Wakefield) received wonderful care at Michael Sobell Hospice whilst he battled against terminal cancer.
“Although the future for him wasn’t good, it was comforting to know he was treated with the upmost dignity and respect while receiving treatment. When he eventually lost his battle, hospice staff were compassionate, reassuring and wonderful for my family, in what was a very emotional time. I feel cycling 100 miles is nothing compared to the tremendous work carried out at Michael Sobell Hospice on a daily basis.”
You can sponsor Mr Wakefield as he embarks on his 100-mile challenge on his Just Giving page, where he is hoping to raise £500 for the charity.
David, a hotel manager from Ealing will be pedalling in aid of a much-loved community sports service in Brentford. The 36-year-old meeting and events sales manager at Holiday Inn London - Brentford Lock hopes to raise £750 for Brentford FC’s Community Sports Trust. (CST)
Mr O’Connor said: “I first became aware of the work of the Trust when I took up my role at the hotel a couple of years back, and have a great admiration for what they do to promote and provide opportunities for inclusive sports participation in our area.
“Knowing that my efforts will help this special cause and will benefit people of all ages locally will really spur me on as I prepare for the big day.”
The Brentford FC football in the Community Programme is aimed at engaging football clubs with their communities through participation, social inclusion and engagement as well as delivering 32 sports.
Make a donation to the collection box in the hotel reception or donate online at Virgin Money Giving.