In a week from now I will be setting off on what will be the 2nd biggest test of my endurance - ever. When I volunteered 3 months ago I had little idea what I was letting myself in for - and as the time approaches my nervousness about the whole event is increasing.
Preparations were hit hard last week. As I posted in my last blog I intended to travel from Lincoln to Skegness and back over 2 days on Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately, due to an important work commitment I had to cancel that particular session. I was massively disappointed that I succumbed to work pressures as ever since the events of last year I have maintained a sense of pride that I now fit work around my life and not vice versa. The amazing weather on the 2 days didnt help.
As it turned out it was a futile gesture, as the reason I stayed at work didnt materialise. That was a harsh lesson, and one which I do intend to learn from.
Anyway, to bigger things...
The Coast 2 Coast Challenge has been organised by 'Wednesdayite', a supporters trust I was partly responsible for setting up a number of years ago. 8 cyclists will leave Grange-Over-Sands in Cumbria next Tuesday morning, and ride first to Hawes, then Osmotherley, finally landing (hopefully) in Filey on the East Coast on Thursday. 3 of the riders are ex-professional footballers, Phil King, John Beresford and David Hirst.
Phil King in his Wednesday Days
John Beresford in his Newcastle days...
The legendary David Hirst celebrating one of his numerous goals for Wednesday
We are raising funds to help purchase a minibus on behalf of the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme Charity. The bus will be used to transport Sheffield Wednesday's disabled and special needs supporters to home and away games. Additionally, a proportion of funds raised will be donated to The Children's Hospital in Sheffield, to help fund specialist medical equipment.
I will be posting a link to a site where donations can be made - and I hope you will support me once again as you have done so remarkably in the past.
Today I am engaging in a training ride - I've taken the day off work and will be covering 45 miles before tonights game at Hillsborough against Middlesborough. I also intend to take advantage of this coming weekend with no Wednesday match and fit in a lengthy ride as a loosener for the week ahead.
More news as and when...
Nigel x
