Sunday 14 April 2013

Why a cycle ride? Why to Glastonbury?

First, if you do not know about Ella, you can read her story here http://www.justgiving.com/remembering-ella-redman

Why cycle? The short answer is to fulfil something the Ella wanted us to do; it was Ella's idea and she planned to take part. Ella was no runner and would not have fancied the Bristol 10K! (Although, she would have been overawed by the fund raising effort of those who did in April 2013). A sponsored cycle ride was Ella's idea for raising money for her favoured charity - The Teenage Cancer Trust.

There were a number of ideas for a route. One Ella suggested was from Oxford to Bristol to link the two places she received treatment. Woolacombe to Bristol was also mooted, linking a place Ella loved to visit with her home.

However, practicalities got in the way when it came to actually choosing a route for real. Safety and achieveability were key. An out-and-back destination, starting and finishing in Bristol, was logistically easier for all involved. A distance of 80 miles over two days is a challenge, but should be doable for anyone reasonably fit with a little bit of training.

Most importantly, it needed to be a destination where we can stick to a Sustrans (the national cycling organisation) recommended route. Sustrans's National Cycle Network follows off-road and quiet road routes. We will be following route 3 to Glastonbury and back (just under 40 miles each way).

Why Glastonbury? It fits all the the above criteria, and most importantly, Ella always wanted to go (to the festival). She never made it, we will go to Glastonbury for her.

If you want to take part or contact me please use this email address bobtarzey@googlemail.com

No comments:

Post a Comment