Rendezvous with Le Loop
Le Loop 2024 is a special one. With the first ever Tour de France start in Italy, this one screams my name. For the unfamiliar, Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 21 stages later in Paris after some 2,200 miles / 3,400kms.
It is a challenge I first took on in 2019, riding half of the route. After the lost years of COVID, I returned in 2022 to ride the entire route and raise twice the money for charity. While riding splendidly, my Tour was derailed by a rock on the Hourquette d'Ancizan. For stages 18-21, I followed along in the support vehicles cheering on my former fellow riders at feed stops, stage finishes and evening dinner. Not only does the Italian start call me, but even more so the desire to finish all 21 stages and rejoin my fun-loving, cheery spirited charity supporting cyclists.
All monies raised go directly to charity - the fundraised money is entirely separate from the fees I incur for travel, food, hotel, etc. - donations only go to charities. The mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfill their unrealized potential. This is achieved by giving grants to charities that engage young people through the medium of sports, arts and education.
For all of us riders, Le Loop is no small undertaking. Riding even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is many riders biggest day ever on the bike! Please reward my pain by giving generously.
Grazie!
Working on bikes for charity!