I'm taking on an epic cycling challenge: Le Loop - Alps
Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 21 stages later in Paris, some 3,400kms later on Sunday 17th July.
On Friday 24th June 2022 around 100 riders will gather in Copenhagen for the 'Grand Depart'. Some cycle a few days, some ride further. I have signed up to ride three stages in the Alps, including two climbs (from different sides) of the fearsome Col du Galibier, the col du Telegraph, col de Croix de Fer, col du Granon and finally, at the end of nearly 300 miles of riding in three days, the Alpe d'Huez.
All monies raised go towards the William Wates Memorial Trust whose mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential. This is achieved by giving grants to charities that engage young people through the medium of sports, arts and education.
It's been a tough couple of years for charities and particularly for young people. This is my chance to give something back and help support young people who aren't lucky enough to enjoy the advantages in life that most of us take for granted.
Le Loop is no small undertaking. Riding even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt! Please reward my pain by giving generously.
Merci!
My Updates
An encouraging weekend
Monday 30th May Back to back 50 mile rides at the weekend, with a good amount of climbing (by UK standards, not Alpine ones) working on pacing. Felt fine both days, though I can really feel it today. Planning some longer rides over the long weekend. ShareLess than 6 weeks to go
Friday 27th May With less than 6 weeks to go until the ride, I'm beginning to be properly nervous. Training has been disrupted by a busy time at work and I'm feeling a bit undercooked. The next four weeks (before a taper) are going to be crucial. ShareThank you to my Sponsors
£600
Anonymous
£264
Mark Pearce
£100
Stuart Craig
Looking forward to the Strava entries! Best of luck Mark
£100
Alasdair
Fantastic cause -- hope you make it before the TdF catch you!
£54
Iain Francis Greenshields
£54
Tony Muldoon
It will be a breeze getting up those....and maybe even a blizzard! Chapeau.
£54
Stuart Pemble
All the best Mark. Huge respect for this
£54
Alex Newman
Good luck, Mark. Don't forget your first aid kit (or your stabilisers).
£50
Stuart Thompson
Good luck Mark - I'm sure you will smash the 'steep bits'!
£50
Simon Roger Kirkup
Good luck.
£50
Kevin Calder
Rather you than me! Hope it is more fun than it sounds. Take it steady...
£32.40
Richard Plaistowe
Bloody envious! Have fun and don't fall off
£32.40
Cameron Pearce
£32.40
Andrea Newman
11,500M - blimey - best of luck with the climbing and I hope there are some safe freewheeling spots
£27
Andy Watts
Good luck, though I see you've have some good training this week.
£27
David Holder
Good luck Mark; you might need a block of ice to sit on each evening :)
£27
Andrew Playle
Good luck with it Mark. All that training will pay off. Andrew
£27
Rebecca Pallot
You can do it! (Just make sure that you keep all of your fingers this time). Becky
£27
Angus Turner
Amazing challenge and cause, Mark.
£27
James Shiel
Good luck!
£27
James Fry
£27
Alison Bull
Enjoy!
£27
Rhian Vandrill
Aren't you supposed to buy a sports car if you're having a mid-life crisis not cycle up mountains?
£27
Jill Mason
Blimey Mark. That sounds quite the feat! Good luck.
£25
Sarah Coates
£25
Nicky Hanglin
Good luck!
£25
Rachel Higgs
Good luck. You must be mad!
£25
Orla O'sullivan
Impressive Mark .Padded cycling shorts a must! Very best of luck
£25
Sara Barrett
good luck !
£25
Tim Winn
Good luck, Mark!
£21.60
James Southern
good work Mark, go well
£20
Fay Lyttle
Good Luck Mark! Great cause.
£20
Jenny Perry
All the best, Mark, sounds like a great challenge. Jenny P
£15
Steph Caird
Good luck Mark!
£10.80
James Larking
Best of luck Mark!
£10.80
Vicky Percival
I am totally in awe of your commitment to do this in aid of a very worthwhile cause. Good luck, stay upright and hopefully have time to enjoy the view!
£10
Elizabeth Hoogland
Good luck Mark ! I hope you enjoy(?) it !
£10
