Jun 26, 2023
Wiltshire Wander
968
Graham Mackenzie
On the 26th to 28th June, I plan to cycle approximately 200 miles, ie: just over 65 miles a day to raise funds for the UK Prostate Cancer charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Back in 2008 I was diagnosed with early stage Prostate Cancer and had Brachytherapy treatment, which has proved to be successful. Prostate Cancer is a silent disease that often manifests itself too late for effective treatment.
I lost a good friend of mine a few years ago, to MND and know of others who have suffered with this disease. Like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, cures are still to be identified and it is important to fund research to seek a cure.
I will be joined by my good friend Andy, who will be raising funds for Parkinson's.
Our planned route is from Winchester to Great Bedwyn, via Stockbridge and Abbots Ann and will then join the Wiltshire Cycleway in the anti-clockwise direction passing through Marlborough with our first overnight stop near Royal Wooten Bassett. Day 2 continues through Malmesbury and Longleat, skirting Westbury with an overnight stop near Mere. The final day continues on the Cycleway to Salisbury and we then join the National Cycle Route 24 to return home via Lockerley, Braishfield, Hursley and home.
Please give generously.
To all those who donated, a big thank you. The target has been exceeded handsomely and now is the time to close the page.
Graham
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What a wonderful result and thanks to everyone for sponsoring me. I intend to close the books very soon and get the offline donations to both charities.
As my cousin said to me, "What's next?"
Who knows.
Thanks to all and if you haven't seen my account of the 3 days, please let me know.
Graham
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Not sure if the account is readable from here. I have emailed people, where I have their email address and happy to email on if others wish.
A great result and although a tough few days, very worthwhile.
Graham
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This was the 50 mile week, each training day took in a 50 mile ride and the photo shows Andy and myself before setting off for Salisbury and return. Always a nice ride.
My supporters have been amazing and have more than doubled the original target. I am indeed humbled.
So, on Monday we set off at 8:30 with a projected coffee stop at Weyhill and then lunch at Great Bedwyn. Looks like we'll need some energy to cross the downs north of Marlborough, but as our overnight stop is pre-booked, there is no pressure on time.
At the end of each day, I plan to put a summary of the day with distance travelled and anything interesting we have seen en route.
With the training complete, just hoping for fair winds and dry days.
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The photo shows one of my stops on Thursday, near Leckford, crossing the River Test. This week, in the warm temperatures, I increased the daily mileage to 40 miles. Next weeks planned rides are 50 miles, that should set us up for the three days the following week.
With Gift Aid, the total is now approaching £1,500 and I thank everyone who has generously donated.
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Thanks again to my contributors. The total is close to double the target, meaning that each charity will receive the equivalent of the original total.
Meanwhile, training continues with the daily mileages increasing. The week that has just passed saw the daily totals of 35 and 36 miles after a two week break whilst I enjoyed a break and the bike was serviced.
This week, the daily totals will be 40 plus miles and for the final week before the ride, 50 miles plus, each day. Previous experience shows that good preparation is the key to achieving the goal and our aim is to complete the route and not break any records. Hopefully, the weather will remain fair over the three days.
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Thanks to you all, the original target and secondary target have both been exceeded. I am indeed humbled.
Just a gentle 30 miles today and for the next couple of weeks, the focus will be on swimming as the bike will be away for servicing in preparation for the 26th June start.
Watch this space for more reports
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Thanks to everyone who has donated, my original target has now been exceeded. Who knows, may get to £1,000.
Today, Andy and I cycled 48.5 miles. Felt a lot more as half the ride was against a strong and chilly northerly breeze.
People have had great stories to tell and now that the target has been exceeded, my determination to complete the ride has also increased.
Watch this space for more details of training runs.
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Training for this ride started a few months ago, but now Andy and I are starting to ramp up the daily miles. Yesterday, we cycled 44.5 miles from 8:30 to 13:00 with a stop at the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop, for coffee and bread pud. Need to keep refuelling!
Next ride will be about 50 miles and then 50+ miles before the start of the ride.
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