After taking on, and defeating, some of the most difficult climbs in the world last year, the Daniel Bagshaw Memorial Trust and The Danny Fullbrook Fearless Foundation are reuniting once more for their third annual cycling fundraiser. The 2016 route – London to Paris – has opened the door for less experienced riders who wish to support two fantastic causes.
Cycling from London to Paris, however, is never to be sniffed at, since the riders are still covering 361km. And those seeking an additional challenge, will take a longer route. Tread to tarmac for three days, the ride finishes at the Eiffel Tower on 23rd July just in time to witness the final stages of the greatest cycling race of them all, the Tour de France.
On Wednesday 3rd February, over 50 keen cyclists met at the Mulberry Bush pub in South Bank to find out just what they had got themselves into. However, there was no need to be scared, if you believe what Peter Wood from event management company PIE had to say. Peter ran through the route and explained how experienced PIE guides will be offering support and advice every revolution of the way. At times it sounded as though the cyclists would be encased in a big sweaty hug as they battled the streets.
During the launch evening, there were words from Dan’s Trust co-founders Ian and Gary Bagshaw about the charity’s continuing work to fund research into the early diagnosis of cardiac risk and support disadvantaged youngsters. Chairman of the Fearless Foundation, Mark Dickinson, also spoke on the education and employment projects being run in conjecture with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and the Fulham Foundation. Both charities do amazing work in the memory of Danny Bagshaw and Danny Fullbrook, who sadly passed away far too soon.
With 70 riders, each committing to raise at least £1,000 – the two Danny Charities hope the L2P event will raise £100,000, after last year’s ride saw the grand total tip over £70K.
While raising as much dosh as possible is the aim of the game, the launch night focused on another crucial factor – making sure all riders get home in one piece. Enter Richard Lang, from Haute Rouleurs, who spoke to the group gathered about the best way to prepare for the event and important guidelines on training and nutrition. Eat a lot, but not too much (sigh!).
Riders were encouraged to share, share, share information on the ride and their preparations on the L2P Facebook page by Dan’s Trust’s Fiona Edwards. They were also given some crucial tips on how to manage their online fundraising profiles.
As well as L2P being a little kinder to the thigh muscles, this year’s event also sees the charities welcome guest charity Team Rwanda. Jeremy Ford, from umbrella organisation Team Africa Rising, thanked both charities for allowing Team Rwanda fundraisers to tag onto the event. Jeremy played a video which explained how their funds raised would go into supporting the careers of some of Rwanda’s finest cyclists.
Mark Dickinson said, “It was great to see so many people turn up at the launch of our third ride together. We hope that we can raise even more money than last year for the three charities.”
Ian Bagshaw’s most memorable quote of the evening came from rider Oliver Arnott who said: “I am only doing one training ride for the L2P – Vancouver to Panama non-stop! No need to worry about strava or wiggle deliveries on my training!”
The event appeared to have done its job of kicking participants into gear, as the following morning a group of cyclists met in Richmond Park for a few quick laps led by Richard Lang.
We would like to wish all participants the best of luck in their training, and happy fundraising!
To find out more about the event please visit: http://www.londontoparis2016.org.uk
Joanna Tilley, The Danny Fullbrook Fearless Foundation
