Cycling 1000km for the MS Trust

Fundraiser, George talks to us about his motivations for completing a cycling challenge on behalf of the MS Trust and shares some useful tips for others thinking of taking on their own physical fundraising challenge.  

My name is George and I have recently completed a 1000km cycling challenge for the MS Trust. Following my beautiful mother’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in July, I decided to embark on a challenge to raise awareness for what can be a complicated, cruel, and life-changing condition.

I set out to raise £1,000 and cycle 1000km in and around the Dorset countryside in the month of August, whilst juggling a full-time job and other commitments. I ended up completing the challenge by 15 August and raised over £3,100 (and counting)! The support I received was incredible and I was very motivated to ride for everyone with MS and their families, so I got the challenge done way quicker than I anticipated!

• £3,100 (and counting) raised for the MS Trust
• Over 1000 km cycled
• 14,715 metres of elevation gained (the equivalent of riding up Mount Everest almost 1.7 times!)
• 39 hours 45 minutes in the saddle (ouch)
• Challenge completed in 15 days (13 days riding, two days resting)
• Rode with 10 different people across 18 rides

The first few rides of the challenge were glorious. I felt fresh, motivated and the weather was excellent. I tried to get out every morning before work to sneak in some kilometres when the lanes were quiet. I completed 300km in the first four days. However, late in the first week, the weather took a nasty turn. A storm brought high winds and rain to Dorset, meaning that there were a few wet and miserable rides in the challenging conditions.

In the second week the weather got better meaning less rain, but the strong winds persisted meaning that the going was quite tough. In the second week I did some big days in the saddle, completing over 150km on my day off! By Sunday 15 August, just two weeks and a day after the start, I was able to enjoy a social and leisurely 100km ride with friends to wrap up my challenge for the MS Trust.

• My family and friends were so supportive throughout the challenge. I would not have finished without their support. My advice would be to involve as many people as you can with the challenge, so you stay motivated.
• Go out with friends. Sharing some of the kilometres with friends on a social ride took my mind off how tired my legs felt!
• Make sure you eat and drink enough before, during and after the activities. I was burning through thousands of calories on each ride, so without lots of snacks and water I wouldn’t have managed!
• Relax, get enough sleep, and take rest days. Your body needs time to repair aching muscles.
• Take breaks during activities. I would regularly stop for snacks and would always try to stop in a café for coffee and cake on a longer ride. 
• Make sure your bike and other equipment is well-maintained and in good condition. Nothing is worse than mechanical issues slowing you down!
• Smile and enjoy the challenge.

Good luck to those who embark on any challenge big or small!

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