Adam's bike challenge. Stage 1 - OMG

Adam Bradbury

07 October 2011

I've been in denial. Months ago I heard Friends of the Earth was planning a fundraising cycle challenge - the Big Green Bike Ride.

I blithely offered to do the whole thing - London to Edinburgh. I've been cycling to work for ages. I go by bike almost everywhere around town. How hard can it be to raise a grand or so and ride 500 miles in 6 days?

I even told my family, friends and colleagues. I did that partly to make sure I couldn't wriggle out of it.

Stupid idea. Worked a treat.

Now it's 7 October. I think that means there are 7 months to go. Or 212 days.

It still sounds like a long time. But there are quite a few things I need to figure out, like:

• Is my bike in good enough shape?
• Am I?
• Where am I going to find that much money?
• What other gear do I need?

For more than half of the waking hours between now and 6 May 2012 I'll be doing the day job here at Friends of the Earth, not training or raising money.

I'm over denial. Now it's fear.

I imagine I'm not alone. Not for nothing is this ride referred to a challenge.

If you're interested but aren't sure you can do it, join the club. Let's do it together.

Check back to see what I find out, my highs and lows, mistakes and discoveries.

If you're an expert please feel free to tweet - by hitting the Twitter button (above right) and using #bgbr. 

And get me on the right track. Please.

Adam Bradbury, Publishing & New Media Team