One of our amazing volunteers, Smiths News’ Ian Tallamy recently took part in this year’s Threshold Sports’ ‘Ride Across Britain’ in aid of Pass It On. The sport is Britain’s longest and most iconic bike ride; covering 980 miles and averaging approximately 109 miles a day.

The route starts from Land’s End, spans the course of 9 days and ends at John O’Groats with a gruelling, non-stop schedule:

• 04:50 – Alarm call
• 05:00 – Grab cycle kit and head for the showers to wash and change
• 05:30 – Breakfast (as much as you can reasonably eat at that time of the morning, but not too much as you need to be able to cycle as well as digesting your food)
• 05:50 – Fill up water bottles and get gel provisions for the first part of the ride
• 05:55 – Pack up the sleeping bag, mat, pack case and carry bag over to the hauliers to take to the next destination
• 06:10 – Attach lights and GPS unit. Check bike, download the route for the day and head to the start line
• 06:30 – Start cycle ride
• 09:15 – Pit stop 1: Grab some snacks, take a comfort break, refill water bottles, grab a couple of bananas, stretch the legs and head off again. The pit stops are usually an area of a field or a car park area where they set up portaloos, bike racks and a couple of stalls for water, food etc.
• 09:35 – Head back out
• 12:30 – Pit stop 2: Lunch
• 13:00 – Continue the ride
• 16:00 – Arrive at the base camp for the night
• 16:05 – Drop off the bike and head towards tent allocation
• 16:10 – Grab the overnight bag from the truck, blow up the mattress and set up the sleeping tent for the night
• 16:40 – Queue for the showers
• 17:00 – Grab something warm, like a bowl of soup and a roll
• 17:15 – Head to stretching area and stretch out for 30 minutes to try to rejuvenate the legs
• 17:45 – Wash some clothes and drop them off at the drying area
• 18:00 – Dinner is served
• 19:00 – Drop off lights and GPS unit for overnight charging and check in at home
• 20:00 – Briefing sessions to go over the events of the day, updates for the next day, things to watch out for etc
• 20:30 – Get cycle kit ready for the next morning
• 20:45 – Queue for the wash facilities and toilets
• 21:00 – Bed and sleep

Ian’s shared that he previously had links with a Bristol-based homeless charity, which provides lunches and hot meals for homeless people based in Bristol. Ian also shared that he had encountered many individuals who found themselves homeless, believing that they were ignored and often neglected, so Pass it On resonated with him. Raising money, even for just one or two individuals can make a huge difference – whether it’s helping to keep warm and dry during the winter months or helping to make small changes to help individuals regain their respect and dignity, is a worthwhile cause.

“I’d like to thank all those who supported me on the ride. I didn’t want to let anyone down who had sponsored me and to make sure that I completed the course to the end.  Some of the days were great, but the cumulative effect it had on the body meant every day got harder. But really glad I managed to finish the ride and super grateful I was able to complete it without accident or injury and was able to raise money for Pass It On,” shared Ian.

f you did not get a chance to make a donation towards Ian’s fundraiser, you can still make a donation to Pass It On here.