A ride on the wildside...

As part of my rigerous (eh?) training (EH?), I've just been to Scotland (Pitlockerie, highly recommend it) for some white water rafting, canyoning and clay shooting. Great fun, excellently organised by Nae Limits - highly recommend them). I lost my watch, my breath, all semblence of dryness and a very bad hangover, but what a blast!

Also I've been watching the DVD of the 2006 "Ride for Life" the inaugural Enduro Africa trip. As well as being full of entrepid adventurers and a motley assortment of characters (a mad collection of bikers basically) it looks as challenging as it looks fun.

Steep mountains, rocky riverbeds, fast dust-tracks (you know the ones that give you a ginger beard, even ladies) and stunning people. There are accidents (including Simon "Says" who threw himself into a ravine, using his bike as a crash-mat), incidents (bike + pool = mud), emotions and a HUGE amount of pride.

I can't wait, but I reckon we're nowhere near prepared for what lies in store. Ride for life, indeed.

Bike Nut Swap

I'm trying to swap a nut (small, metal) for a motorbik (brand new, shiny) and you can help.

Follow the progress at the Bike Nut Swap website and see what's on offer. You're bound to want it, so just think about something you have at home that you don't want as much and offer me the swap. If you get it, then it's yours. Free. No charge. Just a swap. Lovely jubbly.

On so it goes on.
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This summer's gonna be HOT !!

The Easter eggs are barely gone and already the sun's shining... happy days. But the journey to Africa continues and that means more fundraising. I'm planning a few events for the next months but here are some tasters...

Pub Quiz
Test your grey matter against teams of know-alls. "It's on the tip of my tongue" doesn't cut the mustard. So get the drinks in, get busy with the total recall and watch the wild cards.

Charity Dinner
We will be hosting a charity dinner at a London restaurant with 4 courses of the finest fresh food, some fantastic wines and great service. There will even be a short charity auction at the end with some cracking lots donated by friends and corporate sponsors.

Festival in the Park
Definitely aimed at the younger audiences, I'll be arranging a bonanza, bumper afternoon of fun in one of London's beautiful parks. With entertainers, picnics, music and games galore, this will be for the young at heart (preferably under 7!)

And remember it's all for a brilliant cause, Riders for Health.

I'll keep you posted here or via email. Happy trails.
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What's the plan? And who's gonna be Stan?

The Bike Nut Swap has moved on from Day 5 of 24, through the West Wing (series 6) and on to a fabulous Nokia handset.

Looking forwards to the sunshine, here are some ideas that I'm planning for fundraising this Spring and Summer in London...

• Pub quiz night
• Party in the Park (probably for families)
• A charity auction evening
• Fairtrade stall

I will not be shaving my head (I hope) or running a marathon (I pray).

I'll keep you posted about progress and plans... and check out the latest on the Bike Nut Swap at http://bikenutswap.blogspot.com

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