Hold The Front Page!

On February 16th I was featured in the local paper "The Observer". It read as follows...

"A man from Sawbridgeworth is training for an epic cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for a cancer hospice.

Self-employed grain broker Steven Butler, 39, is hoping to cover the 1,000 mile distance is just 12 days in May and is hoping for thousands of pounds in sponsorship for the St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood.

He is undertaking the demanding feat with friend Mark Cox, 28, a chef at a residential care home who lives in Church Langley, Harlow.

Mr Butler said he was riding in memory of his friend Phil Evans, who was cared for at the hospice whilst dying of bowel cancer and spoke highly of his treatment.

The duo plan to cycle up the western side of Britain, across some of the country's most difficult terrain. Mr Butler, who lives in Parkway with wife, Kim, and children, Jack, nine, and Emily, six, said he was already training hard.

Formerly a keen runner, he has completed the London Marathon four times, but said he was forced to switch to cycling after a knee operation. He was approaching the mammoth bike ride with the same mindset, he said.

Anyone wishing to support the pair can visit www.stevebutlerlejog.blogspot.com for more information or call Julie North at St Clare Hospice on 01279 773753."

Training Regime

We are not attempting to challenge Lance Armstrong's Tour De France record. Whilst we are taking the training seriously we are unfortunately not enjoying the post ride massages and eating gargantuan bowls of pasta for breakfast! Neither are we about to become teetotallers.

At present, our longest rides are between 50 and 60 miles but these will increase to 100 miles as we near the event. I am cycling on three further days and attending the gym once each week and also fitting in one six mile run with the dog on a Saturday. I allow myself Monday as a day of complete rest in order to appease the wife and rest the muscles.

I have a turbo trainer set up in my conservatory, whilst pedalling away my children and dog watch from the other side of the glass. It is obvious from their expressions that they think I am a complete nutter (He is - Ed.)

The Riders

The riders are myself, Steve Butler and Mark Cox. We will form part of a bigger group who at present number about 15 riders.

I have completed a number of challenges for charity in the past. I have run five marathons, including four in London and have cycled from London to Paris.

Mark has previously been involved in a cycle challenge that took him across Brazil.

The Event Organisers

Discover Adventure specialises in designing and operating fundraising challenges for charity groups, as well as challenging trips for school and corporate groups. We run treks, cycle rides, horse treks and multi-activity trips all over the world, and have been doing so since 1994. In the past twelve years we have built up an excellent reputation among those who come on our trips, and the charities and other organisations we work with closely, for our friendly, flexible approach, value for money and professionalism.

The Route

Day 01 : Lands End - Golant (65 miles)
Day 02 : Golant - Cullompton (90 miles)
Day 03 : Cullompton - St Briavels (88 miles)
Day 04 : St Briavels - Shrewsbury (85 miles)
Day 05 : Shrewsbury - Preston (80 miles)
Day 06 : Preston - Gretna Green (105 miles)
Day 07 : Gretna Green - Dalry (98 miles)
Day 08 : Dalry - Inverary (65 miles)
Day 09 : Inverary - Loch Lochy (95 miles)
Day 10 : Loch Lochy - Culrain (80 miles)
Day 11 : Culrain - Tongue (45 miles)
Day 12 : Tongue - John O'Groats (60 miles)

Total : 956 miles

The work of St Clare Hospice

St Clare Hospice provides 24 hour care for patients suffering from terminal and life threatening illness. It is staffed by professionals and volunteers and funded by voluntary contributions. It services East Herts and West Essex.

The hospice provides a sanctuary for patients, where friends and relatives can visit their loved ones in a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of a general hospital.

If you would like to find out more about the vital role that the hospice provides please follow this link.