Hello,

It's almost that silly season again (no, I don't mean The Stones out on tour) when I attempt a fairly ill-advised cycling challenge in the hope of raising money for a deserving cause or two. Last year's 30 day trek from Seattle to Miami raised over £7500...a lot of which was down to IORRians. BIG thank you!

IMG_1494 by nicholl.simon, on Flickr

This year I'm cycling solo and unsupported from Seattle to San Diego, starting on September 10th and covering 1700 miles in 16 days, all being well/the stars aligning! That means a daily average of 115 miles with almost 6000' of climbing, carrying 15kgs of my own gear. 'Pound-for-pound', this is worse than last year...in my language that equals 'ouch!'.

I want to raise funds to help two causes, and the change for this year is that any donations will be automatically split 50/50 between these two wonderful charities...

- 'Bloodwise' is the new name for what used to be the 'Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research', the UK's specialist blood cancer charity. Since 1960 these guys have been going after all 137 types of blood cancers and helping people affected by the disease. They fund world-class research; provide practical and emotional support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

20140032_10155670314523243_7938378083441827888_n by nicholl.simon, on Flickr



- The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community: serving men and women, veterans, and their families.

images by nicholl.simon, on Flickr

it-only-takes-a-second-to-put-on-a-poppy by nicholl.simon, on Flickr

If you can spare the price of a glass of wine, a decent coffee or a pint (or even better, all three!) then please click on the link below...

[uk.virginmoneygiving.com]

Thanks for indulging me with this: BV has kindly allowed this O/T...I hope that it doesn't annoy or upset any IORRians: you really are a very generous bunch!

I'm keeping a blog as usual: to be read only if you've *really* nothing better to do!

[sea2sand.blogspot.co.uk]

All the best and thanks a bundle...enjoy the tour!

Simon.

20861895_1563790723683956_5866034277037168819_o by nicholl.simon, on Flickr



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 2017-08-19 22:58 by SimonN.

Good luck Simon. Keep them wheels turning.

-------------------
Keep On Rolling

Hi Hansie & Anne,

You're top people!
Thank you on behalf of Bloodwise & The RBL...much appreciated.

As ever, if we meet down the road then I'm in the chair.

Cheers,

Simon.

Once again, well done Simon.

Will be in touch with donation page soon.

Good luck, Si!

Hello,

I am wary of wearing-out your patience by endless bumps of this thread, so I'll only do it very infrequently. That said. I wanna give a great big 'THANK YOU' to Alois, Gordon, Bard, Chris and Mike, on behalf of the two great causes that your splendid generosity has helped. Good on you!

By the way, this happened ten (10!) years ago tonight...

1052747_10151666930942920_692199648_o by nicholl.simon, on Flickr

Possibly my 'funnest' Stones show!

Cheers,

Simon.

Hello,

Mission update: now reached Santa Monica...just *how* many cars are there in the area, hah-hah!

IMG_1435 by nicholl.simon, on Flickr

This happened today: I was struggling into a headwind about 15 miles south of Ventura I think, and there was this guy all set-up and practicing his drumming. He very kindly let me sit-in...I'm no Basher Watts though, hah-hah!

If you want to have a look and maybe a laugh (although that is debatable), please have a gander at my daily blog at [sea2sand.blogspot.co.uk]

And even better, if you can spare the price of a nice cup of coffee and want to help fight blood cancers and help Veterans, please visit here [uk.virginmoneygiving.com]

Best wishes to all IORRiand going to the shows: you'll have a ball!

Cheers,

Simon.

Nice one, simon.

I have a drink in your honour in Amsterdam on saturday.

Hi Mike & Annie,

Nice one! Well, I finished the last stage into San Diego from Santa Monica yesterday evening and I wasn't unhappy to climb-off the bike, hah-hah!

Bittersweet day: a mate of 30 years has just been diagnosed with Leukaemia, right out of nowhere. He starts chemotherapy on Monday: we're with you Geoff.

Thanks again to BV for allowing to post this most O/T of all O/Ts, and a massive thank you to all you IORRians who donated and made a difference. You both rock and roll!

IMG_1658 (1) by nicholl.simon, on Flickr

My blog is at [sea2sand.blogspot.co.uk] and the link to donate is here [uk.virginmoneygiving.com]

All the very best,

Simon.