Just over 3 weeks left until the Mexican Challenge begins….. and a mixture of excitement and
sheer terror is setting in!!
Let’s hope its not………….
It’s been a very busy few months…. I had the ‘Golf of Mexico Challenge Cup’ last October at the Clandeboye Lodge. It turned into a cracking day out with ten teams (of varying abilities…..) hacking their way round this beautiful course!! Many thanks to all those who sponsored the holes, attended on the day or contributed in some way. I managed to raise well over £1,000 on the day, which put a serious dent in the fundraising. A selection of photos of the Golfing Day out can be found below…….
In November, I foolishy accepted a bet with some work-’mates’……. One Friday night, I was challenged to try and grow a Ginger Beard for the month of November. Quite surprisingly, the beard did sprout and had a mind of its own for the next 4 weeks! I went through a full range of emotions with the beard and was certainly glad to see the back of it at the end of November! Please see the results below…… I may need to consider some beard / ‘tache growth during the Mexican Challenge to try and ‘blend-in’ with the Locals!! Although they probably haven’t seen too many Gingers before!
With all the Golfing and beard-growing aside…. I have had to settle down and try to focus the mind to the job in hand….. yep, CYCLING!! It certainly has been a challenging few months to try and squeeze in some training around the cold weather, dark nights and turkey consumption! But, I’ve managed to chalk up a good few miles to include the Atlantic Drive; Downings, Divis Mountain, The Mournes and all over the mighty Kingdom of County Down!!
‘Discover Adventure’ who are organising the Challenge on behalf of Macmillan, held a Briefing Meeting in London in January. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it over. But, the long and the short of it is as follows:
- There’s about 50 people going, and so far i’m the only one from here
- Our Kit should include: Bullet-proof Vest, Gallons of Factor 40, a cycling helmet/sombrero combo, extra-padded shorts and an Iron-Belly!
- Apparently ‘Shower/toilet facilities are VERY basic (where available.) Where not, the Rivers are lovely’ …. Hope they are cleaner than the Lagan and will just need to watch for the crocs!
- DAY 3 of the itinerary involves a cycle climb from +250metres above sea level to +3000metres above sea level. (Thats about 3.5 times the height of Slieve Donard…….!!!) Please see elevation profile below. Note to self: Must remember to source a Mexican Donkey at the start of Day 3!
Here are some of the presentation slides from the briefing meeting…..
So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say a MUCHAS GRACIAS to all those who have donated so far, and to all the sponsors- please see the sponsors page on the right hand side. If anyone would still like to make a donation- please go to my justgiving page- please click on the ‘TO DONATE’ button at the top of the page. My fundraising now sits at £3,735 (my minimum target was £3,500) and im hoping to hit £5,000 and may have one last fundraising event after I get back. Thanks again and HASTA LA VISTA GRINGOS!!!!
Might have to rope my work-mates into my next fundraiser!
I've been told to take some protection against Mexican Drivers...
.....must remember to travel lightly.......
At least we'll have a decent Support Vehicle!!
