The Challenge 

Starting on the 12th November 2016 I shall set off for the South California Desert in Nevada to conquer the Death Valley National Park. 420km of cycling over 5 days (an average of approximately 85km a day) in some of the most intense conditions on Mother Earth to raise money for Orbis.  I thought it would be best to really challenge myself by taking on this gruelling route, which is mainly uphill, as it will hopefully help me raise more for charity than a normal bike ride, due to having to train much harder to be able to complete it.   

My training has just started, albeit a little late, and will take up most of my time over the next 100 days.  It is going to be tough but worth it as long as i can hit my target, so please dig deep people! It's over 15 years since I last rode a bike-which will make this even more of a challenge, but as it is in the name of charity I am going to give it my best shot!

Why Orbis?

Recently, I attended an Orbis charity event and I was very touched and impressed by the work that they are doing and wanted to help them to keep up their excellent work in giving clearer eyesight to those less fortunate then ourselves.

Orbis is an international charity that transforms lives by preventing and treating avoidable blindness and visual impairment. There are 285 million people in the world who are blind or visually impaired, yet 80% of these cases are totally treatable or avoidable. They focus their efforts in Africa, Asia and Latin America because 90% of the world’s blind population live in developing countries.

Orbis believes that no-one should be blind due to lack of quality eye care. By supporting my fundraising you will be helping to save sight and transform lives.

By supporting Orbis you will be helping to save sight and transform lives. For every £1 donated, 79.3p goes directly towards their sight-saving work. The remaining 19.7p is invested in raising more funds and administration – for each £1 spent, they raise £4.21. Find out more by visiting www.orbis.org.uk 

A fantastic charity that I am honoured to represent on this challenge. 

My route:

Day 1 - Beatty Junction to Stovepipe Wells via Daylight Pass (4,317ft). Cycling distance approx. 30 miles / 48 km.

Day 2 – Stovepipe Wells to Panamint Springs via Emigrant Pass (5,328ft). Cycling distance approx. 54 miles / 87 km.

Day 3 – Panamint Springs to Furnace Creek. A tough day with approx. 3,400ft of ascent, but 5,000ft of descent! Cycling distance approx. 56 miles / 90km.

Day 4 – Furnace Creek to Pahrump via Devils Hole – a Death Valley National Monument, Zabriskie Point (700ft) and Death Valley Junction (2,037ft). Cycling distance approx. 61 miles / 98km.

Day 5 – Pahrump to Las Vegas via Mountain Springs Summit (5,490ft) the highest point of our challenge, and a long descent past Red Rock Canyons. Celebratory dinner in Las Vegas. Cycling distance approx. 62 miles / 100km.

Day 6 - PAIN!! Hopefully the airline staff read this and give me an upgrade for the flight home to rest my aching body!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Orbis. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.  

I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.