JW Cycle Ride Leg 11 - Tbilisi to Baku

Dear All,

It is that time of year when I dust myself down and step outside my comfort zone wishing I was 29 and not expecting a big birthday this year! This years event could head downhill all the way from Tbilisi to Baku but that would be far too easy. Instead we are running in and out of the Caucasus Mountains to spice things up. This years trip is just over 350 miles but with 27500ft of climbing - basically sea level to the top of Everest. Whilst not as hard as last year I am reminded that one day we have Alpe d'Huez in the morning and Mount Ventoux in the afternoon. Day 3 we finish with a 20mile climb to a ski resort. Over four days we will cover 80-100miles/day.

As ever I am suffering this in aid of 1MoreChild. The founder of the charity also rides and speaks with such passion about his charity. He set it up with his wife after spending time in Uganda where they ended up running a soup kitchen for homeless and vulnerable children in Jinga, Uganda. Now 16 years on the charity has evolved to take children with nothing from the slums and provide their food, school fees, supplies and medical care to adulthood. These children have gone on to thrive, grow and even work as teachers for the younger children coming through and with the cycling connection many have gone on to represent Uganda in cycling events. To date 258 children have had their lives turnaround due to the charity. To date the ride has raised over £2 million pounds for the charity (it's main fundraiser) through sponsorship of the shirts and personal sponsorship. If you could sponsor me it would be much appreciated. I feel roughly ready (more training would always be good) but had a slow start to the year with a bad back - time will tell!