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London by Night |
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Just one month ago, here on Views, I wrote that I was changing the pace of life and slowing down a little for a three month sabbatical.
Whilst that is still true, I am facing another change of pace in the next few days.
On June 8th, just before midnight, I shall join some 3000 other cyclists as part of the Nightrider charity cycle event.
Between us, we hope to raise over £2 million for our chosen charities.
Our route takes us from Crystal Palace in the South, to Mile End in the East, to Alexandra Palace in the North, out to Hampstead Heath in the West, and then on up the steep climb to Crystal Palace again - a distance of 100 km.
As a person who occasionally pedals round the park, this is something of a challenge!
Since I first signed up to participate back in February, there have been hours of training in all weathers, and lots of sessions in the gym too.
The human body cannot be changed or conditioned quickly, so it demands patience and repetition.
The charity for which I am riding is the Princess Alice Hospice.
Their Mission Statement reads as follows:
Together we will inspire and deliver innovative palliative and end of life care to help patients, families and carers feel better, do more, and cope with death and dying.
From personal experience as Pastor I know that they live up to every word.
However, it costs them a staggering £21,000 every day to do so.
The small contribution offered by my sponsored cycle ride is but a small drop in that ocean.
These events are not all about the money though.
For some, they represent an opportunity to transcend their own physical limitations.
For others, they offer a welcome opportunity to be part of something both big and good.
For me, one of the best elements has been the opportunity to engage with local businesses about hospice care and how I view it as a Christian minister.
I shall be wearing several of the logos of those businesses (from bike shops to Italian restaurants) as I ride.
Jesus once said that we should do good as long as daylight endures.
I am hoping that applies to a cycle ride after the hours of darkness too!
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