"I could cycle to raise money and awareness." 

In the summer of 2008, following Melissa's death, I quickly discovered that I needed to keep busy.  I also wanted to give something back to those who had helped us.  I'd considered running, but I was rubbish at it.  Strange really as I played local league football until I was 43, but I couldn't run without a ball at my feet. 

It was then I thought about the possibility of cycling.  I'd rode my bike to work every day and some years ago I'd done a 26 mile cycle ride for the British Heart Foundation.  At about the same time as if by magic, an email dropped into my inbox inviting me to cycle from London to Paris.  I'd never attempted anything like this before but how hard could it be?  I went out on my first training ride and soon realised!  I cycled 10 miles, walked up two hills and announced to Julie that I would never make it Barton under Needwood, let alone to Paris.  

There has been a lot of self discovery since Melissa died and I've discovered that at time I can have the most unbelievable amounts of willpower!  As the weeks went by, although I didn't really enjoy it, my mileage went up and the occurrences of having to lather my buttocks in sudocrem went down. 

In June 2009 I cycled from London to Paris and two years later I did it again. In between those two rides I cycled coast to coast in 2 days and I've also cycled York to Derby and a circular ride from Norwich to Ipswich and back.  I have also completed three time,  (twice with my younger daughter Becky) the London Nightrider. This is a 65 mile ride that takes you past the sights of London throughout the night.   I've cycled thousands of miles over the last 3 years and only fell off twice.  The first time I cracked a rib, the second I fractured an elbow, but other than that I've been ok.

In 2012 Becky and I discussed something special to coincide with my 50th birthday, Julie and I's 30th wedding anniversary and the 5th year since Melissa died.  Nothing could have been more special than cycling to Paris with Becky.  An amazing experience.

  In April 2013, as part of our fundraising efforts,  I cycled with the amazing Nicky Marck from Anfield to Albion (Liverpool to Burton) via Goodison Park of course!  This ride was put back due to the adverse weather in March... but we got there!!

When I first started cycling for charity, I hated it.  I hated the loneliness, the early mornings, but in time, I've grown to love it and now find cycling very therapeutic.  I have two bikes, both are Treks, Delilah is a hybrid but is more a road bike than off road.  Ernie is a pure road bike and built for speed. 

In 2014 I had a break from charity cycling and walked across Wales in a day with Nicky Marck.  44 miles over 14 hours, the stupidest thing I've done, but a great achievement.  This year is payback and in August, Nicky and I will cycle across Wales :) 

Also in August,  Becky and I are entered in the Ride London Classic.  A 100 mile ride through London and out to the Surrey downs before returning to the city and finishing on the Mall.

I know what it takes to complete these rides, the amount of training, the food and equipment and if you ever need any advice, please contact me on ijleech@hotmail.co.uk