My objectives
Linked to the question of "why?" is what I hope to achieve. Whilst rolling around the lanes of Leicestershire, I've had plenty of time to ponder what I hope to achieve from the whole thing.
Raising funds for Samaritans
As you’ve no doubt gathered from elsewhere on this site, I’m a volunteer at the local branch of Samaritans in Leicester. Both Leicester and the other 202 branches throughout the British Isles rely on voluntary income for their continued presence. Whilst I admit that this probably isn’t the number one objective, I’m hopeful that I can raise some much needed cash. (And why not another plug; please donate.)
Raise awareness of Samaritans
A lot of people don’t know what it is that Samaritans do (and that includes some people who think they know). So whether you’re someone who might benefit from getting in touch (by telephone, e-mail, letter or face to face visit) or you think you might have what it takes to be a volunteer or you are just interested in what we do; please take a look at the national website. Whilst it’s impossible to measure how much I have achieved on this point, it’s nonetheless an important aim. Let’s face it, apart from this and the desire to raise funds, I could have quietly gone about the task as a private challenge. It could have saved me a lot of time and effort setting up this website, not to mention lessening the risk of public humiliation (which is a real fear for me) if I fail horribly to achieve the goals.
A great experience
No doubt they’ll be times when it doesn’t feel so great but I’m assured by many people that I’m going to meet a whole variety of personalities on route (apparently the non-threatening cycling attire will attract me to people who have a story to tell – I’m not convinced that’s wholly on the plus side). I’m hoping to see some fantastic scenery (let’s hope the promised good weather this summer actually appears) while traversing bridges, mountains, moors and plains.
The challenge
And even if I’m miserable for the 6 week duration (which I sincerely hope and expect I won’t be), if I can do it I hope to be able to look back on what I’ve (or rather we’ve as I can’t ignore all the help I’m receiving) achieved. It’s not the first man on Mars or even the first man to do anything but it’s something. In some respects it’s a shame Shem isn’t a bit older as I suspect he’ll remember little of this in the future. (But I’ll have photos.)