I must be mad! After years of avoiding exercise, in January this year I started a new fitness regime with an aim of losing a little bit of weight. Surprisingly, I caught the fitness bug and along with running two or three times a week, I've rediscovered my cycling legs. The 11th Castles Bike Ride looked like a bit of a challenge and in a moment of madness I registered as a participant. This 28 mile cycle ride will take me along some of England's oldest roads with breathtaking views (and therefore several steep hills) following the Ridgeway along ancient byways, tracks and bridle ways in a scenic loop of the Downs. The ride will leave from Croft Sports Centre at 10am on 3rd June 2007 and head towards a picturesque route on and off road to the Ridgeway, which is situated about four miles to the south. You can read more about the event at www.castlesbikeride.co.uk. The event is being organised in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Please dig deep and sponsor me online. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. A bicycle, donated by Mitchell’s Cycles, will be presented to the person who raises, and hands in, the greatest amount of sponsorship money by 11 August 2007.

So please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support.