The Final Countdown

It's now June! Where did the time go? There are only 19 days until the start of Cycle for Uganda 2014.

The last month has seen a lot of behind the scenes preparation for the ride, sorting out the itinerary, finalising all the cyclists details and briefing them on safety and nutrition, promoting the event, collecting sponsorship money, organsing catering, cafe stops, preparing risk assessments... the list goes on. There is always way more to organising a ride like this than would first appear. But I think I've got it all under control!

The number of cyclists has increased from a decent ten, to an amazing 25 - 30 with some of them coming from as far off as Bournemouth, and London. It's all getting very exciting, and many of the cyclists can't wait to get started... some of them are feeling a little nervous though! We've got vehicle support to provide backup which has brought comfort to some of the more apprehensive riders.

Fundraising is going very well. Extremely well. Many people have already been kind enough to donate and this Saturday our local Bristol choir and orchestra are holding a summer concert at Downend Hall, and have agreed to hold a collection for the Namisindwa Orphange.

To date we have already raised £775 (including gift aid) towards the £3000 target. It's still over two weeks until the ride and I'm hoping we get another wave of sponsorship when we actually do the ride! I'm hoping those children have a very nutritious and educational year!

I've just received an email to say that one of our churches in Bournemouth held a beach event last night and raised £200 for the Namisindwa Orphange! That's simply amazing! Thank you all so much! Once that's passed on to us it will bring our total to nearly £1000!

I'm really moved by all the support and enthusiasm that everyone is showing, not just from the cyclists, but all the others who have agreed to help in one way or another and to all those who have donated or said they'll donate. Thank you everyone!

...unfortunately I can't organise the weather. Let's pray it's dry, calm and warm!