cycle challenge

Denny Bros’ Managing Director takes part in charity cycle challenge

Graham Denny, our Managing Director, is spending April cycling a total of 500 miles to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Here he tells us how it is going and what inspired him to take on the virtual cycle challenge.

Hi Graham. Can you tell us a little about the cycle challenge please?

“I am taking part in the Diabetes UK Wide Cycle ride. The challenge is to cycle the equivalent of one of five different coast-to-coast routes. The routes range from 120 miles (equivalent of Dundee to Fort William) to 950 miles (Lands End to John O’Groats).

I have chosen the 500-mile distance – which is the equivalent of the North West coastal route. The aim is to complete the distance during the 30 days of April.

I am logging all miles ridden on the Strava tracking app which then uploads the running total to the Diabetes UK Wide Cycle ride website and enables anyone who has sponsored me to check my progress.

To achieve my target, I need to average 17 miles ridden every day for 30 days. After the first six days, I managed 120 miles, so I am on track at the moment.”

Why did you decide to take part in the virtual event?

“I chose to take on this challenge to give myself a positive focus which I felt I was in need of following a generally miserable year for everyone and the loss of my mother, Winnifred (Win), who passed away in February.

She very much enjoyed a cycle ride in the countryside when she was younger. I know one or two diabetics and know how the illness can affect everyday lives as well as the risks to long term health and so I was glad to try and help such a good cause.”

How have you found the experience so far?

“So far the weather has not been all that pleasant (though it was improving when we spoke to Graham). In fact, it turned very cold and windy right at the start of the challenge and the first week was little better. Last night, I rode in a hailstorm with 20mph winds.

I have resorted to my indoor trainer and Zwift app a couple of times to get a few miles in but I very much hope to ride the majority of the miles outside. A few degrees warmer would make it more pleasant and, ideally, a constant tail wind.”

What have been the best/worst parts?

“The best part has been the incentive to come home from work and get out on my bike in the evenings rather than just slump in front of the TV.

The worst part has been coming home and having to go out on my bike in the evenings instead of just slumping in front of the TV!”

How have you found taking part in a virtual cycling challenge compares to an “old normal” sportive type event?

“The flexibility of being able to ride some miles, as and when you have time, works well for me.

Also, the distance is well beyond what I would tackle in a one day type event. But you do miss the things that go along with a normal organised ride such as others to ride with and the general atmosphere.”

How do you plan to celebrate completing the milage?

“neck massage would be good! But I might just settle with sitting somewhere for a bit.”

How can people sponsor you?

My fundraising page is https://cycle.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/graham-denny2021.

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