I decided that when I started this blog I wanted to also highlight and support Mental Health Issues. I myself have struggled with my MH for a very long time and up until recently havent really dealt with it properly – I will probably write more on this as the blog develops.
I was therefore pleased when one of my Twitter followers reached out to me to see if I was interested in supporting and promoting a charity bike ride they had planned for July. I jumped at the chance and therefore asked Jon some questions which he kindly answered below:
Intro’s first – who are you?
My name is Jonathon Ripley and I am a 22 year old male from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England.
What made you decide to do the ride?
The decision first of all which I would like to cover as I place this together, was originally a pitched idea I had placed to my Father 3 weeks ago, who found it quite bizarre and a stupid idea on riding a big distance, which really drove me to get behind and make it a reality and at the same time to prove it was a mission I would try to conquer and make him proud.
The kick behind this ride I would say was a mixed idea between myself and another idea from a man called Lee Adams. Lee Adams had a bike ride idea while I was in Scotland with him and while supporting his charity during a walk, he came up with an idea to do a ride from London to Scotland or something on those lines which would be aimed in the future if plans came together. Currently those are up in the air and talks are still being placed together as we speak.
Are you doing it alone or as part of a group?
The ride will consist of Myself throughout the journey which I think you can tell from this, but nevertheless there will be a few people joining me along the way at certain points and stops. These are a few of the names to mention, Lee Adams, Shawn Hearn and Chris Brookes.
Who are you doing it for charity wise?
The charity bike ride will be in aid of 4 causes which are based all around the United Kingdom. These are WalkAndTalkMMH which is a charity that aims around men’s mental health in sport and general life and who creates walks to football grounds with football fans all around the country. The Alfie Lund Fund which is a family made fundraising charity by Alfie Lund’s parents, helps to make people aware of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome with their son who suffers from this condition, tries to make the best of the time they have with him everyday of every year. Kick On helps to bring people together through football and tries to make people who are suffering at times, that they are not alone and a game of football can really bring the good times back to their state of mind. Kick Mental Health, helps to put together activities and events for local residents in Scotland which really helps to bring communities back together and people who may need help and determination as they grow up through life and enjoy the great outdoors.
When are you doing it?
The event will occur between the 27th of July 2020 to the 2nd of August 2020.
Have you done anything like this before? Are you a bike rider?
For the record, I have not touched this kind of distance before in the 22 years of being around on this earth, but it will be a great push to my current fitness and health and as the days progress and the time to start commences before I start it will be beneficial. I am a keen rider when the time and the opportunity comes around and that’s what helps to prepare for something such as this, and it will really help in the long run as I get older and wiser.
How are you preparing for the ride?
The preparation for such a ride like this in my opinion really falls down to current health, fitness and what can be changed on building up to the start. The way I am preparing will be through eating fruit more often, vegetables daily and a good amount of long distance rides which currently are motivating me at this current time, exercise of all kinds and loads of rest. As an active warehouse operative, I move around a lot which really helps to erase leg pain and helps to move the weight which is another factor to control on getting a good time and result.
How long do you think it will take?
The time between Rotherham to London King’s Cross can be possibly achieved in a day without a rest or a food break. The aim is to cover the journey in the time frame and I feel 50 miles per day over 6 days and a 75 mile stretch on the last day can be achieved. It all goes down to time and how to use it, will be the main focus ahead.
Seems a long way to go on your own?
As I have already mentioned some of the names of people I know and who are up for doing parts of the ride. I would say I am doing a good length of it alone which varies on the mileage everyone covers without any problems or issues along the way and when they decide to do a cut off point if they require or have to.
Do you know the way?
The route which I would like to take, has been pencilled together through past travels, work, charity walks of going up and down roads near known areas and sightseeing with other people. Some of the directions will be asked as the ride goes on and I feel using the old fashioned methods really helps to interact with people who later could be friends down the line.
What are you worried about? Saddle sores/Punctures etc?
The worrying part of the journey can be a collection of things I would say. Especially tyre damage, health, hunger, problems with directions and the typical old english weather.
Do you have a pit crew in case of bike issues?
For support, sadly no pit team will be around. If an issue with the bike occurs along the trip, I may have to carry it to the nearest bike shop and see what the chances or damage may interrupt the time frame for any day of the ride.
How much are you trying to raise?
The aim of raising £500 is what I have in mind but with success and a good backing behind contributions and exposure to people, I think the aim could be reached. Raising more would help to keep these charities going in the future.
How can we get involved and contribute?
Involvement would really be a big factor in this kind of thing, the more people the better and it can really help to push, let’s say people like myself to get a good conversation going and a good drive behind the hard obstacles of roads and hills.
If anyone wants to be a part of this, then feel free to leave an email at jonathonripley@gmail.com. For contributions, the go fund account which you are more than welcome to check out and the same with the charities:
https://www.walkandtalkmmh.co.uk/
http://www.thealfielundfund.co.uk/
Well thank you Jon for giving me your time – I think you can see this is something that is close to his heart and I wish Jon all the best of luck.
Lets get behind Jon’s attempt – its a big challenge but as they say no pain, no gain.
Well Done
Michael
The Rebirth Of Cool 