SUPPORTING THE ENVIRONMENT

A great way to support a healthy lifestyle is to look after the environment. This is why Devon Wildlife Trust is my charity of choice for my next challenge.  My cycle ride last week through the Cambrian Mountains of Wales reminded me, as if I need reminding, how important wild places are and that we must protect them.

This charity is modern, healthy and green.  Not only does it look after 45 nature reserves in Devon, it promotes good practice at sea to preserve our marine environment for the benefit of fish stocks. It understands the effects of renewable energy with wildlife and it assists our regional water company to provide clean fresh drinking water without harming the environment. As if this is not all, our wildlife habitats absorb carbon emissions from the atmosphere.

For me, looking after our environment helps us with our lifestyles. Devon Wildlife Trust, having reached its 50th birthday, is innovative, green and understands modern life.  To find out how to support the Trust and this challenge, please go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GrahamWilson150

MY NEXT CHALLENGE

I have set myself a new challenge.  Every 2 years I need to challenge myself to do something new that I have never done before.  It is usually on a bike but not always so.  In 2010, I cycled 3,762 miles on The North Sea Cycle Route.  In 2008, it was Le Jog.  Previously I cycled in Mongolia, trekked across the Andes and there have been others.

For 2012, it is to beat my biggest one day cycle ride.  My current best is 122 miles across Snowdonia made three years ago.  I have set myself two targets and these are:

        127 Miles on 7 July from Stafford to Llandudno with Stafford Balti Bike Club, and

         150 Miles on 10 June from Ivybridge (Devon) to as far north of Bristol as possible.

These journeys will all be on minor roads and I prefer to use the National Cycle Network where possible.  This means great scenery and little traffic but many hills. 

I want to raise money for a special charity and have already been given £100 to it even though I have not told anyone about the challenge yet!  I support charities that promote healthy lifestyles because for me they contribute so much to society. 

Keep pedalling.