Wednesday 23rd June 2010 at 13:40pm my phone rings. I am sat in the garden working. I have this feeling that its Ben calling as I cant tell because my phone is upside down. I pick up the phone and see on the facia, BT. I leave it ringing for about 10 seconds wondering what he was going to say, whether he had news from the email he sent. I answered the call and said, "Have you got on news?" A reply on the other line said, "Are you ready for this!"
It was the reply I couldnt have expected in such a short space of time, "Ive had an email from him, we are onboard." I couldnt believe it. Since completing stage 5 of the Tour of Britain and even previously to that we have talked about completing the JOGLE. Having very busy careers and small families is a challenge in itself but we both have a passion for keeping fit and in particular cycling. Our aim has been to always set our sights high when aiming to do the JOGLE with the aim of completing in 8 to 10 days. Logistcally this can prove to be more difficult than actually doing the race, support cars, medical staff, where to stay, what to eat, when to eat, just a number of things to consider when taking on one of the biggest challenges you will ever do.
It all started with Ben seeing an advert in a cycling magazine that Anoushka had bought him (how she will live to regret that purchase!) so Ben sent the below email...........
Hi James,
The JOGLE 2010 sounds truely epic. I saw your advert in the cycling
magazine last night..
I write to you really in the hope that you still have places left
for the 100 rider JOGLE ??
Myself and my best buddy (Paul ) are both 30, hard working with young
families but remain keen and dedicated road cyclists . We were in fact
making plans for our own JOGLE in 9 days set for late september this
year.
Our motivation was really born out of our riding last year when we
completed a number of century rides including the Stage 5 Tour of
Britain stage in Stoke on Trent for the Prostate Cancer Charity
I work as a full time doctor and have just completed my training as a
General Practioner down in the West Midlands. I previously worked in a
Neurology unit and had quite a lot of experience with Parkinson's
disease during that job . I think it's a great cause and I'd be well
up for raising some serious cash for the charity. Paul is a highly
motivated regional Manager for Coca Cola Ltd in the North of England
lots of Powerade drinks to support our rides!!!!
Anyway, that's us. Please let me know if you are still looking for a
couple of guys to join the ride. We are would love to be part of it
and bring our own experience and skills along for the team.
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Ben
benthurlow@doctors.org.uk
18 hours later, Ben recieved this reply............
The JOGLE 2010 sounds truely epic. I saw your advert in the cycling
magazine last night..
I write to you really in the hope that you still have places left
for the 100 rider JOGLE ??
Myself and my best buddy (Paul ) are both 30, hard working with young
families but remain keen and dedicated road cyclists . We were in fact
making plans for our own JOGLE in 9 days set for late september this
year.
Our motivation was really born out of our riding last year when we
completed a number of century rides including the Stage 5 Tour of
Britain stage in Stoke on Trent for the Prostate Cancer Charity
I work as a full time doctor and have just completed my training as a
General Practioner down in the West Midlands. I previously worked in a
Neurology unit and had quite a lot of experience with Parkinson's
disease during that job . I think it's a great cause and I'd be well
up for raising some serious cash for the charity. Paul is a highly
motivated regional Manager for Coca Cola Ltd in the North of England
lots of Powerade drinks to support our rides!!!!
Anyway, that's us. Please let me know if you are still looking for a
couple of guys to join the ride. We are would love to be part of it
and bring our own experience and skills along for the team.
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Ben
benthurlow@doctors.org.uk
18 hours later, Ben recieved this reply............
Hi Ben, Hi Paul.
Great to have you on board! Please find attached the info document as it stands - it really is being added to every day, but I can't keep up with it.
Congrats on completing your GP training - my dad is a semi-retired GP who will be joining us as medical officer... And Paul, that's awesome, powerade got me across a lot of the US last year. We are looking for a drinks sponsor (trying highland spring at the mo but would be well up for powerade!)...
Anyhow, have a good look at the attached and get back to me with your registration if you are still into it.
Best,
James
Great to have you on board! Please find attached the info document as it stands - it really is being added to every day, but I can't keep up with it.
Congrats on completing your GP training - my dad is a semi-retired GP who will be joining us as medical officer... And Paul, that's awesome, powerade got me across a lot of the US last year. We are looking for a drinks sponsor (trying highland spring at the mo but would be well up for powerade!)...
Anyhow, have a good look at the attached and get back to me with your registration if you are still into it.
Best,
James
So from actually thinking, ill send an email and see what happens, 18 hours later and we are pretty much part of the epic JOGLE ride that will be in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Sp the planning starts here, less than 70 days to go and some serious training is going to have to take place in order to complete the 8 day challenge of 120 miles per day. A massive challenge but one that can and will be achieved through hard work, focus, grit, determination and the most importantly the will to want to do it.
What makes this even more important is that my Grandad got diagnosed at the start of the year with Parkinsons (early stages) but the main charity for the event is Parkinsons disease so this is extremelly close to my heart and something I will pursue in ensuring that £1000k fund is met through the sponsorship and achieving this challenge.
This event is still work in progress, as is the website, but below will give you a good insight into the journey thats about to take place.....
Heres to the next 11 memorable weeks BT, and probably the 11 weeks after when we will be recovering...............
