Sliderobes employee Adrian Millar will take up the ‘The Somerset 100’ cycle challenge on Sunday 18^th May 2014. He is undertaking this encounter to help raise money for those who look after those with terminal illnesses. As little as £20 would fund a Marie Curie nurse for one hour of care and so Adrian has set a target of £500 and you can donate for this great cause at his Just Giving page here.

We spoke to Adrian about his motivations, and the trials and tribulations he has encountered since deciding to do the cycle. 

Why did you decide to do the cycle?

“Like so many people in the UK and Ireland, I was inspired by the achievements of the team GB cyclists at the London Olympics and despite the hiatus of 25 years of not actually riding a road bike, I had the urge to embark on cycling endeavours far beyond my physical ability.”

Just the prospect of an average hill would have stopped Adrian in his tracks but in reality the thought of doing something that could make a difference to others actually filled Adrian with excitement.

“Let me be absolutely clear, I have never done anything creative or physically active in aid of charity before. Reaching for the phone and pledging to charities by text was probably the limit of my action. This was finally a chance for me to try something different and to do some all-round good.”

A friend of Adrian’s suggested he try the Somerset 100 cycle; mainly because it’s a charity ride and not a race. He wanted to support Marie Curie Cancer Care as “it’s a wonderful charity that is close to my heart and if I could help, even just a little, it would be worth it.”

How have you found the training?

“It’s been painful but really good fun. I’ve been building up the mileage each week - from 20 miles up to over 100 miles now.”

Adrian has really braved all conditions as he has been out in all weather – either on his own or with groups of other cyclists.

“The secret has been not to race others but to pace myself and look for steady improvement.

A few months ago I was getting off and walking up hills; now I’m competing against my previous times to get faster and faster, as well as looking for bigger hills to conquer!”

Adrian tells us it is all about your mental state of mind. “You need to keep telling yourself that you can do it. You know you’ve had a good ride when you are aching the next morning!”

Staying on the bike is always the challenge and being thrown off the other week whilst attempting some foolish off-roading was a real wake-up call for Adrian.

“Last week was the jewel in the crown of the training; accomplishing 85 miles and still being able to stand at the end of it.”

As it is now May you have the sun to contend with. “Stupidly, I underestimated the power of the sun’s rays and am now sporting the after-effects of a sunburnt nose and distinct lines across my legs; I guarantee I won’t be forgetting the sun-block come the weekend!”

Are you nervous?

Silly question. “Of course I’m nervous; this is the biggest physical undertaking I think I’ve ever set myself. It’s a small achievement for some others I’m sure but for me, this is my mission.”

Adrian is preparing to succeed and is doing everything he can to minimise disaster on the day.

New tyres, new brake cables, spare inner tubes, plenty of energy bars, gels, chammy cream and 2 water bottles, just some of the basics but plenty of other things have already been factored in.

“I’ve already covered some of the tough hills in practice sessions – but it looks like being quite a warm day so handling the heat might be a novelty. As far as getting through the ride, I’ll obviously be thinking of all the folks that have placed faith in me and pledged money towards my target to support Marie Curie.”

“I also have a special thanks for the team at Sliderobes for designing a fantastic cycling jersey for me to wear – I shall be wearing it with pride! l will be looking forward to a lovely cold pint of cider when I cross that finish line – after all it is in Somerset!”

Adrian’s Just Giving Page