Virtual ride across America

[p]My original plan was to take this challenge on in January, but in light of new lockdown restrictions I am going to take advantage of some unwelcome spare time and take on a virtual ride across America, covering over 3000miles and 175000ft of climbing during the 28 days of lockdown. I intend to tackle the majority of the ride on the indoor turbo trainer but hope to get a few miles in outdoors, weather, daylight & government restrictions permitting.[/p][p][br][/p][p]In taking on this rather "crazy challenge", to quote my mum, amongst others I hope to raise £3000 each for two charities that have done fantastic work during the challenges presented by COVID in 2020 and hope this will give them the opportunity to continue this work going forward, and also promote the importance of health and fitness to wellbeing at Holkham where I run the Estate’s Inn, The Victoria.[/p][p][br][/p][p]My first charity, our local Hospital the QE in Kings Lynn, is one that as a business we supported during lockdown between March & June; initially cooking meals using up the kitchens stock which continued well after our stock diminished with the support of Local suppliers, Arthur Howells, Barsbys Produce, Fen Farm Dairy, H.V.Graves, South East Supply Group & Sole Trader. In addition, my work colleague and training partner, professional triathlete Sam Proctor, took on a cycling fundraising challenge of his own initially over 6 weeks cycling a minute for every meal the kitchen at the Vic produced, which was in excess of 6000. Then flipping the challenge on its head and cycling 6000 minutes in a week to secure the suppliers & furloughed kitchen teams’ commitment for another 6000 meals over the next 6 weeks. What more inspiration did I need to challenge myself? [/p][p][br][/p][p]One additional inspiration was my second charity, Hospitality Action, which has supported many people from the hospitality sector affected by loss of income during the pandemic with financial grants as well as providing advice and support to them. The importance of the work they do really hit home with me in the wake of the first wave of COVID infections as managing a hotel in the hospitality sector I was faced with the unenviable task of restructuring our business following a significant reduction in trading. This restructure led to 10 redundancies from our team, unfortunately a theme seen up and down the country and one that looks likely to continue with the announcement of the 2nd national lockdown and the impact of continued restrictions on the hospitality sector. [/p][p][br][/p][p]My final inspiration for the challenge is promoting health and fitness to support wellbeing, 2020 has been a tough year for many of us. Personally, I had a difficult time losing my Dad, who I hasten to add was cared for extremely well during his final days at the QE hospital in Kings Lynn. Dad’s passing coincided with trying to keep a team of staff, the vast majority of whom were furloughed engaged & motivated, as well as re-opening the business with the challenges of COVID security to meet. [/p][p]It’s fair to say I struggled myself at times and undoubtedly end the year considerably less fit, and a few pounds heavier than I was when we went into lockdown back in March, but whilst writing this the tide is turning, I’ve got a couple of weeks of decent training under my belt and feel so much better physically and mentally for it. [/p][p][br][/p][p]Please donate if you can & if not get out and exercise, you won’t regret it![/p]