Attempting to Beat the Beacons Beast

[p]I've been cycling nearly all my life and it was my primary mode of transport between the ages of 13 and 25. But in the last couple of years I've really come to appreciate the enjoyment in both the Welsh countryside (as experienced from the saddle), and the challenge of constantly pushing myself harder, to go farther and faster than before. Going out for a blast in the evenings and weekends around country lanes, or up tiny mountain roads has done wonders for my mental health and I couldn't recommend it more highly. Cycling gives me time away from everything, call it meditation or mindfulness, where the only thing that matters is the feeling of the tyres on the tarmac and the wind in my face. [/p][p]Last year I did my first cycling fundraiser for the Velothon and I was amazed and touched by the amount of support I got from family and friends. Soon after that, the opportunity came up to help organise the EFOD ride, an event in its 10th year with a formidable reputation for raising thousands of pounds each year. [/p][p]Even though I hadn't previously participated in an EFOD ride, I decided to take on the mantle and co-organise it this year with Jeremy. Together, I think we've picked a fantastic route and hopefully the 10th anniversary ride will be one to remember. [/p][p]Arup has a long time partnership with EFOD, a charity created in Wales with the aim to deliver engineering projects that improve the health, hygiene, education and self-sufficiency of poverty afflicted communities in a sustainable manner. We are currently supporting a school being built in Uganda with free design work and engineers who have the expertise to build modern, efficient buildings that will last. [/p][p]I love working at Arup specifically because of things like this, that they get behind any personal endeavours and raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity every year. [/p][p]I've been training hard to make sure I give this 200mile ride my best shot, and although it's going to be grueling (and by far the toughest physical challenge I've ever attempted), I aim to complete it in good time, with a smile on my face! [/p][p]Jon [/p]