| Name: | Dan Porter |
|---|---|
| Nickname: | Dan |
| Age: | 36 |
| Occupation: | Sport Service Manager, Sheffield Hallam University |
| Email: | d.porter@shu.ac.uk |
What was your first bike?
Apart from a little kiddy bike with stabilisers the first proper bike I had was a second hand chopper like bike that my dad acquired from somewhere and re-sprayed to look like new, which it obviously wasn't. It had a long silver seat and small front wheel and big back wheel but no gear stick like a real chopper. We were very poor so I didn't mind and was just happy to have a bike.
Before you started training, when was the last time you cycled?
Apart from the odd ride I have not had a bike since I was 16.
What was the motivation behind setting up this challenge?
After the rugby match and calendar I had always wanted to undertake other fundraising activities to raise money for both Weston Park Hospital and Neurocare. With the 5th anniversary of my operation coming up it seemed the ideal opportunity to have a celebration event whilst also raising some money. It was during Easter 2009 whilst at a family gathering that my brother-in-law, Stu, my cousin Dave and I went for a speculative ride one day that the ideas started to formulate. That evening after a few beers the concept of 'Surgeon to Surgery' was born.
What are you most looking forward to?
Having a nice cold beer at the end of everyday with everyone and feeling content that I will be a bit closer to Sheffield. Also, on the final day, cycling through Broomhill, towards the finish line and seeing Kerry and my boys Joe and Ben.
What are you most worried about?
The hills!!! I am great going down them but not so good going up the buggers.
What do you want to achieve from this experience?
I am not an ideal build for cycling so from a personal point of view I just want to overcome the physical challenge of cycling 300 miles in 5 days. From a charity perspective I want to raise as much money as possible for the Foundation and the nominated charities. I have a target amount in my head that I would like to achieve but I will keep it there for now.
How are you preparing for the challenge?
After receiving my sponsored bike from Decathlon (thanks for that chaps) I have undertaken a number of rides with Stu, Bryn Davies, Pete Hanley and Tim Matthews, all of whom will be doing the ride, on a weekly basis. Stu and I also did four days of back to back rides over Easter to try and replicate what it will be like doing the Surgeon to Surgery event. Unfortunately we were only doing 20-25 miles per day and not 60. I am also backing this up with gym sessions and spinning classes. Now the weather is getting better and the nights lighter I hope to do a few more rides in the week.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I have only got one eye (just in case you hadn't noticed).
Who do you most hope to be mistaken for whilst cycling?
Lance Armstrong but will probably be more like David Walliams.
