We're up and running (or cycling!)
We're getting there with this website. I've spent today getting as much content on there as possible.
Monday 19th, April 2010 at 09:33pm
| Name: | Stuart Grainger |
|---|---|
| Nickname: | Stu |
| Age: | 38 |
| Occupation: | Managing Director, The small Agency |
| Email: | stu@thesmallagency.co.uk |
What was your first bike?
My first bike, if I remember correctly was a little red sit up and beg number, basically a mini version of the classic postie’s bike that my Grandad had ‘recycled' from somewhere for me. My first new bike was a red racer which I got for Christmas when I was about 8. Although it was a very smart bike I was a bit gutted because I wanted a blue Raleigh Arena!
How do you know Dan?
He’s my brother-in-law.
Before you started training, when was the last time you cycled?
I’ve been cycling regularly since summer 2008 when I took part in a charity bike ride from Wakefield to Scarborough. On a tandem. Dressed as Batman! The ride nearly killed me but I was hooked and a couple of weeks later I went out and bought my bike. I reckon I’ve ridden about 2000 miles since then.
Why have you decided to do this challenge?
Well, firstly because Dan asked. He wanted to do something to celebrate 5 years since the operation and suggested a bike ride, which obviously was right up my street. Secondly as a Trustee of The Danny Porter Foundation we want to get the charity off to a flying start by raising lots of money and attention through the ride for cancer and neuro charities. Finally, for the challenge itself. Cycling has been a bit of a revelation for me over the last 18 months. I’ve lost over a stone and feel much more healthy than I used to, now I want to see how well I can do covering this distance.
What are you most looking forward to?
Kirkstone Pass. It’s going to be a killer but it’s one of the iconic climbs in the UK (even if we are approaching it from the slightly easier side) and getting over the top and enjoying the long descent will be very satisfying!
What are you most worried about?
Getting everything organised in time for the start. Getting lost on the route.
What do you want to achieve from this experience?
1. Raise plenty of money for The Danny Porter Foundation so we can make some good donations to our chosen causes Weston Park Cancer Charity and Neurocare. 2. Have a good crack and meet some new friends. 3. Beat Tim Matthews over Kirkstone Pass.
How are you preparing for the challenge?
I’ve been out most weekends since the snow melted with Dan, building his miles up. We rode 3 consecutive days over Easter to get the feel for getting on the bike day after day (albeit with fairly small mileage) and that went well. We’ll be upping the miles now on our weekend rides and with the temperatures rising I’ll be riding for 45 minutes twice a week before breakfast.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
Despite working as a graphic designer for over 20 years and now running a succesful marketing agency, I never actually passed my graphic course at college. I threw a diva style strop and walked out 3 weeks before the end of the course!
Who do you most hope to be mistaken for whilst cycling?
Fabian Cancellara
