Keeping Fit with Vélo Birmingham and Midlands 2019
Posted on May 14th 2019 by Scott.
The Vélo Birmingham and Midlands (formerly Vélo Birmingham) has grown in popularity since its launch in September 2017. Attracting in excess of 17,000 dedicated cyclists this year, it ran over 100 miles of picturesque urban and suburban surroundings. Visiting areas of Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire, Dudley and Sandwell. Hailed by Team Ribble as being “Bigger and better than ever”. It benefits from closed road circuits, rugged cobbles in the 2021 city of culture and iconic climbs. Where participants can look forward to being greeted by streets lined with supporters throughout.
Taking part in Vélo Birmingham and Midlands
At Workplace Products we all share a passion for sport and fitness. So what better way to keep fit and raise some money for charity than taking part in the 2019 Vélo Birmingham and Midlands. Supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, we trained hard leading up to the event, to better our cycling ability and toughen our ambitious targets.
Our three main aims:
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- To increase awareness of the Alzheimers Society and the effect dementia has on sufferers
- To raise over £1200 in sponsorship for the Alzheimers Society (please feel free to contribute on our Just Giving page. Your donation is much appreciated and will help those who battle with this illness)
- To complete the 100 mile route in under 7 hours
The day itself was a true challenge, although a very memorable experience for us all. The weather can only be described as perfect and the atmosphere was intense. Fully prepared, we set off from Birmingham at 7:00am. As we progressed there was very clear community spirit as local residents waited on their drives, stocked with water and bananas to gift to participants.
Conscious of keeping stoppages to a minimum, we made 3 water breaks where we were greeted by our families and friends, with the addition of 1 short delay due to a blowout on one of our front tyres.
Having used every last bit of energy, we crossed the line at 13:27, making our total moving time 5 hours and 47 minutes. In addition to this we have currently raised £1290 for the Alzheimers Society, which is still increasing as we speak.
Following this year’s success, we are hoping that next year will see even more of us taking part. To encourage this we aim organize more social training rides in preparation. As well as installing more cycle storage facilities around our sites and advertising the cycle to work scheme that is available to us all at Workplace Products.
Why not join us there? Follow our Facebook page for more news and updates.