The Great Big Cycle
6th September - 12 September 2014
Ben Aymes
All Legs -
> 550 Miles
Ian Thompson
All Legs -
> 550 Miles
Hi all, I am Ian (aka “Thommo” or “Fatboy”). As organizer of this event I guess I am the reason we are all taking on this challenge (both physical and logistical). If being fat and 42 allows it, I am intending to cycle every leg of the ride along with my friend Ben Aymes. A few years ago, Ben’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and around this time we also had one of our sons tested. Fortunately for us, our son Matthew tested negative, but for Ben & his family, life took a different course. The impact on normal life for them has been incredible and the way they deal with it, humbling. JDRF have provided amazing support to the Aymes family so my wife and I decided to support them in a number of their fundraisers. Last year, my contribution was to cycle to Wales to raise some money with a number of friends. Many friends and colleagues in Siemens were kind enough to support the 2013 ride with sponsorship and motivating words. A number of people mentioned they would like to support such an event if I was to do another, to support the charity but also as a target for their own health and fitness – their chance has now come!
The planning has been quite a challenge, but I am really looking forward to setting off in September with the motivation of sharing the whole amazing experience with some brilliant friends and colleagues. I have worked for Siemens for many years in most of these locations and went to University in Hull - unfortunately I expect that my happy memories of most places will be changed to flashbacks of pain and soreness!
How long have you been training for this ride?
I have been training since a bad back in March, but so far 90% of the rides have been 15 miles and the longest 30 miles.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
A bumbling Boris Johnson who cannot even replace an inner tube!
Hi - I am Ben, aged 36 and a keen cyclist, however I am not used to cycling these kind of distances! Most of my rides normally involve a pub and a beer or two! I am trying to squeeze as much training in as I can with my good friend Ian. I am not feeling that nervous YET but I do think it is probably going to hurt a lot and I don't tend to worry about things too much until its too late ! This challenge is massive, I wanted to do a challenging fundraiser that will hopefully interest and inspire people to give their hard earned money to a charity very close to my heart - JDRF.
We as a family have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support for our fundraising efforts shown from Ian and Lucy and feel honoured to have such amazing friends who have given so generously of their valuable time and energies to organise fundraising that will benefit us so greatly, they are true friends and we all thank them immensely.
I am Dad to Grace who has inspired this whole event, she is my 9 yr. old daughter and on her 7th birthday she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a diagnosis that changed our lives forever. JDRF are improving millions of diabetic children and adults lives with their continued research and support. All the motivation I need to keep me going is in the hope of finding a cure for this horrible condition. I am humbled by the courage and strength my little girl shows every day and night dealing with this chronic, life long, auto immune condition that effects every aspect of her life. For Grace and for all the other children and adults living with this invisible condition, I hope we can together raise a massive amount of money to help JDRF find the cure ! Please give as generously as you can, hope is in a cure!!
Any previous cycle challenge experience?
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
Big posh pub burger and onion rings and Mc Donalds Milkshake ..
My name is Alan Monaghan, and I am based out of the Poole Office. I have no historical connection with any parts of the route we are taking, but as based down South, the last leg was a great one to be allocated. I will be hitting the 45 year mark just prior to the ride and really looking forward to a fantastic collective experience with the others, whilst hopefully making some money for brilliant charity.
How you will motive yourself to keep the pedals turning?
As I am on the last leg, will simply think of poor Ian and Ben who will have done 5 days in the saddle already and tell myself to “suck it up”.
What cyclist you rate yourself as:?
Would be more like the comedian John Bishop. Not a pro, but will give it a go!
Paul Hopkins, 51 years young. I have been cycling seriously for a 3 years and have completed 9500 miles. I’ll be doing (as a minimum) the Ashby-Oxford leg and have ridden much of the southern half of the route which will pass 10 miles from my home town of Towcester.
What will keep me going?
Not coming in last and the thought of Ian Thompson buying me a drink. On a more serious note, completing the route for what is a good cause.
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
Fillet steak, salad and fries. Isn’t Ian paying?
Alan Monaghan
Frimley to Poole Leg - 90 Miles
Paul Hopkins
Ashby to Oxford Leg - 88 Miles
The Great Big Cycle Riders
Motivated by a personal story - Grace Aymes, a 9-year old diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2012, a team of 2 support drivers and around 21 riders will cycle from Durham to Poole over 6 days, visiting Siemens sites on each day.
A late entrant to the cycle challenge, I’m usually to be found doing the communications for IT and GSS within Siemens; talking about it rather than doing it. I’m attempting the Oxford to Frimley stage, as I’m based in the Frimley office. I’ve no cycling pedigree at all being a rower at heart, so I’ll still be sat down, but pointing in the wrong direction. I’ll be doing the challenge on a fixie, so when people say “he’s only got one speed” it isn’t a compliment.
What will keep you going?
JRDF is a fantastic cause to be supporting.
How long have you been training for this ride?
I hope to answer this when I’ve done some training.
Guy Dorrell
Oxford to Frimley Leg - 56 Miles
At 43 years old you’d think I would have learnt my lesson having done the 300km ride in Sweden last year – but no, MALYON now stands for Middle Aged, Lycra Yanked ON…I still don’t look like a cyclist! I account manage Healthcare and so with Siemens Magnet Technology (SMT) being based in Oxford I was able to secure one of the shortest routes.
How long have you been training for this ride?
I haven’t….yet….but I do have 2 other organised rides to prepare for prior to this one so I do need to get my bike back out on the road for more than just cycling to work and a cheeky 10 mile after work ride to keep the legs working. I do, however, attend endurance spinning classes 3 times a week so I am quite fit.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
I’m built more like Mark Cavendish…which is not great as a girl
Louise Malyon
Oxford to Frimley Leg - 56 Miles
My name is Kye Comley I am 23 years old. I have no connection to the neither Ashby or oxford the two places my leg of the journey covers other than I have visited both these places before in 4 wheels J
I am expecting a hard, sometimes painful but hopefully thoroughly enjoyable ride from which we raise a considerable amount of money for the charity/cause.
What will keep you going?
A lot of people have/will be donating their money for a very worthy cause. That in itself will be motivation for me to continue, keeping my side of the bargain by getting from A to B.
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
At the end of the ride it will be straight to the bar for a cold pint of lager. And maybe a packet of cheese and onion crisps.
Kye Comley
Ashby to Oxford Leg - 88 Miles
I grew up near Poole but have also spent a lot of time working in the area surrounding Frimley traveling between the 2 areas on a regular basis; therefore I am expecting parts of the ride to be tough! However I like an interesting challenge particularly when it is to help a worthwhile cause.
Any previous cycle challenge experience?
None! However long distance running competitions in my past.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
Richard Branson in mindset however Boris Johnson physically.
Richard James
Frimley to Poole Leg - 90 Miles
Phil Partridge, 32, born and bred in the midlands (albeit sadly on the other side of Birmingham than we’ll be riding) I’ll be expecting picturesque views of little villages, rolling hills (there are no mountains in the area that I remember!), friendly locals and hopefully some of the finest weather for cycling anyone has ever seen!
What will keep you going?
I really enjoy riding and being out on a bike, I’m used to doing 40-50 mile rides on mixed surfaces (road, trail, sand) and I know how hard longer rides can be, the promise of a good meal and a cold drink at the end is exceptional motivation.
Any previous cycle challenge experience?
A few years ago … I took part in a 24hr spin-a-thon at my gym, 24 hours on a bike that you didn’t have to worry about falling off, inside in the dry.
Phil Partridge
Ashby to Oxford Leg - 88 Miles
Its been a little while since I bought my road bike on the cycle to scheme option at work, and to be honest it’s been a little while since I have ridden it. When Ian mentioned about the ride and the charity we were supporting – it seemed like a good motivator to get back in the seat.
I asked for the Oxford – Poole run leg as it’s less far than Frimley to Poole ( which was scaring me)! My training is going OKish - I just have the small problem of not being able to unclip from my pedals – other than that – I couldn’t be safer ( err!!). I am naturally quite fit – but I think the year of non-exercise has broken that a bit. So I need to up my game and get the miles in on the bike – otherwise my biggest fear is that I hold the team back ! So Sunday mornings I am up and out and on the bike ( well that’s happened twice…. But this weekend I promise !)
How you will motive yourself to keep the pedals turning on what may be a testing ride?
Making sure that I am not holding up the pack !
What food/drink treat do you have planned for the finish line?
mmmmm its got to be fish and chips surely !
Lucy Grainger
Oxford to Frimley Leg - 56 Miles
Mark, 34 and love sports. I used to love cycling and was my main mode of transport during university times. I just started training but with a newborn it will be hard to put a routine in. I have been always a sprinter and did some 3-4 miles challenges but such a long one is a new experience for me and I will know at the end of it if I love it or hate it J so I see myself as the Usain Bolt of cycling.
What will keep you going?
Downward slopes are may main motivation during upward hills!
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
I’ll indulge on chocolate and Gatorade (I hate Powerade/Lucazade) for energy.
Mark Ghibril
Frimley to Poole Leg - 90 Miles
Andy Young aka mid-life crisis on a bike. Influenced by a great cause and coerced by good people I have committed to this challenge. Training in dead of night so to avoid incredulous stares of friends and neighbours I am making steady progress using sons bike and helmet. Ignoring the indignity of passers-by openly laughing at my red face and helmet making me resemble Conehead the Barbarian I have increased distance steadily to a point where I am relatively confident I won’t embarrass my fellow cyclists. Thrilled to be riding with my old mate Dave Turner and looking forward to some laughs with Thommo….bring it on!!
What will keep you going?
From a personal perspective I am determined to complete this challenge. Being part of a team will help, as will the charity and donations, but real motivation is to prove to myself that I can complete
How long have you been training for this ride?
Genuinely – about 8 weeks
Andy Young
Durham to Hull Leg - 117 Miles
I’m David Turner and I’ve worked for Siemens in Durham for about 14 years. I’ve been ‘back on the bike’ for about 10 years, previously on mountain bikes but now a confirmed ‘roady’, and I try to get out for a ride a couple of times a week. I’ll be covering the first few legs through my native North East and then into the unknown (riding-wise) across the Pennines towards Manchester, not via the M62 as normal!
What will keep me going?
If I start a challenge I like to finish it, this is better in a group where we can motivate each other.
Any previous cycle challenge experience?
Charity ride Newcastle to York with Siemens (for The Stroke Association) in 2011, Vatternrundan in Sweden last year with Siemens. Various Sportives over the years, including a crash and broken collar bone in 2012.
Dave Turner
Durham to Hull to Manchester Legs - 214
I’m Rich Ackroyd from the IT group in Poole. I’ve been cycling for 6 months after finding my back is too old to run. Training has gone well although mixed with brief panic when I got lost at a golf club riding home from work and had the choice to climb a barb-wire fence or swim a river...the fence won! Not being a local to the leg I am doing I’m expecting my fellow cyclists have better route planning than me! The ride is a really exciting chance to test how far I’ve come, but also to raise some money for a fantastic cause.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
Hmmm I don’t know a whole lot about cycling, but I know a fair bit about rugby so if there is a cycling equivalent of Martin Johnson then that guy – it might not be pretty but success is the name of the game.
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
Jelly Beans and a decent pint of bitter.
Rich Ackroyd
Durham to Hull to Manchester Legs - 214
Chris Hughes, sometimes called Hughsey to differentiate me from the two other Chris’s I work him. I am 49. No real connections to the Durham area except that I worked up in Newcastle for several weeks and liked it. I am expecting the ride to be tough but it will be made easier taking part with a great group of people and knowing that we are doing it for a really worthwhile cause.
What will keep me going?
I will be spurred on by the adulation from the huge crowds of spectators cheering us on...
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
Mr McHenry from the Magic Roundabout
Chris Hughes
Durham to Hull Leg - 117 Miles
My name is Marcus Hall, aged 53 and three quarters. Although I have accidentally signed up for too many (4) challenges this year, I am really looking forward to this chance to ride with a group of colleagues and friends in support of a good cause. As H G Wells said, “When I see an adult on a bicycle I do not despair for the future of the human race”. #IagreewithHerbert
What will keep you going?
When the going gets tough I try and detach my mind and be assured that at some point it will be over, there will be a hot shower and a big slice of pie somewhere in the future.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
John Normile (Editor’s note: an in-joke, and self-deprecating – sorry John!)
Marcus Hall
Hull to Manchster to Ashby Legs - 177 Miles
David Darlington, 42, I’m taking up cycling again after a 20 year break, the last time I cycled every week was when I was at University in Hull in the early 90’s. I’m most looking forward to going back to Hull and Durham and the Peak District leg should be amazing. I’ve worked on and off in Manchester, Poole, Oxford, Ashby and Frimley!
How long have you been training for this ride?
I’m riding to work a couple of days most weeks (28mile round trip). I started at the beginning of July.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
Definitely the Boris Johnson camp.
Ben Walmsley, I live in the North Wessex Downs AONB that the ride will be passing through on its way to Frimley. I don’t think I’m riding that day, but it’s close enough to qualify. I’m doing this ride because it is only when you have been supported by charities and volunteers that you realize the immeasurable value they bring into the lives of so many people. Searching for a cure is only a small part of what these amazing organizations do. They also provide awesome people who give advice, publish information, provide transport, give respite for carers or just somebody to talk to. I can’t do what they do, but if I can support them in some small way it’s a privilege.
What will keep me going?
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever" - Lance Armstrong
Any previous cycle challenge experience?
Struggling to get the chain guard on my daughter’s bike. It won.
Ben Walmsley
Manchester to Ashby Leg - 90 Miles
Dave Darlington
Hull to Manchster to Ashby Legs - 177 Miles
At 39 (for the first time, seriously), for 8 years I was a regular in the bike sheds at the Manchester site due to my daily 2 wheeled pedal-powered commute. More recently, due to a longer 4 wheeled, motorized commute to Congleton I’m a stone heavier. I’m using the event as a motivator to get back into the saddle and lose some pounds. I can be often found cycling aimlessly round the country lanes of north Cheshire.
Any previous cycle challenge experience?
Did the Manchester to Blackpool aged 7. Paper rounds, Commuting for 14 years, former triathlete.
What cyclist do you rate yourself as being like?
Steve Peat.
Well here we go, name Philip Rhodes, age 36, married, mortgage, estate car, wife, and kids! Keen cyclist, usual story….used to run a lot, injured my knee and took up road cycling instead! Have cycled a number of invites including the famous 300km Sweden trip, Financial Times Sportive, London to Brighton and many more. Not very good on the flats (no Sagan) but have a love of climbing hills! Looking forward to pedaling with my fellow Siemens colleagues.
How you will motive yourself to keep the pedals turning on what may be a testing ride?
I always live by the moto (learnt from London Marathon days), pain is temporary, pride is forever! This is what keeps me going.
What cyclist you rate yourself as?
Definitely more of a hill climber (perhaps Chris Froome without the falling!)
Philip Rhodes
Ashby to Oxford to Frimley Legs - 144 Miles
Leon McDonnell
Manchster to Ashby Leg - 90 Miles
My name is Josh Johnson I am 24 years old. I am Poole based and work in IT. I will be supporting all of the riders throughout the challenge. Myself & Tom Beavis will be driving support vehicles and keeping everyone updated on the riders progress. I also have the responsibility for First Aid, I am hoping not to have to use to much of this!
What will keep you going?
Knowing that all the riders have it much worse than me! And knowing that this event is for such a great cause.
How long have you been training for this ride?
Plenty of First Aid Training (my Girlfriend’s an A+E Nurse!!) and plenty of driving!!
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
I will be looking forward to a nice cold pint to celebrate the end of a very long drive and the end of a super event!
Hi, I’m Tom Beavis I’m from down south in sunny Poole and work alongside several of the cyclists in the IT department of Siemens. I have possibly one of the hardest jobs of the event (driving the support van). Aside from keeping the riders going I will be documenting their journey on a daily basis and hopefully keeping yourselves updated if we can find some WiFi.Looking forward to supporting a great event and hats off to the riders who have the real work to put in!What will keep you going?Plenty of protein and energy snacks….. Hopefully there will be many Costa coffee shops en route!**other coffee shops are available
How long have you been training for this ride?
I turned my cruise control off about a week ago in preparation to be driving the support van, which is extremely unlikely to have such mod cons.I haven’t turned it back on since so I am hoping my leg muscles will be up to keeping that accelerator pressed for 550miles!
What food treat do you have planned for the finish line?
I will be trying to hold off on a big meal as I will be so full from the continually snacking throughout the trip in my van cab. I will however take a protein shake and head to the gym, watching all of those cyclists I am sure will make me feel like getting on the saddle :)
Tom Beavis
Support Driver for All Legs - > 550 Miles
Josh Johnson
Support Driver for All Legs - > 550 Miles
