On Sunday 29th July, Robert and Karin will both be taking on a personal challenge by cycling 100 miles around London and Surrey in the annual Prudential RideLondon. Between them, they have over a century of cycling experience but, although Robert has completed two previous RideLondon events, this will be Karin’s first cycling event. In addition, instead of cycling like most of the participants on individual bicycles, they are taking on the challenge together as a tandem team.

Robert originally started using a tandem bike so that he could go out with his visually impaired friend, but on realising how enjoyable it is to cycle as a team, as well as how fun it is to go down hills, he decided to do RideLondon with Karin.

They are both feeling fit and confident and very much looking forward to Sunday. Although it will be Karin’s first cycling event, she has a lot of experience taking part in other large scale events, such as the London Big Half, a triathlon and various 10km runs.

Karin says, “Training is going well and we have been going out on 40 miles bike rides every weekend since March. This is not unusual for Robert as he is never far away from two wheels, and for him the best bit about cycling is having the freedom of being able to go near enough anywhere you like.”

Robert and Karin, who live in Harrow, chose to support Aspire as they wanted to raise money for a worthwhile local charity. They were aware of Aspire because Karin has visited the Aspire Leisure Centre on many occasions to go swimming and for children’s birthday parties. Although they don’t personally know anyone who has sustained a spinal cord injury, they are both very aware that many of those who do are cyclists and motorcyclists.

They say, “For us, raising money for Aspire by cycling RideLondon feels like the right thing to do. Completing 100 miles on Sunday will mean a great deal to us as not only will it be a tremendous personal achievement, we are proud to be raising funds for Aspire at the same time.”

Between them, Robert and Karin have nearly raised a fantastic £1,000. 

Ride London 100

How we help