Highlands To Home
- One Man and His Bike 

Neil is riding his bike from his home in the Highlands back to Shropshire.  

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Neil is Helen's son-in-law...and he is often roped in to do crazy Hillwalk challenges...The Long Walk Home and and the Long Ride Home being two of the biggest.

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This years ride is being spurred on by the charities - both Medecins Sans Frontiers and Severn Hospice are able to make a difference at times when no one else can.  

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Here’s his story…..

'So I'm looking to ride my mountain bike from my home in Aviemore in the Highlands of Scotland to the home of the Hillwalk in Trefonen.

The approx total distance is 893km (approx. 555 miles). The trail will be a mix of road, gravel path and superb offroad singletrack. I will be aiming to complete the journey over 7 days, this will mean that I have to average approx. 130km per day. I am to be self sufficient for the duration. This means no planned accommodation, preplaced food or meeting up with an organised support crew enroute. I will be able to take advantage of shops along the way and accommodation if available on the day i.e. no pre booking. So mainly tenting it along the route carrying all that I need.

It is hard to identify or carry out a full training plan for a journey like this with maintaining a full time job and family. However I am focusing on consistency of riding as many days in a row my work and family time allow (a commute from home to work helps!). With time I will look to increase distance and incorporate back to back long rides to mimic the daily distance I wish to cover during the trip. I will also carry out mini 'bikepacking' trips to test my equipment and various packing methods.

Why did I want to ride for the Severn Hospice as the UK based charity? I always new that they were a force for good but only from what people had said and from having a small inkling of what they did. However, it wasn't until I witnessed these magical people doing what they do that I REALLY new their value. The way they communicated and made Mum feel safe and comfortable at home was priceless, they brought a serenity into a deeply sad and at times, stressful  experience. When it was time for Mum to be admitted to the Hospice itself....this took my appreciation to a whole new level. From the welcome she received, to the dignity and comfort they provided at the very end. It seems strange to mix these next words but the hospice itself really is a special place and the way the environment is set by the place and staff turns a profoundly difficult situation into a peaceful and positive one....that is their gift, to those that find themselves there....I can never repay them BUT if I can help them by undergoing a touch of hardship then I definitely have to!!! I would be hugely grateful if you were able to sponsor the ride - no matter how big or small.  Medecins Sans Frontier and Severn Hospice help you when it is needed most and I am proud to be riding for them.  Thank you.'