Online interview and photos.

Hi All,

Since you last read this blog Pat and I have appeared in an online article, which is still there to be read, at www.theCALMzone.net so please pop along and have a squizz.
This article also inspired a similar piece in our local online paper www.waylandnews.com.

I must admit that in a short space of time Pat and I have achieved quite a lot considering this is all being run, at the moment, from an iPhone and a Blackberry.

I can't really say too much at the moment, mostly because I don't want to jinx any chances of these things happening, but there are two key sponsors that have shown a tentative interest in backing the ride as well as CALM.
If these two sponsors get on board we will have a whole different campaign on our hands, and we really will need your support.

Phys and all things painful:


The physical training for an adventure ride like this is now in full swing. It is probably worth mentioning that neither Pat or I are what you would call "athletic". In fact to say that I used to use a boomerang to put my belt on, wouldn't be too much of a stretch of the imagination.

However with the invaluable help of my wife, who is training with the TA and has herself successfully lost over six stone, and Pat, a qualified personal trainer, I have managed to start losing weight as well as packing on some of the muscle that we will need to haul the bikes across Europe.

We are using a mixture of light cardio, calisthenics and weight training, as well as a good abdominal routine.
The strength required to ride these large enduro/multisport bikes for long periods and off road is quite something, especially as we may need to be stood up for protracted periods. We will also be required from time to time to pick the bikes up after the inevitable spills that a ride like this will no doubt involve.

Surely it's just a bit of fun?:


Some people will say that this is a jolly for Pat and I, and that we will spend all the time on the beach or in the bar.
Ok there may well be the odd beach and an occasional bar, but this ride is about the adventure and more importantly the guys that can't be with us.

With the journey in mind, Pat and I are starting to figure out key destinations to stop on the way round the coast of Europe, as we intend to lay waypoint markers in memory of Pat's lost friends, so that those following the route in future can take a photo and post it on our Facebook page in the years following our initial ride.

Pat and I are also really keen for the footage from the ride and the activities that we want to take part in on the way round to be made into, or form part of a documentary about young male suicide and depression.
We want to show the clear links between the benefits of exercise for people with depression, as well as showing just how many men will open up if the subject of depression is broached by the two of us.

Gradually the concept of what we want to put out is coming together, and we are now actively seeking documentary film makers who are willing to work with us to give this film the audience it deserves.

So, now we have to sit on our hands and resist the urge to pester our two potential backers, but rest assured that the second we are allowed to say anything, we will be shouting it from every available media outlet.

See you soon.
P&S