Fund Raising for Parkinsons UK at the Tour de Mon - Samantha Winnet
I first got into my cycling in a big way about 6 years ago. I saw that Parkinson's UK were part of the Tour de Mon Sportive and thought that would be a great event. My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons and wanted to raise awareness of the condition. My Dad passed away in 2015 and continued to ride the event, raising awareness and funds for the charity.
I now cycle in his memory, mostly cycling the Bach route but in 2017 after meeting Louise we decided to cycle the Canol route.
Here are some stats on the success of our Breeze rides. We've organised 43 rides, with 227 participants over these rides. Louise and I met on a Breeze ride in Bala in February 2017 and have become very close friends since.
So, as our Breeze rides became popular with more and more Ladies wanting to challenge themselves, it was suggested as part of our aim, we would train towards a sportive. Tour de Mon fit the bill perfectly.
I have really enjoyed cycling Tour de Mon as it is close to home and the terrain is perfect to challenge myself. Anglesey is NOT flat. The event is well organised and supported with volunteers, marshalls and the recovery team. The Ladies knowing how i have enjoyed the event and because it’s a very personal event, they wanted to support a cause close to my heart.
Each year, it has simply been about taking part in a Sportive and completing the ride, it has never been about getting the best possible times or improving on last year. To be part of it, is enough, the feeling of inclusion as a Cyclist, no matter of how fast or on which bike I complete the ride!
So next year, we are all cycling again, maybe up to the Canol route or even the Mawr. Can’t wait!!