My name is Jade and I've signed up, last minute, to ride Festive 500 in one go at Herne Hill Velodrome, an outdoor track of 450m. That's 500km in (a maximum of) 28 hours.
I've had an amazing year of riding but I wouldn't say I was particularly skilled or fast. I'm just a regular person who thinks this challenge is actually bonkers, borderline impossible for my body and my mind - and that's why I think it's worthy of a fundraiser!
I'm notoriously bad at being sleep deprived, I've never done any exercise beyond normal times and even when I've done long distance rides I always make sure to stop by 10PM for a good nights kip. In tandem with being fair game to the elements of December, I think it's safe to say that this ride will be a bit torturous and possibly the hardest thing I could ever voluntarily choose to do.
Well, minuscule in comparison to some fellow humans inhabiting this Earth today. For this challenge, I will be fundraising to help support Herne Hill Velodrome by way of their eponymous club, Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome, as well as a charity of my choice, Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Regardless of political stance, religion, or any subjective bias, it is indisputable that the people of Palestine need medical aid amongst other essentials. From the destruction of medical infrastructure, the traumatic injuries caused by bombardment, the unsanitary temporary shelters and overcrowding, Medical Aid for Palestinians is there to respond to humanitarian emergencies, as well as their aftermath.
“MAP's vision is a future where all Palestinians can access an effective, sustainable and locally-led system of healthcare, and the full realisation of their rights to health and dignity.” - Medical Aid for Palestinians
I think this is a great cause to pedal for. You don’t have to be ______ to care, you just have to be human.
