Cycling in Epping Forest earlier in the year my attention was caught by the challenge of The Big Ride described in  a 'flyer' displayed at one of the forest tea huts. The Big Ride is a long distance cycle over 9 days from Edinburgh to London, a total of 474 miles. My plan is to ride the first two days from Edinburgh to Newcastle, a distance of 118 miles. 

I like to support charities which are less well known; which undertake excellent practical work on the ground and concurrently raise awareness of the plight of those that they are helping. MECA (The Middle East Children's Alliance; www.mecaforpeace.org ) is such a charity, supporting children and families in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon through the provision of direct food and medical aid, clean water, educational opportunities and educational and cultural programmes.

Following receipt of the official cycle shirt the bar has been raised. I am now confronted by two endurance challenges; first, the completion of stretching rides on successive days and second fitting inside the shirt! 

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