Annette outlines her forthcoming charity cycle

By Dublinannette
August 15 2002

by Dublinannette

Charity Cycle Ride in aid of Kids 2 Care 4

Two years ago in a moment of complete madness having not been on a bike for probably almost 30 years, I volunteered to cycle from Yosemite to San Francisco (307 miles) to raise money for the Allied Dunbar Foundation Charity.

The theme then and now is to support children who are socially, mentally and physically disadvantaged. The whole trip raised in excess of £250,000 and I personally raised £3,565.

Allied Dunbar has now become Zurich Advice Network (sponsors of the Premiership|) and I worked for them in London until June last year. Before I left, I committed to taking on the next challenge and the time has now come for me to fulfil my promise.

It is important to state that all the money I raise goes to the charity as I have already paid my expenses up front.

This time I will cycle with 32 other people from Nashville to New Orleans, along the Natchez Trail. This is a path between Nashville and Natchez, just outside New Orleans, said to be about 8,000 years old.

The trail is actually 450 miles but we will cycle 540 in all.

It apparently follows the routes walked by Choctaw and Chickasaw Native Americans, soldiers and settlers. We cycle on what is now called the Natchez Trace Parkway, built outside human habitation, so I can only imagine it will be scenic and quiet (believe it or not I can do quiet).

We travel through Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and on to New Orleans where, after six days in the saddle, there will be great partying and drinking. (You probably won’t believe this either, but I never drink when I cycle). There are times when I put my sensible hat on.

Anyway, I need to raise a minimum of £2,000, I have so far written to all the people who supported me last time and with the help of my buddies on the MB who have offered to shake buckets for me I will reach this amount.

If anyone wants to send me cheques and they are in excess of £10.00, the donation can be gift aided so I will need to send relevant form for completion. This will allow the charity to claim back the tax previously paid on the £10.

If anyone wishes to volunteer to shake a bucket on the 1/9/02 Bath game and 15/09/02 Saracens game, please email dublinannette@londonirish.org or Paddy69@londonirish.org to let me know.

Zurich, the organiser of the trip, will supply buckets, sashes (to make it look formal), balloons and all relevant leaflets. I will supply the AG. Hopefully bucket shakers will wear the LI uniform of wigs and boas.

London Irish have given their blessing to this fund raising event on both days.