Ride For Love in the Sierra Nevada – Join Me!
I’m not actually sure if I’ve already mentioned this to you, dear readers, but my nutrition sponsor, TRIBE not only make delicious natural bars, shakes and hydration products, they also spearhead an amazing charitable foundation.
Established last year, the TRIBE Freedom Foundation was inspired by an incredible feat of athletic endurance and charity, Run For Love. The original Run For Love was a 1,000 mile run across Europe from Odessa (Ukraine) to Dubrovnik (Croatia) to raise money to fight child trafficking. More than 250 runners joined founders Rob, Tom and Guy, together raising over a quarter of a million pounds which was used to set up the first home for trafficked children in the UK.
When Rob, Tom and Guy set up TRIBE in 2015, they were inspired by their epic run in more ways than one – they recognised the need for easily portable, well balanced, junk free food when being active and they wanted to make more money to assist victims of human trafficking. From its very inception, TRIBE made 100% natural sports nutrition and gave 10p from every pack to the cause.
Last year, the TRIBE community established the Freedom Foundation to continue the journey started in Odessa and increase the level of funding they were able to offer those affected by modern slavery and trafficking. To kick things off , they organised TRIBE Run for Love II. This time the aim was to run and ride 2000km across Europe, from Sarajevo to London, in just 14 days.
The 250 strong crew clocked up 6 days of running (35 miles every day) and 8 days biking (136 miles most days) tackling mountain passes in the Alps and dealing with extreme temperatures en route to raising £95,000. On the 1st January 2018, the Prime Minister awarded the Run for Love Team a “Points of Light” award in acknowledgment of their inspiring work, coordinating and completing Run for Love II.
This year, the spirit continues with Ride For Love in Spain this October. I’m truly delighted to be involved in this brand new event that’s designed to give participants an experience that will be both challenging and rewarding, all the while raising money for the TRIBE Freedom Foundation.
This fully supported epic heads from Cartagena on the coast, all the way up to the heights of the Sierra Nevada where we’ll celebrate together in Granada. The package includes breakfast and dinner, luggage transportation, guided riding in tailored groups, unlimited TRIBE nutrition, mechanical support and more.
With over 15,000 feet of climbing in three consecutive days, this ride isn’t for the faint hearted but it’s totally achievable – there’s plenty of time between now and October to get training! I’ll be helping lead the ride along with adventurer Sean Conway and the crew from Just Pedal and we’ll make sure that everyone makes it to the party and has a good time along the way.
We’re hoping that everyone coming along will pledge to raise at least £250 for the Tribe Freedom Foundation, either through a Just Giving page or in whatever way you sit fit. How about a bike or car wash or a yard sale? Or perhaps you could organise a bake sale for your local cycling or running club?
If you’ve any questions at all about the ride, please do leave them in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you, particularly if you’re thinking of joining me. And I’m happy to help share some tips on how to train over the next few months – let me know if you need that!
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