London Paris

I made good friends on my recent trip to Paris. We were a group of eight, thrown together by our willing to ride 250 miles (400km) from London to Paris in order to raise funds for The Big Issue Foundation.

It all came together beautifully on the morning of the third day's riding. We were heading across Normandy on a plateau with a tail wind, riding in a bunch, taking turns on the front. We were rolling smooth, and it felt amazing. Views across cornfields, sunshine, fresh air, fast smooth road, hardly any cars, working together with good humour and excitement. Paris was 90 miles away and we were cruising. Perfect.

I cycle regularly and so my legs were quite accustomed to longer distance riding. I take my hat off to those on the ride who do not ride as regularly. In the 140 participants, at least 100 I would say were just everyday folk who decided that this is a good cause that deserves their support.  If I felt a little tired (and happy) to arrive at the Eiffel Tower, they were even more so. It's amazing what they did. Truly. Together we raised over £200,000 for The Big Issue Foundation - important funds to help our homeless get back on their feet and back into society.

So, thank you Alman, Sean, Wyn, Mike, Will, Tomas and our guide Barrie for good memories and sharing the journey.

And thank you to over 50 generous friends and colleagues who supported the cause and helped me to raise over £2000 In sponsorship. Thank you.
If you would like to support The Bug Issue Foundation, you can still sponsor me. All donations count.

London to Paris by bike

Did you know that life expectancy if you're living rough on the streets of London is only 46 years old?

The Big Issue helps people to help themselves. By buying magazines for £1 and selling them for £2, vendors have a chance to make a living and a way off the street. I want to help The Big Issue help more homeless peole to help themselves.

So - I’ve signed up for the London to Paris bike ride 2011.

I’ll be cycling 230 miles over 3 days, 90 miles of which will be in one day, and it's all on behalf of The Big Issue Foundation.

The Big Issue Foundation is dedicated to the well being of Big Issue Vendors, working with over 2900 individuals across the UK. Their skilled staff work one to one with vendors, tackling issues ranging from health and accommodation through to money management and aspirations.

The Big Issue Foundation is about taking control, moving forward, gaining independence and rebuilding lives. They exist to enable vendors to continue on their journey away from homelessness.

You can help support me, and The Big Issue Foundation, by making a secure online donation.

Click on the link below:
http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=310397&Lang=en-CA

So far the tech-media community in London have helped me raise over £1000!  Please help push this amount higher.

Thanks for your support!

Asia By Bike - The YouTube Video

This has absolutely nothing to do with ecommerce or management or anything like that.

This is the reason we all have for working in the first place - to get out and ride! As someone very wise once said, work to live, don't live to work!

My brother and wife recently got back from an amazing 11,000km bike ride across Asia. This short YouTube video gives you a great taste for the amazing adventure they must have had.



You can read about the full adventure at http://asiabybike.blogspot.com.