P1010155 (2) When we found out that David Drew, a former user of Concerto’s software from Telford and Wrekin Council, was planning to take on a mammoth 300 mile charity bike ride from London to Paris we couldn’t help but feel inspired by the challenge he had set himself so it was an easy decision for us to sponsor him along his journey.

David has kindly offered to keep us all up to date with his training and progress via our blog so keep your eyes pealed to follow his journey from training to the successful completion of the bike ride. The first of David’s blogs is written below.....

My name is David Drew, some of you readers may know me, others obviously will not, I am an ex P2 user from Telford & Wrekin Council and escaped local government back in July of last year, taking early retirement and so far have no regrets what so ever!

When I retired I wanted to set myself a challenge for the coming year, and being a fairly fit and active sort of person, I decided to ride my bike from London to Paris, for charity, in 3 days, a bit over 300 miles.

The journey starts 19th July and takes me from London to Dover, Calais to Amiens and finally Amiens to Paris. I arrive in Paris to see the last leg of the Tour de France, which will be absolutely fantastic!

Two things needed to happen fairly quickly, start training and build up the miles in the legs and the seat, plus start to get sponsorship, and that is where this blog comes in as the guys at Concerto have very kindly sponsored me on my quest and it is very much appreciated.

Attached picture is me with my retirement present and the bike that will propel me to Paris.

Training is going pretty well, I joined the North Shropshire Wheelers a while ago and get out on the Sunday club runs as often as possible, riding long distances and in a group is great preparation.

They say winter riding is worth twice summer riding, I hope so as some of the rides are really tough going, 70 odd miles in cold breezy conditions must be good prep, you forget what it’s like to ride in just a racing top with the warm sun on your back.

Not sure I should be adding this but if any reader wishes to support me please go to the following link and that will tell you who I am supporting and what they do.

www.action.org.uk/sponsor/davedrew

Will contribute more as time goes on and I get nearer to the actual event.