Fundraiser

Probably the hardest thing I've ever done. On Friday, Chris, Danny, and I cycled the 127 + miles of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, raising money for the top-notch Getting Clean community organisation, supporting and empowering people recovering from addiction. (Donations still very welcome). We were delayed driving to Liverpool, so only started at 7.30am. Then it went something like this...  It's all pretty flat (canals are like that), but the towpath surface and therefore speed massively varies from section and section. Lots of flapjack. Lots of energy drinks. One fallen-down tree blocking the towpath (we cleared it - you're welcome, Lancashire). One puncture. Two dog collisions (their fault), and a near-miss with some sheep. Sunshine, and about 10 spots of rain. Loads of great scenery. Bags of aching limbs and body parts. Despair at times...  But we made it. After ticking off Wigan, Blackburn, Burnley, Bamoldswick, Skipton, Bingley, Saltaire, and everywhere in between, through the day, we got back into Leeds for 11.59pm. Epic, maybe too epic. Huge thanks to all who've donated. Delighted to have done it, would recommend it - but not sure I'm rushing to do it again...  (If anyone wants to do this themselves, get in touch: we've got tips and notes about the route. And a general health warning!)  ~ Ed Carlisle, Green Party City Councillor