Brixton man takes on 100mile cycle challenge

READY: Adrian Ruth ready for the challenge on Sunday
READY: Adrian Ruth ready for the challenge on Sunday

By Laurice Laird

A Brixton man will be cycling 100miles for charity in memory of his boyfriend and father.

Sunday August 4th will see the first Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 cycling fundraiser. The event, inspired by London 2012, consists of a cycling route through the capital’s closed roads into Surrey’s countryside. Beginning at the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this aims to be the largest charity fundraising cycle event worldwide.

Adrian Ruth was inspired to take part in this year’s event after his boyfriend Rob died of cancer two years ago, shortly followed by his dad. He is cycling on behalf of Macmillan cancer support, and has already raised over £1000.

He said: “It’s going well. I’m a bit nervous but quite excited. The race is 100miles and follows the Olympic route all the way to Surrey. You cycle 60miles, then tackle those two big hills. You have to finish the very latest by 5pm. If you don’t they have to come and sweep you up. There’s 20,000 cyclists doing it. Immediately after we do it, the professionals will be doing it.

“This is the first time they’ve done it, but it’s going to become an annual event. Just like the London marathon is the biggest charity fundraising sporting event in the world, this is going to be the biggest charity fundraising cycling event in the world. One reason I was led to do it was because of the Olympics. I used to watch the London marathon, and to do something so extraordinary is really inspiring.”

When asked about what he was doing to prepare for the race, he said: “The most I’ve cycled is about 60 miles. It didn’t help that it was my 40th birthday last Saturday – but I did manage to cycle 40 miles on the hottest day of the year.”

To support Adrian’s bid to raise money for Macmillan, you can visit his fundraising page.

For more information on the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, please visit their website.