Big Johns Story...

Our participants have many different motivations for taking on their challenge. We hear remarkable stories along the way on why people are trekking through Jordan or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. So this week we wanted to share this awe inspiring story of how Big John came to us for his first challenge.

Out of the blue…

In spring 2009, out of the blue, my girlfriend was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and given a year to live. She wanted to make the most of that time and her friends and I made her the centre of our attention until we lost her in November 2010.

She was a great sportswoman, coach and teacher who wanted each of us to have something to aim for to fill the aching space after she had gone. In August one Sunday afternoon we were reading the papers when she piped up and said “you should do that” which is how, 15 minutes later at the age of 59 and not being near a bicycle since I was in my teens, “very Big John” found himself signed up for the 2011 Big Heart Bike Ride in Tanzania.

Getting Started…

Buying a bike and getting started was an experience. There were so many levers to pull and gears to change compared to what I could remember and I had to get fit! That didn't mean that I needed to train like an Olympian but I did need to spend a gradually increasing amount of time in the saddle. Less than a year later I was riding in the African bush even though I still could not claim to have mastered the gears and mechanics. She was a wise woman and knew that the training, fundraising and commitment required would give me a sense of purpose when I might otherwise have become melancholic and depressed and just drifted through the days.

I caught the action challenge bug…

Since then I have caught the challenge bug. I have tried to do one action challenge each year. September 2012 saw me trek Kilimanjaro for Cancer Research. 

In November 2013 I completed the Big Heart Bike Ride in Jordan followed a week later by another ride in South Africa for a disability charity called Regain and in February 2015 I finished the Big Heart Bike Ridein Rajasthan, which raised £250,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Along the way I have met some wonderful people, been privileged to stand at the lowest point on earth (the Dead Sea), the highest mountain in Africa and at its southernmost tip, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean.

I have walked in the streets of the ancient cities of Jerash and Petra in Jordan. Through the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort in India. All in the company of great people, many of whom have become friends and taken part in more than one challenge with me. I have raised nearly £20,000 for the various charities that I have supported and had a lot of fun doing so.

Big John will ride again…

As I write this it is less than a year to the 2016 BigHeart Bike Ride in Tanzania and the 2017 Big Heart Bike Ride Cambodia to Vietnam is looming on the horizon. I am signed up for both and, god willing, not quite as “Big John” will be riding again. I hope to see many other veterans on these trips as well as many first timers.

From the moment we arrive at Heathrow looking for any other likely or unlikely cyclists, to the moment when we all go our separate ways with vivid memories and shared experiences. Each challenge is different and takes on its own character. They are very intense, physically and emotionally but not impossibly so.

Laughter and tears...but all worth it! 

I admit to shedding tears of joy and frustration on more than one occasion, laughing all day long at the antics and tales of the Peloton and being genuinely stunned by the individual stories and diverse motivations for people being on the ride.

I am not sure I would claim my experiences have been life changing, even though for some I am sure they may well be, but they are definitely life affirming so if you are thinking about taking on a challenge you should absolutely sign up.

As the German philosopher Goethe once said “whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and magic and power in it. Begin it now.” So see you at Heathrow one day soon.

Feel inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: 

W: www.actionforcharity.co.uk . E: events@dreamchallenges.co.uk T: 01590 646410

Top tips for Trekkers...

This weekend Dream Challenges took a group of challengers to the stunning Yorkshire dales for trek training. Each attendee is about to take on their dream challenge - be it trekking through Borneo, exploring the GreatWall of China or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro none are a small feat.

The anticipation of what to come and how to tackle their challenge was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. During the weekend they took on two of the three Yorkshire peaks gaining them experience in trekking in a new and challenging environment. This was all with the support and expert guidance of our Mountaineering guru James Hardy.  

From Caveman to Arctic Explorer…

I've been involved with outdoor pursuits for over 30 years, climbing, caving, walking etc. My caving experiences go back even further to 1971! I've lived in the jungles of Belize, climbed Kilimanjaro, walked with Masaii across the Rift Valley, climbed active volcanoes, ridden horses in the Wadi Rum, Jordan and dog sledded in the Arctic Circle amongst other experiences. Having now retired from the education environment, I find myself involved with using horses. I help run a company that uses Equine Facilitated Learning to help children develop emotional resistance and also help companies develop their skills more effectively.

James advice…

My advice to participants going on these big events, both in the UK and abroad is always in three parts:

1. Your equipment: always buy well in advance and wear it in (including rucksacs). It can be expensive, but good equipment will last, poor equipment always lets you down at the worse moment.

2. Your fitness: Walk as often as possible and in challenging situations such as hills and steep ascents and descents. Walk in poor weather, you do not want to find your kit is not as waterproof as you thought. I've walked up Kilimanjaro in the pouring rain. Find people on the challenge who live near and arrange walks together. Keep walking until D day!

3. The Challenge: you will not fully understand the environment you are going to until you arrive. This is the only part you have little control over. Psychologically, you will be ready for the challenge and it's environment if you are comfortable that parts one and two are covered and you are happy with kit and fitness.

Further tips…

1. Start your training early…It is never too early to start your training. Or too late!!! If you have 6 months or time has run away with you now only one month to go still time to train. Start to build your strength and fitness gradually, this will allow your body time to adapt – if you do too much too soon you may incur injury.
2. If the shoe fits…Good quality and appropriate footwear for your trek and your walking training is essential. A supportive hiking shoe with ankle protection is important but beware of ankle cuffs that are too high as they can irritate the achilles tendon at the base of your calf. Look for an ankle cuff that is scooped away at the back. Make sure that your trekking boots are thoroughly broken in and your feet have bedded in — the time for blisters is now, not during your trek. When purchasing your boots, try to shop in the afternoon when your feet have expanded slightly so that you get the correct size
3. The key to success could be your socks…With plenty of footwear focus, it’s easy to forget about the best type of socks to wear. The right boots with the wrong socks will ruin your tekking trip so when trying on boots, wear the same socks that you intend to use for your trek. Look for materials such as Coolmax that has sweat wicking properties or consider the new Gore-tex range that wick sweat away but are also waterproof.
4. Build leg strength…Leg strength will be key for your trek so in addition to walking training which will strengthen your legs, try and include either gym exercises such as leg presses and weighted squats, or lunges and bodyweight squats.
5. Build your walking training…Walking training will be the foundation of your training program and it is important to build steadily towards the sorts of distances that you will be doing on your trek. Initially, intersperse training days with rest days but as your fitness improves, look to include some ‘back-to-back’ training days, which will more closely replicate your actual trek.
6. Train on similar walking terrain...Walking training is essential but it is also important to try and mimic the conditions that you will experience as closely as you can. Try and train on similar terrain to that of your trekking location. For example, for a trek that includes mountain climbing, try some weekend scrambling as part of your training. Also, practice in the same footwear and clothes and experiment with a loaded backpack — it makes a big difference to your speed over the ground.
7. Practice using your back pack...It’s likely that you’ll be carrying items such as food, drink, spare clothing and possibly more, so your choice of backpack is important. Look for models with adjustable chest and waist straps so that you can position it correctly on your back and also with external compression straps so that the load doesn’t shift. More specialist types have removable bladders for liquid consumption on the go, but remember that water and washing facilities may be limited, so sterilisation may be difficult. Practice using your backpack (loaded) as part of your training so that you are used to the weight and position.
8. Try walking poles...Walking poles may make a big difference to your trek. Lightweight and telescopic, they ease the load on knees and thighs on descents and give you ‘two extra legs’ on steep climbs. They can also be used to help clear vegetation and have numerous uses in a campsite. Definitely one to try.
9. Stay hydrated...During your training make sure you are fully hydrated and have enough fluid with you for your planned training trek. 
10. Stay fuelled...Maintain your energy levels during your training by making sure you snack on fruit or slow energy releasing food to keep up energy levels. Eat a proper meal before and after.  

For those of you who feel inspired to take on a trekking challenge, Dream challenges have the following life changing experiences that you could be part of:

Trek Uganda 2016 

Mount Kilimanjaro 2016 

Trek Jordan 2016 

Trek Machu Picchu 2016 

Lets Trek forChildren in India 2016

Trek Borneo 2016

To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: 

W: www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php . E: events@dreamchallenges.co.uk T: 01590 646410

Children with Cancer UK are all set to trek India...

Children with Cancer UK are looking for supporters to take part in Dream Challenges Lets Trek for Children in India 2016. Previous Treks have raised thousands of pounds for charities like Children for Cancer UK making a huge difference to the charities involved. Here is a little bit more about the charity and why they need your support.   

About Children with Cancer UK

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. We fund life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood cancer and we work to protect young lives through essential welfare programmes.

Our life-saving work started when parents made a promise to their dying son.

In November 1986, 14 year old Paul O’Gorman was diagnosed with leukaemia. Sadly, he died just nine weeks later. Less than a year after losing their son, Eddie and Marion O’Gorman lost their daughter Jean, also to cancer. Before his death, Paul’s parents promised to help other children with leukaemia, so no other child would have their life cut short by this dreadful disease.




We work tirelessly to keep this promise and, today, we work to give children a better chance in their fight against all types of cancer. What began as a small memorial charity has evolved into a major force in paediatric oncology.

How you can help save children's lives...

We rely entirely on voluntary donations to invest millions of pounds every year in the fight against childhood cancer. With your generous support we can invest more in research so that families never have to hear the devastating news that nothing can be done to save their child.

• We are the UK’s leading national charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer 
• We are one of the UK’s leading funders of childhood cancer research 
• We are keen to encourage research in under-funded childhood cancers especially those where prognosis remains poor

About Let’s Trek For Children in India 2016

By taking part in Lets Trek for Children in India 2016 for Children with Cancer UK you can help continue our fight against childhood cancer.

Let’s Trek for children in India entails five days of trekking starting in Dharamsala, the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama and finishes in Lake Got (3,550m) well about the Himalaya snow-line. Accompanies by local mountain guides we will trek through spectacular mountain landscapes using ancient shepherd trails. We will sleep under the stars in remote mountain camps with the chance to discuss the day’s events around roaring camp fires. This amazing Indian adventure culminates with a visit to the breath taking Taj Mahal in Agra.

Lets Trek for India is open to people of all ages and from all walks of life who come together to do something amazing. It will be life-changing in many ways, for you the individual, who will achieve your own personal challenge and for the charities involved such as Children with Cancer UK.

If you would like to find out more on how you can support Children with Cancer UK please visit: http://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/Event/india-children-trek-2016

Feel inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: 

W: www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php . E: events@dreamchallenges.co.uk T: 01590 646410

Meet the trainer and hear his top tips for cycling success…

In preparation for our Cycling Training Event in Rutland this coming weekend, we thought we would interview the chap who is in charge of putting the challengers through their paces. Here is Damon Blackbands story on his journey to working in the adventure industry and his top tips to tackling you’re cycling challenge. 

From Aviator to "Sportsman of the Year"…

Like many people in this profession I have been fortunate to experience an interesting, varied and exciting career.

With twenty three years of experience as an Army Aviator, I have gained immeasurable life skills born out of dozens of exciting adventures and escapades around the world. During my time in the military I became an instructor in all aspects of mountaineering. Leaving in 2007 with the proud title of ‘Sportsman of the year’ to start the second phase of my life as a Mountaineering and Cycling Guide.

I have climbed all over the world. Including seventeen ascents of Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Toubkal, Elbrus, Kinabalu and many of the Alpine 4000m peaks including numerous treks to Everest Base Camp and other truly stunning destinations. However, the last eight years of working within the industry it is the field of cycling where I have noticed the most change. Clearly here is where there has been the most advancement in British recreational pursuits.

My experience of Cycle Guiding…

Cycle Guiding incorporates the planning, organising and route selection for cycling events. This means I have been lucky enough to pedal my way across Europe, Africa and Asia.  Witnessed some incredible sights along whilst making some fantastic friendships in the process.

Watching two hundred participant’s cycle around the Arc de Triumph and down the Champs Elysée is truly memorable. As is your first sight of Angkor Wat or the Ngorongoro Crater as it appears through the jungles of Cambodia and Tanzania.

They are all truly memorable occasion’s and just a tiny insight of what is available to those willing enough to sign on the dotted line, don on their Lycra and join the fellowship of the pedal as they rekindle their thirst for adventure and open the next chapter on their journey to personal fulfilment and a healthier lifestyle.

A lot of you will be thinking when it come to a cycle challenge a) how do I do this and b) can I do this? My answer would be of course you can. I have cycled up 15% hills on route to Paris with 73 year old ladies, raced down steeper hills into the Kenyan Rift Valley with equally seasoned veterans. Watched people carrying twenty stone elatedly drop to their goal of twelve. Experienced people cry and once even propose to a loved one in front of the Eiffel Tower. Cycling is by no shadow of a doubt for everyone.  It is just a matter of patience and perseverance as you pedal your way to your next adventure.

Here are my top five tips…

To help you I would like to offer my hard earned advice and tips for those attentively throwing their Lycra clad thighs over the crossbar for the first time, as well as those eager to tackle harder and longer cycling adventures in more demanding locations.

Here are my top tips to prepare you for your challenge:

1. Choose your bike well; Most bikes will convey you around Richmond Park without any problems however, London to Paris or Lands End to John O’Groats are a different saddlebag of widgets and grommets! Make sure your bike is the correct size and correctly fitted for your anatomy, what’s comfy for 10 miles might not be comfy for 50 miles especially when the mercury rises and the gradients steepen, go to a good bike shop and get your geometry dialed in. Road bikes do not have to have drop-bars but these are generally lighter and it’s that which will make you ascend easier, and feel fresher after a day in the saddle, and you seldom ride with your hands on the drops unless descending.
2. It is all about the saddle...Saddles that look comfy seldom are after 40 miles, razor blades look uncomfortable but it’s the ‘flex’ and support that will see you through your first century ride, good manufactures are Fizik and Sella Italia with the ‘Fizik Aliante’ being my perch of choice for sportives, with many ladies swearing by the ‘Selle Italia’ Women's Diva Gel Flow Saddle. To clip-in or not? Clip-in pedals offer you greater efficiency, but unless you are experienced enough and confident in their use then your first group ride is not the place to experiment.
3. Cycling is European… distances are measured in kilometers and ‘the look’ is everything; look the part and you will feel the part. Feel the part and you will ride the part!  Be proud of your bike, keep it clean and serviceable and it will work for you, equally dress yourself in the best cycling apparel you can afford, especially with what’s going to 'caress or distress' your undercarriage. No underwear and use Chamois cream. My garments of choice (as a professional) being Assos, Castelli and Ale, although Scottish brand ‘Endura’ produce a lovely range with their FS260 jersey and bib shorts at a more friendly price point. Chamois cream is a must and I find Assos chamois cream works wonders.
4. Fail to Prepare – Prepare to Fail. Training rides…2-3 times a week of between 30-50km with a steady pace and some sprint and climbing sections to stop stagnation, many, including myself use 'Map my Ride' or 'Strava' apps on our phones and GPS devices to monitor and improve our performance, racing these timed segments of hallowed tarmac allows us to see our gains whilst motivating us when we are not feeling strong. At the weekends plan for a bigger ride, preferably with faster friends but more importantly getting some distance in your legs and the opportunity to fine-tune your saddle, clothing, hydration and fuelling requirements.
5. Fear Nothing but Respect Everything. Don’t worry what people think about your new-found love of lycra, you’re still lapping all those critics sat on their couches. It all comes with time and practice. One of my cycling buddies has lost three stone in less than a year since taking up riding, and his health as improved dramatically. Sportives and adventure cycling challenges are the perfect environment to gain confidence; we may not have the soigneurs and masseuses that the professionals have, but we do have guides, signage, mechanics, medics and caterers along with a comfortable bed and camaraderie each night to ensure that all you have to do is enjoy the ride and brief respite from your normal routine.

I could go on, but then I would have nothing other than the finer rules and etiquette of cycling enlightenment to bore you with (for this visit velominati.com) when I see you on our Rutland training weekend, or possible on London to Paris in September. Now is the time to start your training and preparations and I look forward to seeing you all over my shoulder sometime soon.

Feel inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: 

W: www.actionforcharity.co.uk . E: events@dreamchallenges.co.uk T: 01590 646410