38 Days to go . . .

Edinburgh to London. A relatively straightforward journey, by plane it takes around 1 hour, by train 5 hours, or even by car the trip can be completed in just over 7 hours. By bike however the two capital cities suddenly seem very distant. A journey of over 440 miles and 18,000 ft of climbing is what faces our team of architect cyclists hoping to complete the adventure in four days when we set off in less than 6 weeks. 

The challenge is being undertaken by a team of architects in support of the charity The Architects Benevolent Society, the only charity in the UK for architects, architectural assistants, technologists and landscape architects and their dependants. The ABS give practical help to people of all ages who have experienced illness, accident, bereavement or other personal misfortune. Support includes grants, loans and advice.
Robert Ball, Chief Executive of ABS, said;

“This is a wonderful effort on behalf of the Society and we are so grateful to all those taking part in the long ride from Edinburgh to London. We all wish you the very best of luck. Thank you!”

I am pleased to report that fund raising is off to a good start and at the time of writing our first blog we have raised £780.00, huge thanks to everyone who has donated so far. 

Sunand Prasad, President of ABS, said; 

“As President of the ABS and cyclist, I am thrilled to hear of the Edinburgh to London charity cycle ride in support of the ABS instigated by the Glasgow Institute of Architects. Best wishes and huge thanks in advance to all ten riders. I hope some of us will bring our fresh legs to your last leg in to Portland Place and the RIBA HQ.”

We have also recently received support from both Gerfloor (www.gerflor.com) and MYB Textiles (www.mybtextiles.com). We are extremely grateful to both companies for their support. 

Scottish Adventure cyclist and Queen's Baton Relay reporter Mark Beaumont has also offered some words of advice to the team; 

“Edinburgh to London in four days is an ambitious cycle by anyones standards, but is a superb route, and I wish the pedalling architects few punctures and fair winds!”

Team members have been out training ahead of our Grand Depart on September 19th and our first official group training ride will take place this weekend. Feedback from the training ride will be reported in a future blog by one of my fellow AIL members. 

www.justgiving.com/RIAStoRIBA

Michael Dougall
President, Glasgow Institute of Architects

Andy Cardwell tackles the famous Logie Kirk climb during an 80 mile training ride on Saturday. 

Four participants are also members of the Glasgow Green Cycling Club who celebrated their 3rd year anniversary this weekend on Arran.