My Activity Tracking
4,773
mi
My target 220 mi
Please support my Ambitious Challenge!
This will be the toughest challenge I’ve ever undertaken on a bike. I will be cycling 220 miles in a single day on Sunday 22 June 2025. Starting in Manchester and finishing in London.
Seeing first hand the challenges that autistic children face, this is an opportunity for me to support a cause I care deeply about, I’ll be leaving my limits behind to raise vital funds for Ambitious about Autism.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. They champion rights, campaign for change and create opportunities for autistic young people and their families.
How your support can make a difference
£5 could help parents and carers experiencing challenging situations access vital information and support through the Talk about Autism online platform.
£10 could buy seeds and gardening equipment for our horticulture programme. Our ‘Seed to Sell’ initiative helps autistic children and young people enjoy time outdoors and develop their entrepreneurial spirit.
£25 could reduce loneliness and isolation through an autistic young person accessing a special interest group through our Ambitious Youth Network.
£50 could support a family in crisis. Our family support team provide telephone advice and guidance on welfare, health, and legal matters.
£100 could provide autistic young people with one-to-one careers information and guidance. With very few autistic people in employment, providing this support is vital to accessing the workplace.
My Achievements

Shared page

Self-donated

Added a profile pic

Added a blog post

Received 10 donations

25% fundraising target

50% fundraising target

Fundraising target reached

50% distance target reached

Challenge complete!
My Updates

May - A test of Mind & Body
Sunday 25th May
The good weather continues into May. This long spell of dry and warmish weather has been perfect for training. Although the start of May was more about DIY than riding. With a week off work, I planned to balance decorating with a couple of training rides, culminating in my longest ride to date.
On Bank Holiday Monday, I rode to Croome Court with Dave and Claire, who is taking on her own challenge in June, riding London to Paris for Cure Leukaemia. A chilled 70km was a good start to the week before the paintbrushes came out.
Mid-week, there was an opportunity to do a 250km ride with some mates who were heading from Bromsgrove down to Chepstow, over the Severn Bridge, and back. It sounded great, but with DIY commitments and the nervous anticipation of taking on my longest ride ever a few days later, I decided to pass on this one.
On Friday, 10th May, with the painting mostly done, it was time to pick up Lis and Loz and drive to Usk. We’re taking part in The Three Hundred Audax. The route distance (300km) and elevation (3,000 m) was similar to M2L, albeit with the notable climbs were towards the end. I was feeling a little anxious about this ride, but I had a fuelling plan, and Lis and Loz have their TCR pairs strategy to do 5-mile (I’m working on converting them both to Km’s) swaps on the front.
It was an early start (although not quite early enough as we missed the official start). A beautiful route took us towards Monmouth, looping via Tintern to Chepstow and over the Severn bridge to Slimbridge for 2nd breakfast. After egg on toast and coffee, it was back over the bridge and onwards to Talybont-on-Usk, on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog. Salty chips and coke were consumed before the Llangynidr climb, the biggest hill on the route. I promise after 160 km that one hurt. It was now 17:30 and we still had 80 miles to go. I could’ve happily stayed on top of the hill in the warm sun, but ushered on by Lis, we set off back towards Raglan for a final reverse lap of the starting loop, arriving back to the square in Usk at 22:06, in time for a beer.
It was a long day, 16 hrs in total, and the longest ever ride for Lis and I. Psychologically, it was a good boost to have completed it. It’s made Manchester to London feel a little less daunting.
On the 18th May, four of us rode to Edgehill to watch two friends take part in the Banbury Star Road Race (and bag more tiles), getting another 150km in the legs.
With one month to go until M2L, I’m feeling prepared, but there’s still time to improve and hopefully drop a few more kilos.
The next blog update will be following the event, but I’ll be sharing images and progress updates on the day via Instagram.
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April - Lighter nights & longer days
Saturday 3rd May

March - Spring is springing
Saturday 29th Mar

February - More like the plan
Sunday 23rd Feb

January - Follow The Process
Thursday 23rd Jan
January is never an easy time to get outside for a long ride, but I have a plan & you’ve got to follow the process.
I’ve been sticking to the plan & increasing my weekly distance. Doing shorter Vo2 and threshold rides on Zwift or Rouvy whilst also doing 2 or 3 yoga, core or strength sessions each week.
On the 17th Jan, after a week of freezing but dry weather. There was a small increase in the temperature, reaching a balmy 7°c. Add to this a well timed day off work meant I could do my planned 100km ride for this month.
I wanted to ride this distance at a low perceived exertion & without a cafe stop. I planned to eat every 10km & drink every 5km. There was no target other than the distance. I wanted to see how long it would take me. The route was flat & also included a few new tiles for motivation. I often experience cramp on longer rides, thankfully not on this time, but it’s something I’m very conscious of as the distance increases.
My ride time was 4:35 mins, with elapsed time of 4:42. Meaning an average speed of 22km/h. With improved fitness and lower body weight over the coming months this should increase.



Not quite to plan
Sunday 5th Jan
In my last update I talked about using the autumn to drop a few Kg & improve my endurance. I’d like to say I’ve made some progress, but alas, I can’t. In fact the weight has gone in the wrong direction (it’s Christmas) & I’ve not ridden as much as I planned, due to work, lurgy and family life.
Thankfully the Christmas break gave me a little more time. This allowed me to increase my weekly distance to 140km last week. Riding in the mist & gloom, but motivated by spending time outside with others in my local club V-Sprint. This week I’ve managed 150km, although with the snow & ice about half of this was on the indoor trainer.
I’ve also put some time into creating a simple training plan. During Jan the aim is to maintain 150-160km each week, then start increasing weekly mileage by about 10 percent week. I also plan to do one (maybe two) long rides each month, starting with 100km in Jan & increasing by 50km each month. By mid April I should have at least one 200km ride in the legs, just short of my longest distance ever ridden. In May & with the benefit of longer days I plan to do a 12-14 hour ride & see what distance I can cover.
I plan to ride three times a week, with 2 short mid week rides to focus on threshold and improving V02 max. It’s not all bikes though, to keep some variation I’ve included some yoga, core and weight workouts.
My next goal for end of Jan, is to maintain 150-160km per week & lose 3-4kg. If you’ve got this far, thank you for reading & supporting me with this challenge, it’s certainly outside of my comfort zone.
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When to start training?
Sunday 4th Aug
Thank you to my Sponsors

£120
J P Alternative Education

£100
Dave Giblin
Well done Russell - amazing and inspirational!

£100
Phillip Davies
Good luck Russ, you'll smash it after all your preperation.

£100
Lin Ashford
Well Done Russ, you are doing brilliantly it’s within your grasp. Mom xx

£85
Barry White
When the real Barry White strutted into the Hanbury Turn on quiz night, the locals thought it was a tribute act — until he answered a tie-breaker by singing the chemical formula for ethanol in perfect falsetto. After absolutely crushing the quiz (including flawless rounds on “Playboy Centerfolds” and “The way to San Jose”), Barry also left no cards unturned when he won "Play your Cards Right", He took the mic, his deep velvet voice filling the pub like a warm gravy. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he rumbled, “I’m donating my winnings… to Russ. *What! .... That Loser ?!” Someone yelled ...Harsh, Barry thought to himself, But Fair, He went on to praised Russ for his efforts “He’s a legend on two wheels, riding 220 miles in lycra so tight even I blushed. His bike serviced ready for the trip, He's been fiddling with his nuts, lubed his crank and his bottom bracket is well greased. HE'LL SMASH IT" "And don't forget", he continued, "He's raising money for Autism Awareness.” - The pub erupted with applause, and everyone began to chant “LONG LIVE BARRY!”. Mia behind the bar cried into the scampi fries, Phil fell off his stool, Caravan John fainted and for one glorious night in Stoke Prior, the soul train ran right through the Hanbury Turn. So, if you see him red-faced on his epic journey make sure make sure you praise his impressive rack, give a donation to help with his saddle-sores and let him know Barry is "Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up"

£50
Barry White
Very brave of you to do this NAKED….only downside is that everyone will realise why Abi calls you her Favourite Little Man”

£50
Delli And Graham
All the best Russ! Really admire you for doing this. xx

£50
Abi Ashford
I’m loving watching your progress today No. 9! After having watched you train for this and knowing the funds are going to such a good cause. Well done my No.1 xxx

£50
Roger Ashford

£50
Lis Gardner
Best of luck Russ Lis and Lee xx

£50
Tony Jobson

£50
Loz & Al
Smash it Russ

£50
David And Claire Stokes
Good luck, Russ. Cheering you on for this epic challenge! 💪🏻🚴🏻♂️

£50
Lee Gardner
Mike H picked you

£50
Nikki & Ian (v-sprint)
You’ll smash it, great ride, amazing cause XX

£50
Trevor Peace
Well done Russ,

£30
Mike Hopkins
A further one as it was a momentous achievement

£30
Legless Wrexham Fan

£30
Fiona Turner
Great cause Russ. Good luck!

£25
Simon
Good luck Russ, that's a big ride for a great cause 💪👏😎🚴🚴

£25
Geraint Evans
All the best Russ.

£25
Elaine Hardy

£25
The Wadesmiths
Brilliant cause Russ. Best of luck with the ride.

£25
Kelvin Wilson
Keep positive Russ you can do it

£25
Dawn Pattison (for Gary)
Good luck Russ on your epic challenge

£25
Martin Stanway
Hopefully it's downhill all the way 😂😂

£25
Andrew Davey
Quite a challenge, Russ. You’ll smash it though. Absolutely no doubt.

£25
Graeme And Jane

£25
Michelle Cantle
Good luck Russ!

£25
Richard Boyce
Awesome stuff Russ, well done. 💪🏼💪🏼 Pleased for you that the riding in the dark was London streets rather than Worcestershire’s potholed roads.

£22
Mat
Great pedalling.

£20
Jo Brown
Go Russ, youv'e got this

£20
Emily Snow
Best of luck Russ, you've got this!

£20
Sarah Staite
Go Russ! 220 miles in a day- amazing effort for a brilliant cause 🚴♂️👏

£20
Becky Leeson
Good luck Russ you'll smash it. Becky & Rich

£20
Richard Eccleston
Enjoy the Jock Rot

£20
Matt Knight
Good luck Russ

£20
Ricky
Good luck Russ!

£20
Sarah Cook
Good luck Russ x

£20
Jenny & Gareth
Looks like your training is going really well. It's going to be hard, but you're going to do it.

£20
Andy Bilous
Good Luck Russ! Great challenge for a great cause. Andy & Julie

£20
Maria Wigley
Great cause Russell. I hope the ride goes well x

£20
Tim Roberts
Give it the beans!

£20
John Bunny

£20
Chris Woods
Best of luck Russ for a beautiful day for your ride. I’m sure you’ll achieve your goal with you focus and determination starting with the training & preparation. See you on the road

£20
Catherine Fenton
An amazing and tough challenge Russ. Good luck! Cat

£20
John Peace
All the best Russell, donation sent

£20
Lin Ashford
Best of luck Russ on your mamouth ride next year.

£20
Em
Well done, Russ! How the legs aren’t too sore tomorrow. Love you xxx

£20
Andrew Davey

£20
James Varnish
Have an idea, build a plan, adjust where required, execute and deliver. Top work mate.

£20
Russell Ashford

£20
Susan Sangha
Well done Russ - huge challenge for a great cause. All the best Susan

£20
Jamie
Go Russ you amazing piece of athletic meat Love Jamie and family x

£20
Jason Smith
You the man Russell. I’ve no doubts that you will smash this. My confidence is mainly due to Jamie thinking you are athletic meat. Go tiger, grrrr

£20
Heidi

£20
Jade Lewis
You got this Russ :)

£20
Andy Barker
Good luck Russ

£20
David Mccall
Good luck mate

£20
Ben Birchall
Well done. Great cause brother😁✌️❤️

£20
Stu Thompson
Great work Russ for a very worthy cause, all the best 👍🏻

£20
Louise Cleaver
Best of luck to you. Hope all goes well, from the Cleavers

£15
Trigger
I want stats for my money 😂

£15
Russ Welbourn
Nice one Russ. Brilliant effort for a very worthy cause

£15
Serina
Pedal hard Russ!

£15
Sadie, W & E
Give us a wave on your way through the Midlands! We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

£10
Nikki & Ian Smith (v-sprint)
A top up to get you to £2k XX

£10
Paul Mawhinney
You’re done the hard bit training , hope all goes to plan today , job well done

£10
Gary Walls
If you achieve the distance or not, and I think you'll breeze it, hopefully it'll raise awareness of the challenges autistic people face.

£10
Mickyd
Well done Russ great cause

£10
Lee Aston
Good luck Russ

£10
Glen Lambert

£10
Emma Morris
Good Luck Russ… no doubt, you’ll smash it!

£10
Anonymous

£10
Michael Walker
Good luck. Slow and steady at the start and can push on if you feel good. Smash it.

£10
Andrew Thomas

£10
Matthew Stanway
Good luck Russ 💪🚴🏼

£10
Jayne Mason
Best of luck !!

£10
Lucy Clayton
What an incredible challenge – you’re going to smash it! Good luck with the ride!

£10
Ian Thomas-carpenter
Good luck for the rest of the cycle!

£10
Anne Boyle
Go Russ!! You will smash it xx

£10
June Whittle
Good luck Russ.

£10
Michelle Fellows
Good luck Russ

£10
Millie Smith

£10
Chuck Callahan
Chuck Callahan here—proud American, freedom-loving, God-fearing, flag-waving son of the U.S. of A.! Watching Wrexham Football Club fight tooth and nail to rise up against the odds reminded me of what makes this world great: hard work, determination, and never backing down from a challenge. That’s the American way, and it’s why I’m proud to put my dollars toward a cause that truly matters—helping those with autism get the support they deserve. Here in the greatest country on Earth, we believe in lending a hand to those who need it, standing by our communities, and making sure no one gets left behind. If giving a little can change lives, then by God, I’ll give big. God bless this cause, God bless Wrexham, and most of all—GOD BLESS AMERICA!

£10
Dan Phillips

£10
Judy Connor

£10
Nicky Smith
Love this Russ! What a brilliant cause, I’m sure you will do amazing. Hope this donation helps!

£10
Charlie

£10
Craig Danks
You certainly know how to challenge yourself, great cause mate, proud of you

£10
Lisa Jones
Good luck Russ! You'll smash it 🙌

£10
David P
Good luck, am sure you will smash it 👊👊💪💪

£10
Jamie Blundell
Heroic stuff mate. Super proud of what you’ve done Jamie and family

£10
Andy Bates

£6
Jo Brown

£5
Emma Morris
You’ve got this Russ! Good luck

£5
Mary Irgin
Well done Russ!

£5
Rhys Evans

£5
Debbie Watson
Well done Russ x
Very good cause. Good luck!