Riding 1,198 miles in the Peak District in aid of Parkinson's UK
31 days on the road and 1,198 miles covered, Mark Bartley raised £1,929 on behalf of Parkinson's Disease Society in January 2021.
One of our members Mark Bartley shared his Facebook posts of his rides in aid of Parkinson's UK.
“I am riding the equivalent of Lands End to John o Goats but here in the Peak District of Derbyshire. 31 days during January 2021. I had planned the original for last April. Covid-19 scuppered that. My route would have used an off the beaten patch, 1,198 miles and 62,000ft. A good challenge at the best of times but in winter the weather is going to play a big part.
I have a good friend who was diagnosed when he was 60 but I feel he had the disease much earlier. I have seen how the condition has affected his life. He is still positive and pragmatic even knowing he might not be the lucky one who will get the cure".
Peak District
The Peak District is one of the UK's most visited national parks spanning around 555 square miles. The park boasts 65 miles of off-road cycling trails which often have a slight gradient due to formerly being railway lines (source: peakdistrict.org).
For my Friend
This ride is for my friend and all Parkinson's sufferers out there. My challenge is nothing compared to all that they go through now and in the future.
Day 1
40.8 miles and 2687ft. 30 days to go. I am riding 1,198 miles and 62,000ft.
How Weather Can Change in One Day!
Day 2 of Parkinson’s UK challenge. Just got back before the roads and lanes got covered.
Snow and Beautiful Scenery
Day 7. Loop around and about. Very cold wind chill.
Near Perfect Day
Near perfect day. Didn’t know my route so had a fantastic gravel/ snow route down Pennine bridleway. NCN “54.
Getting There, 6 Days to Go!
Day 25. The real LEJOG would have put me somewhere near Spean Bridge in Scotland.
Truly Memorable Experience
Sad to be finished but it was a truly memorable experience. Thanks goes to my family who fed me and left me alone to nap in the afternoon. My friends for their support and to those fantastic people who donated or are yet to donate. Humbled! PDUK LEJOG 2021
