Local man Ben Carling has set himself the challenge to cycle a lap of the TT Course every day throughout the month of April in order to raise awareness of and funds for two local causes, Crossroads Care Isle of Man and Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity.
Ben will be starting the cycle on Sunday 1st April, cycling 37.75 miles a day, every day until Monday 30th April. In total, Ben will cover over 1100 miles in the 30 days.
Ben has taken on this mammoth challenge by anyone’s standards after being touched by both charities. Ben realised the value of Crossroads’ services after his Nana took on the care responsibilities of his Granddad. Ben said, “When my Granddad became ill, Crossroads would have provided the support my Nana needed. She worked so hard”.
Naseem’s story also touched Ben. Many of Ben’s friends knew Naseem personally and their stories encouraged Ben to commit to the challenge.
Ben estimates the cycle will take him 2 hours 30 minutes each day, starting at ended at the Grandstand in true TT form. Ben said, “The cycle will be both physically and mentally exhausting and I envisage my body and mind will succumb to fatigue at several points during the month. The hardest part of the course will be the climb out of Ramsey and over the Mountain section, which possess its own challenges along the 15 mile stretch”.
“I will have to remain focused as I encounter external influences that will make the daily ride more difficult. I will have to remain aware of traffic and weather as well as a stick to a strict regime to ensure that I remain fit and capable of completing the cycle”.
Local professional riders have acknowledged the feat Ben is taking on offering encouragement, support and assistance. Tim Kennaugh, Peter Kennaugh and Ben Swift will also be joining Ben on parts of the cycle to ensure he completes the ride in good spirits.
Ben is also asking for the encouragement and support of the wider public by following his progress on facebook at ‘Ben Carling’s 1 Month Long TT Course Charity Cycle’ where Ben will inform with regular updates and photographs.
Individuals can also donate online by visiting www.charitygiving.co.uk/bencarling and sponsor forms will be available at Carrefour Gym in Douglas where Ben works as a personal trainer.
For more information how to support Ben contact 431271 or e-mail info@completefitness.im
Crossroads Care Isle of Man provides meaningful respite to those caring from a loved one with an illness, disability, frailty, substance abuse or mental health problem on the Isle of Man. Crossroads’ services include Care at Home, Derby House Nursery, Young Carers’ Projects, Holiday Scheme, Social Club, Building Bridges and Crossroads Community Venture Scheme.
Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity supports island residents who are suffering with a brain tumour by way of giving them financial support and providing the latest information about brain tumours.
