It has been a few years since the Big Optometry blog was updated but a new charity sporting challenge seems to be a good excuse to get back in the saddle, as it were.
Information technology and computer stuff has conspired to keep the Big Optometry Blog off the radar from quite a while so I thought it was about time it saw the light of day again. I also said I would publish pictures of the kit when it arrived and the Big Optometry Blog seems like the logical place to do that.
I love a nice shiny new bit of cycling kit and getting involved in the CooperVision London Revolution project has lead to some more lycra to add to my collection of kit (I'll get some picture of me on the bike in the kit shortly).
This means not only will I have to ensure Mrs Optician editor doesn't put it in the wash at 50 degrees with everything else, but it also means I have a new cycling challenge to complete.
I will be joining a CooperVision-led team of cyclists riding 185 miles around the capital over the weekend of May 13 and 14. The nine-strong team has set itself the tough target of raising £10,000 to support Optometry Giving Sight and help to provide funding for vital work in its fight against blindness around the globe.
In an effort to get optical folk donating the CooperVision squad entered LR’17 to take on the 185 mile sweeping circle around the capital. LR’17 is fast becoming a major fixture on the cycle sportive calendar and usually attracts some high profile pedallers. Although the South East is considered flat the route takes in some significant hills in Kent, Surrey and the Chilterns. The route also takes the team past some of London’s iconic landmarks on their way out into the country.
May 13 could sound like summer but, as this week has proved, there is still scope for cold weather. Some of those Kent hills are also very testing so 185 in two days is a proper test of bike readiness.
Generous donations from AEL Markhams, Eyespace, Hoya, Ocuco, Scope Ophthalmics and Vision Express have already rolled in but as ever we are looking for more. To make a donation, find out about OGS’s work or see who the riders are go to www.cycleforsight.co.uk