Julia Childs is a retired Bank Manager and has been preparing for Kids Inspire’s Essex to Amsterdam cycle ride ever since she went out and purchased her first bike since she was a teenager.

Here Julia tells us how she is preparing for her 140-mile challenge and why she signed up to the challenge in support of Kids Inspire:

1. Tell us why you decided to take on the challenge

When I first heard about the bike ride, I thought wow that sounds like a challenge – if I let the opportunity pass me by, I knew I would regret it so I took the plunge and signed up!

After ‘biting the bullet’ I went out and bought a road bike and made a commitment to a training plan.

To start with I didn’t like going out by myself, my bike was so light that I wobbled all over the place but overcoming this initial fear I am now cycling up to 42 miles a ride – my next target is to reach 50 miles, and after reaching 50 I want to then cycle for two consecutive days.

2. How have you found training and how is going?

“Currently, I’m training three times a week and doing spin classes too. I cycle on designated cycle routes right up to Ongar. The wind and rain doesn’t help, but you just have to go out and do it.

My personal target was to get to 30 miles in a day before the end of April, but I’m proud to say that I’ve smashed this already.

I am also taking part in a forthcoming 35-mile charity training ride.

I have to say that cycling as a team effort has really helped me, the support you get is great.”

3. What do you know about Kids Inspire and do you know how your fundraising could make a difference?

“Kids Inspire is a great charity and it needs a lot of support, so it’s nice to be able to give something back. Now I am retired I am happy to help out as and when I can.”

Final thoughts… “You have good days and bad days while training, but mostly they are good. I honestly can’t wait for the finish and the final five miles into Amsterdam, I am sure that the atmosphere among us will be electric.”

Julia’s fundraising page can be found here. Good luck Julia! We can’t wait to hear how it all goes.