Pedal Power – race across the UK from Lands End to John O’Groats

SU President plans to raise £3,000 for the Beit Masterplan project - <em>News</em>

Thursday 31 May 2007
By Naomi Weston

John Collins, Students Union President, is leading the way in raising money for the Beit Masterplan project by cycling 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats.

The Student Union building and facilities are undergoing major building work and John is hoping to raise £3,000 towards it. "I want to do my bit for the Centenary,” explains John. “I want to encourage students to give and support this exciting project."

The Beit Masterplan is a project to renew the Union Building and the first stage of this project is almost finished, with the new central core sporting a new lift. However there is still more to be done including the moving of the Student Activities Centre to the main building. A new students activities advice centre will be based in the main Union building incorporating information about the various clubs and societies and other student services.

"I hope this money will help towards making the Union a better place for our students," explains John. "We live in a very competitive environment and I want to improve the facilities. All the profit from the Centenary Ball is also going towards this project."

But why cycle across the entire length of the UK? "I love a challenge and have always wanted to do a long distance cycle ride," comments John. Averaging between 50 and 85 miles a day, he will be staying at various youth hostels on the route. He will use mainly roads on his journey and will pass famous landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness. “I always use roads on my bike rides," he explains. "The cycle paths are slower and windier!"

John is undergoing a heavy training programme with the help of Sport Imperial which is sponsoring his ride. "I cycle to work everyday and really enjoy cycling around the city here," he says. He also undertakes one long ride every weekend. "I have cycled from London to Canterbury, Windsor, Cambridge and I’m planning to cycle to Stonehenge next weekend."

The world record for completing the route is 41 hours. "I am not aiming to try and beat that," comments John. "I expect to do it in about 80 hours."

John will start his cycle ride on Monday 18 June and you can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/pedalingforimperial