Welcome! New readers start here....

Rory Keegan is cycling from London-to-Paris at the end of August - many people have already generously agreed to sponsor his efforts. If you haven't already done so, perhaps you'd like to join in....

Rory says: 'I'm preparing to take part in the Royal British Legion's exciting London to Paris bike ride. My chum Mr Gnome, a keen cyclist, is my trainer and principal encourager.

Huff and puff
'We depart Greenwich, London, on Thursday 30 August - and arrive at the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday 2 September.

'The route covers 277 miles. Click here for details of the itinerary.

'The event is organized by RBL and is professionally marshalled and monitored - and Mr G and I will be part of a large group of cyclists of all abilities taking part in this enjoyable, energetic event.'

Mr Gnome says: 'I have been supervising Mr K's training programme. I'm convinced that my human protégé will complete the course.'

High hopes
Man and gnome are hoping to raise £1000 in aid of the excellent work of the Royal British Legion.

Rory says: ' Why RBL? Quite simply it's a way of saying "thank you" to the thousands of men and women whose courage and perseverance ensured the freedom and relative peace that we enjoy today.'

Shameless invitation
Would you like to sponsor Mr K's effforts?

You can do so in several ways:

• Secure online service: Donate via the Royal British Legions's website
  

• Make a pledge to Rory Keegan via an e-mail.

• Or simply contact Rory and Mr G by phone or the traditional postal method and they will be happy to send out sponsor forms and further info.

Gift Aid
Mr G adds: 'If you're a UK taxpayer, please don't forget to tick the Gift Aid box - it makes such a difference - at no extra cost to you!'

And finally
Mr K and Mr G are massively encouraged by the response so far.

Thanks to the generosity of friends and colleagues, they are just over one third of the way towards their target. Hurrah!

And merci beaucoup!

Keep checking the blog for updates on training and donation totals!



Training update: 4 August
Sunny 52-mile ride today from LS to Oxford, with Mr G offering encouragement all the way.

We made it to the many-spired city at teatime. Hurrah.

We paused for refreshment at the splendid Nosebag Cafe before returning to LS on the 17:36 train.

Please note that the to-die-for lemon cheesecake was prescribed by Mr G in full sports-nutritionist mode.

He was more than a little concerned about my blood-sugar levels.