If you've spent any time around the Velodrome over the years, chances are you've crossed paths with Gary and Leigh Mikklesen.
They've been part of our community for a long time, sharing the training sessions, racing, community and everything in between. Now they're about to take on one of the biggest challenges of their lives.
Together, as part of a Tour de France challenge group, Gary and Leigh will ride every stage of the Tour de France one day ahead of the professional peloton - 3333km over 21 stages. It's a huge undertaking, but with an even greater purpose.
They're riding to raise money and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation.
"We are choosing to suffer to help those that don't have a choice." As they put it, they've "ridden a wave of good and poor mental health where the bike has been the therapy and the enemy in equal measure."
I think a lot of cyclists will understand that.
The bike can be freedom. It can be community. It can be the thing that gets you through a tough day. But it can also become a source of pressure, expectation, and struggle. Gary and Leigh aren't pretending any of this is simple, and that's exactly why their story matters.
"This adventure is forcing us to get really uncomfortable, but it helps to know we are banding together for a shared purpose."
Over the coming weeks they'll tackle some of cycling's most iconic climbs and toughest stages. Along the way they'll also be sharing their own story, how they've arrived at this point, what they've learned through their experiences and why this cause means so much to them.
"This is our opportunity to share our journey of navigating mental health challenges while raising money and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation."
From the Grassroots Trust Velodrome, we're proud to support Gary and Leigh and help share their story.
We'd love you to get behind them. Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram, support their fundraising if you can, and join us in cheering them on as they take on the roads of France for a cause that matters.
