This month our very own Head of Product Marketing, and a keen cyclist of 12 years, Julian Hodges, will be taking on the ultimate charity cycle challenge. Across 12 days, Julian as part of the Blazing Saddles team, will be covering 1450 miles and 59,000 feet of climbs by bike, traveling from the Coliseum theatre in Oldham UK to the Colosseum in Rome Italy.
Sharp UK and Europe have sponsored the team, as well as providing branded merchandise for the journey. We’ll be following their epic journey along the way, but before he gets to the start line, we spoke with Julian to find out more about his challenge.
So Julian, tell us what’s the challenge and how many miles will you be covering over 12 days?
We intend to ride from the Coliseum theatre in Oldham to the Colosseum in Rome. 1450 miles and 59,000 feet of climbs in 12 days.
What other challenges have you completed with the blazing saddles team?
Blazing Saddles was born 10 years ago when a small group of Oldham-based Firefighters and friends wanted to raise money for charity. The two charities chosen were the Firefighters Charity & SANDS. The latter charity was chosen due to the tragic personal family loss of one of the Firefighters. The event was a success, with the riders completing 176 miles in a day visiting all the Fire Stations in Greater Manchester and raising substantial amounts of money for both charities.
Following their first success, the Blazing Saddles team has gone on to complete bigger and more challenging events. In 2014, it was Pure 3 Peaks Challenge (Cycling between and climbing the 3 peaks), 2016 was cycling to Oldham from Kranj in Slovenia (A town twinned with Oldham) and 2018 saw us cycling from Oldham to Gibraltar.
The first four challenges raised over £100,000 for a number of charities.
What was your top memory from your previous challenges?
The support we get during the challenges is always fantastic and a real boost. In particular, the escort and guard of honour from the fire service that met us in Gibraltar was a very special experience.
That’s amazing work, what part of the challenge are you most excited for this time?
It’s a real mix of excitement and anticipation. The Alps will be a tough challenge and reaching the destination is always a real buzz, knowing our families will be there to meet us.
How many countries will you be passing through on your way to Rome?
We will travel through the UK, France and Italy.
What charities are you supporting for Blazing Saddles 5?
Firefighters’ Charity, SANDS, Back Up (Spinal Injuries), Parkinsons UK and Arts Emergency.
Tell us more about what will keep you motivated you along the way?
For all of us the major motivator is to get each rider to complete every mile and to finish the challenge as a team, whilst raising as much money for the charities as possible.
Where can we follow the journey and any updates?
We will be posting updates every day on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
How do you prepare for such a physically demanding event?
I enjoy running and cycling, however, I have been focusing specifically on this event for the last 9 months. There are no shortcuts, you must spend as much time in the saddle as you can! This can be challenging; balancing work, home life and rides, even including riding the 60-mile round trip to the office to get some extra training in!
Finally, tell us your top 3 tips for cycling a distance like this?
Padded Shorts, eat lots and take it one day at a time.
The Blazing Saddles team will start their incredible journey on the 19th of July. At Sharp UK, we are wishing them the best of luck for their epic challenge.
If you’d like to support their amazing challenge, you can donate here.
