Well, after nearly two years of hectoring people to run marathons, jump out of planes and climb mountains for Book Aid International, I figured it was about time I should really put myself on the line and do something stupid/dangerous/energetic to help raise money and change lives through books.

So I'm cycling from London to Paris this May. 280 miles (or thereabouts) over four days.

Jings

and indeed Crivvens.

But, FEAR NOT! I shan't be doing such a thing on my own. Oh no. I've managed to hoodwink someone else to take part in this cycle with me. Who would be so easily persuaded? So stupid? So prone to ridiculous behaviour? Or probably drunk when I asked?

Why, my big brother Frank of course!

So, the two of us, clad in lycra (and I hope to goodness I look better in it than he does) shall be pedalling our way like a pair of complete eejits all the way to Paris this May. And we'd love it if you could sponsor us at www.justgiving.com/pedallingpinders.

It's not a race of course. It's purely for the joy of it and to raise money for Book Aid International...But, you know, just in case you fancied putting money on one of us to finish it quicker (and if you're clever, that would be me), here are the vital stats:

Name: Lesley Pinder

Age: 29 and 9 months

Cycling history: sporadic and road based. A number of disastrous cycling incidents including 5 punctures in one ride in the middle of nowhere in Spain.
Injuries: Broke collar bone in bike/bike/tarmac based collision
Special powers: Wears a lot of black cycling gear so resembles a ninja (without the martial arts skills)

Favourite cycling moment: Cycled "the Mast" on Lemnos in Greece. Albeit, slower than "Rocket Roy" could run it but that is by the by.
Weaknesses: Eats too many cupcakes. Likes wine.

(piccie courtesy of Seb Bourgoin)

Name: Frank Pinder
Age: 39 and 6 months (that's a LOT older than Lesley)
Injuries: Mainly to the head. Which explains a lot.
Cycling history: Inexplicibly started cycling despite the lack of engine. Branched out to triathalons from mountain biking due to spandex fetish. Quite fit and has trained lots. Annoyingly.
Special powers: Does not suffer from hangovers.
Favourite Cycling Moment: Throwing himself down an alp in the mega avalanche. (note: this is downhill so doesn't count as hard work or anything)
Weaknesses: Oldness. Likes guinness








So, there are our riders! I'll be updating this blog every week or so running up to the big cycle in May to prove that we're working for our sponsorship and I promise I will make it as entertaining as possible! Which may seem like a contradiction in terms when talking about a blog about cycling training but I'll endeavour to keep you interested!

All that remains is to remind you why we're doing this in the first place - to help send books to some of the poorest countries in the world. I really believe in the power of books and in the work of Book Aid International - otherwise I wouldn't be saying "bye bye" to wine and weekend relaxing and "hello" to lycra and weekend training rides for the next few months!

Watch this film to find out why books are so important. And then sponsor us at www.justgiving.com/pedallingpinders!

Ta

Lesley xx

Books change lives from Book Aid International on Vimeo.