Join round-the-world cyclist James Bowthorpe on John O'Groats to Land's End charity ride

James Bowthorpe, who last year circumnavigated the globe in just 176 days on a Santos Tourer, is off on his travels again, and is calling on 99 cyclists to join him on a ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End to help raise at least £100,000 for What’s Driving Parkinson's charity, the same charity that benefited from his Globcycle round-the-world ride.

Leaving John O’Groats on 5 September and arriving at Land’s End seven days later, James says that the inspiration for JOGLE2010, the name he’s given to his latest initiative, came about because “if there’s one thing I’ve learnt over the last year or so, its that cycling on your own is great, but cycling with other people is so much better.”

According to a dedicated website that James has set up for the event, the 100 cyclists who set out on the ride will share “the aims of sticking together, enjoying the 1000 mile ride, being part of some serious cycling advocacy, setting a world record for the largest peloton to ever cycle the JOGLE, and raising money for a brilliant cause in the process.“

He adds that “we are looking for people who can ride fast but who’ll also wait for someone who’s got a puncture!”

Would-be participants needn’t worry about the logistical side of the ride; James explains that luggage will be driven forward to the overnight stops, food will be provided, there will be mechanics on hand and each day a support team will travel ahead of the riders to set up the evening’s accommodation.

He promises that “lots of exciting extras” will be added, but with around three and a half months to go, the focus for now is on recruiting riders.

Those taking part will need to raise at least £1,000 for What’s Driving Parkinson’s, with advice given on how to raise the sponsorship and bike-related prizes for the most successful fundraisers.

Most of the expenses for the ride will be funded by sponsors, meaning that as much cash as possible can go towards the charity.

The JOGLE long-distance ride hit the national news earlier this year when a team of celebrities led by comedian David Walliams raised more than £1 million for Sport Relief by riding the route in relay in 82 hours.

If you’d like to take part, drop James a line at info [at] jogle2010.org. Further information is promised on the JOGLE2010 website soon, and there is also a Twitter feed and, as James says, tell your riding friends about it too.