INTRODUCING TEAM P.E.C.C.S
Name: Matt Peakman
Nick Name(s): Peako
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Interesting fact: Strange inability to speak after 2 pints of Speckled Hen.
Why are you doing this? As I have a job that requires me sat on my backside for 12 hours a day, each year I try to compete in a sports event that requires significant training and gives me the chance to do my bit for charity. Past years have included triathlons and marathons - this year is the JoGLE.
Confident? I'm by no means a competent cyclist and this is the first time I've ever bought a decent bike - so to say that I'm a little worried about completing 110 miles a day for 9 days in a row would be the understatement of the year. My first two training runs of 40 miles took a lot more effort than I'd hoped and required a 5 hour sleep on the sofa straight afterwards. Training up for such long distances will definitely be a punishing experience for the body. At least I'm not as unfit as Dan.
Name: Harry Escott
Nick Name(s): Bones, Straight Harry, Gremlino
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Interesting fact: I had the last rites read to me by a priest when I caught a spot pneumonia as a wee bairn.
Why are you doing this? Good question. I thought it would be a good laugh, but having done my first training ride recently, it is apparent that I was sorely mistaken. I seem to remember agreeing to join the team at a party when my enthusiasm was considerably aided by confidence boosting, reason defying, yet refreshing, Heineken. However, I am looking forward to the challenge and it is a great way to raise some money for a very good cause.
Confident? The main concern is the amount of miles we have to cover each day. I think with some pretty gruelling training I should be able to work myself up to the challenge, although I am under no illusions as to the unpleasantness that lies ahead. Thankfully, I am pretty scrawny and I have abnormally oversized calf muscles which I am hoping will help me push through the final 95 miles of each day.
Name: Sam Czerpak
Nick Name(s): 'SJ', 'Czerpy', 'Spud'
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Interesting fact: I almost died whilst trekking in the Himalayas. I'm only alive to tell the tale, due to being carried down to safety by means of helicopter and horse (not donkey contrary to popular opinion).
'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' is the fear of long words.
Why are you doing this? Initially it was because it sounded like a good challenge. It will provide me with a test, the likes of which I've never experienced before. It's also a good opportunity to hook up with some old and new mates and help a deserving charity. The fact that we intend to raise the profile and much need funds for Professor Cunningham's Research Fund is reason enough though.
I'm sure it's going to be very hard work, but hopefully rewarding and a good crack. I also want to see Smee in tight clothing. That's not wrong, is it….?
Confident? I think the main concern is amount of pain we'll be subjecting ourselves to.
Pain is a state of the mind. I try to keep fairly fit and attempt to play as much sport as I can. So, hopefully, I should be used to a bit of physical pain and discomfort. However, this pain will be prolonged. All day and over 9 days. It will also, no doubt, be mainly concentrated around my seat. But, I've known Dan Childs for almost 18 years now and we all know how much of a pain in the ar$e he can be, so………
Name: Daniel Childs
Nick Name(s): Budnip, Ging, Doob
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Interesting fact: My dad is convinced that my family has afro-Caribbean roots. I've got a false tooth.
Why are you doing this? That's really a question that I have no answer to. If you asked Kate, she'd say that it was to annoy her with all the training etc. For me, if pushed, I'd probably say that I like to get myself into these sorts of things in order to frighten myself into exercise. However the reality is that it's usually the combination of a quiet Sunday afternoon beer with Matt and my low iq that does it. In terms of the team name 'peccs' – its nothing to do with the first letter of each member's name – it's simply the defining feature of my body.
And on a serious note, the charity element is always a big motivation too. We have a really great one in the Marsden Hospital Charity – please donate!
Confident? I'm writing this after the second major session – i.e. 60 miles around Richmond Park. Although the first session nearly broke me and this one seems to have given me flu, I think it's possible... but very, very tough.
I felt more confident doing the marathon to be honest. I think keeping 4 guys going at the same pace all day for 9 days is going to be a big challenge. Especially when you consider that there are some serious weight differences between the heaviest (Smee) and the lightest member.
It's going to be pretty rancid - but we'll finish it. Just remember – "It's the bike – not the man"
Name: James Smee
Nick Name(s): Smee, Barnes, Barry
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Interesting fact: I did a paper-round for over 5 years and therefore feel I was destined to be back on the saddle before long. I'd rather do a JoGLE than a '2-bagger' on a Sunday with the broadsheets.
Why are you doing this? I have been playing mainstream sports (football mainly) since a young age but despite wanting to take on a challenge of this nature for years it's never quite happened - University put pay to that with all its tempting vices and then came work, career etc. However, I've realised there's never going to be an 'ideal time' to do something like this so I thought better late than never. It's a very daunting prospect but something I'll remember one way or the other for the rest of my life. Never really done a big fund raiser either so I'm keen to do my bit and help a worthy cause. Having lost a family member to cancer it's a cause close to my heart and one that I hope you will support genorously!
Confident? I think it's one of those things that you know in advance will be incredibly hard but you also know that when it comes to it you'll grit your teeth and find the mental strength to get through it. The fact there's 4 other people to bounce off when you're low gives me confidence however the fact we've got to cover 110 miles a day doesn't.
