Off the beaten track...

This post is a little different from my usual, but it can help with your 12WBT exercise and calorie burn...

Hell, it could be your SSS providing you moved it to a Sunday.

BFF works for a disability service that receives absolutely no government funding.  It relies solely on grants, fundraisers, and private & corporate donations.

They are raising funds to build a 'Sleep Over Cottage', a purpose built and professionally staffed cottage which will allow children with disabilities the opportunity to have a sleep over experience, just like their able bodied friends and siblings do.

This post is all about a fairly big fundraising event they are running called 

"The Mail Run Charity Bike Ride".

which will take place on Sunday 24th March 2013

The mail run was an actual mail run in our local (rural) area (can't recall how often - daily or weekly) that was done  for donkey's years by a local gentleman, and then when he passed away, his wife took up the mantle and continued to deliver the mail, until she was no longer able.

She was eventually to become the Patron of BFF's service, and was indeed the most gentle and loving woman I have had the honour of knowing.  Sadly, this lovely lady was lost to the world last year, and we are all the poorer for her passing.  The 'Mail Run' is being held in her honour.

Soft Cogs 2012 - Team Photo

The event organisers are a group of fundraising cyclists called Soft Cogs, and they do charity bike rides every year and have raised much moolah for their nominated charities.  They have people from all walks of life in their ranks, including doctors, lawyers, mine managers, housewives, students and more.  Included in their membership is the son of the original mail runners, Ken Dreaper, and Madam Lash herself!

Anyone can join in on the Mail Run Charity Bike Ride, you don't have to be a Soft Cog, and you can choose to raise funds for the Sleep Over Cottage as an individual or not.

There are 2 routes to choose from, and I'm pretty sure the whole way is sealed roads.  You can bike your way around 40km or 100km of the gorgeous Hunter Valley, then check out the vineyards before going home.

Everything you need to know can be found on the Mail Run website. or on their Facebook page.

So, do your bit for kids with disability, see the Hunter Valley, and smash out your SSS all at the same time.

If I had a bike with a seat the size of Texas, I'd do it myself...