Another fund raising opportunity has come the way of Murray's 10cc right in the heart of St Aubin on Wed 1st December.
The Christmas lights from all the restaurants - lead by the Boat House, will all go on at 6.30pm. To help make this a seasonal reason for people to come out, we have a huge trailer from Condor ferries as a stage, plus mulled wine being served on stands, along with mince pies and roasted chestnuts manned by the staff of the Boat House and Murray's. Father Christmas will be giving out presents to all small children in the parish hall and hopefully we can entice some carol singers and entertainment to help us out on the stage!
With any collection funds for Murray's 10cc, it should be fun from 5.30 - 8pm - spread the word!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
And now for another challenge...
Hopefully they means of raising money ahead of me, will be less daunting than the cycle ride already completed. But before we leave that one behind us for a while - thank you! To those who gave money, to those who helped organise, train, ride, support and get me through the ride - Thank you.
On December 1st, St Aubin is to light up all it's Christmas lights - the parish ones, the private house ones and those of the many traders/restaurants in the village. All at 6.30pm precisely. Santa will be giving out presents, mulled wine and mince pies will abound and entertainment and singing will be on the stage. And importantly, all to raise money for Murray's 10 Charity Challenge. So collection buckets will be out, stalls will be manned and hopefully and goodly amount of seasonal money will go to our charities.
Putting on a seasonal show of warmth in St Aubin, it's another challenge to keep me busy. Fortunately the Boat House group are being a huge help in the proceedings and with the help of some volunteers on the night, having a get together outside the parish hall can get everyone in the mood for Christmas.
Murray
On December 1st, St Aubin is to light up all it's Christmas lights - the parish ones, the private house ones and those of the many traders/restaurants in the village. All at 6.30pm precisely. Santa will be giving out presents, mulled wine and mince pies will abound and entertainment and singing will be on the stage. And importantly, all to raise money for Murray's 10 Charity Challenge. So collection buckets will be out, stalls will be manned and hopefully and goodly amount of seasonal money will go to our charities.
Putting on a seasonal show of warmth in St Aubin, it's another challenge to keep me busy. Fortunately the Boat House group are being a huge help in the proceedings and with the help of some volunteers on the night, having a get together outside the parish hall can get everyone in the mood for Christmas.
Murray
Monday, October 11, 2010
All done? no just started!!!
Why cycle 10 times around Jersey? I mean what is the point of that?
Trust me over the past five days I have asked myself that question along with many many other questions. Will the legs last another hill? Will I lose the numbness of my hands and other extremities? or Why didn't you just leave the whole thing alone and have a normal life?
Trouble is I can't leave it alone and, yes I'm aware that will get on peoples nerves at times. The clear fact is that between all in our community, the small effort it takes and impact on the personal wealth of actually giving away some of your money is tiny, compared with the collective power that money will do to the charities, who will do great things with it.
So to answer my questions, My legs did last the hills, probably a mixture of bloody mindedness and fear of failing. The numbness will go - heck I'm typing this, so the fingers are working already. Normal life? There is no such thing. Finally, the point of cycling 10 times around Jersey is to convince people to give money. Strange thing, this sponsorship deal... I'll do something mad that takes every once of my energy, if you give me some money, weird, if you think about it. It's also risky too, because you declare what you are going to do and hope that those online onlookers will be moved enough to reach for the chequebook. It's like I'm cycling, but checking over my shoulder to see if anyone is looking, because if nobody looked and gave, it would be pointless.
Everyone person who smiled, nodded and gave me the good luck messages, but were not moved to make the effort to reach for the wallet, are entitled to do so. My feeling is that it is I who failed to convince them. Those who have or are about to give some of their hard-earned wonga, are chalked up on the side of the board that say there was a point to the last five days. A very worthwhile time, well spent. I've been finding out about myself and learning much of who are those few close friends who gave their time, effort and support during the gritty times of cycle ride.
After probably another day or two, looking back over this adventure, it must be onwards with the next challenge and the new fundraising ideas, for the cycle ride alone will probably bring little more that 10% of the target amount and another 90% of effort is needed to finish the job. I wouldn't have called it a challenge, if it was easy.
Thank you for following.
Murray
Trust me over the past five days I have asked myself that question along with many many other questions. Will the legs last another hill? Will I lose the numbness of my hands and other extremities? or Why didn't you just leave the whole thing alone and have a normal life?
Trouble is I can't leave it alone and, yes I'm aware that will get on peoples nerves at times. The clear fact is that between all in our community, the small effort it takes and impact on the personal wealth of actually giving away some of your money is tiny, compared with the collective power that money will do to the charities, who will do great things with it.
So to answer my questions, My legs did last the hills, probably a mixture of bloody mindedness and fear of failing. The numbness will go - heck I'm typing this, so the fingers are working already. Normal life? There is no such thing. Finally, the point of cycling 10 times around Jersey is to convince people to give money. Strange thing, this sponsorship deal... I'll do something mad that takes every once of my energy, if you give me some money, weird, if you think about it. It's also risky too, because you declare what you are going to do and hope that those online onlookers will be moved enough to reach for the chequebook. It's like I'm cycling, but checking over my shoulder to see if anyone is looking, because if nobody looked and gave, it would be pointless.
Everyone person who smiled, nodded and gave me the good luck messages, but were not moved to make the effort to reach for the wallet, are entitled to do so. My feeling is that it is I who failed to convince them. Those who have or are about to give some of their hard-earned wonga, are chalked up on the side of the board that say there was a point to the last five days. A very worthwhile time, well spent. I've been finding out about myself and learning much of who are those few close friends who gave their time, effort and support during the gritty times of cycle ride.
After probably another day or two, looking back over this adventure, it must be onwards with the next challenge and the new fundraising ideas, for the cycle ride alone will probably bring little more that 10% of the target amount and another 90% of effort is needed to finish the job. I wouldn't have called it a challenge, if it was easy.
Thank you for following.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
8 out of 10 Cats
In a recent survey, 8 out 10 is the most popular stat. And so it is for me, as I am only 2 laps away from doing this crazy fund raiser.
Am I enjoying it? That's a popular question. The honest answer is - yes... and no, or possibly no... and yes. Yes when nothing hurts and there are no bumps in the road and I'm going downhill. No when everthing waist down hurts and your wrists ache from the bumps (not half as much as the under-carriage, which has taken quite a kicking from the unforgiving saddle) and there is an incline in front of you.
That said, the amazing views of sunrise over Grouville, high tides at Ann Port, houses that I didn't know existed, a machine for spreading vraic on the fields (!) and lovely, and I do mean lovely welcome from people who just heard me on the radio, saw me in the JEP or just got told what I was up too and some even stopped and gave money! Better still I've got to ride along with some great people - Paul, Marc and Kieron to be precise, with Anna in support every day and Kenan or Ian & Julie popping up to film me and I have new friends, like the great crowd at Bee's Knees cafe at Les Platon. Then the pain is no more and this is the best challenge in the world. Do yourself a favour get a bike and ignoring the stupid Delores Cowburn article in the JEP about cyclists being annoying, and go ride around Jersey.
Last day tomorrow - I'm excited already.
Am I enjoying it? That's a popular question. The honest answer is - yes... and no, or possibly no... and yes. Yes when nothing hurts and there are no bumps in the road and I'm going downhill. No when everthing waist down hurts and your wrists ache from the bumps (not half as much as the under-carriage, which has taken quite a kicking from the unforgiving saddle) and there is an incline in front of you.
That said, the amazing views of sunrise over Grouville, high tides at Ann Port, houses that I didn't know existed, a machine for spreading vraic on the fields (!) and lovely, and I do mean lovely welcome from people who just heard me on the radio, saw me in the JEP or just got told what I was up too and some even stopped and gave money! Better still I've got to ride along with some great people - Paul, Marc and Kieron to be precise, with Anna in support every day and Kenan or Ian & Julie popping up to film me and I have new friends, like the great crowd at Bee's Knees cafe at Les Platon. Then the pain is no more and this is the best challenge in the world. Do yourself a favour get a bike and ignoring the stupid Delores Cowburn article in the JEP about cyclists being annoying, and go ride around Jersey.
Last day tomorrow - I'm excited already.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Saturday - time to go
It's before 6:00am on a Saturday morning - basically too early - but my own fault for doing the whole 10 times around jersey on a bike thing. It's the back up team I mostly worry for and feel guilty for having dragged them in. When I say team, I really mean Anna. Every day, on every lap she has driven the route, waiting at each pre-arranged stop with fresh drinks, energy bars, cloths to wipe my glasses and encouragement.
By the finish, that will be 9 hours a day for 5 days of watching somebody ride a bike on the same roads, getting none of the glory, just my ever-changing moods and dips in momentum. Worst still, she has caught my cold and is a snuffling, sneezing mess, exhausted by the non-stop routine of ride-feed-ride-feed-sleep continually. Thank heavens she has been there at every corner of the route, shivering in the wind, wrapped up fleeces, especially as this was not part of the plan. The last two morning I've tried to sneek out without waking her and do a lap completely solo, but no matter how ill she is doesn't give up. How bad do I feel? It can only be measured by how lucky I am to have such wonderful support. What a star she has been.
Right, off for the first lap of Saturday. Murray
By the finish, that will be 9 hours a day for 5 days of watching somebody ride a bike on the same roads, getting none of the glory, just my ever-changing moods and dips in momentum. Worst still, she has caught my cold and is a snuffling, sneezing mess, exhausted by the non-stop routine of ride-feed-ride-feed-sleep continually. Thank heavens she has been there at every corner of the route, shivering in the wind, wrapped up fleeces, especially as this was not part of the plan. The last two morning I've tried to sneek out without waking her and do a lap completely solo, but no matter how ill she is doesn't give up. How bad do I feel? It can only be measured by how lucky I am to have such wonderful support. What a star she has been.
Right, off for the first lap of Saturday. Murray
Round and round we go
Firstly, I'm probably more amazed than most of those astonished people who can hardly believe my six laps of Jersey so far. My legs and bum are the only things that know for sure how far they've been. However, the warning signs are out there to give me something to think about tonight. I can walk, but I'm tottering like a 2 year old. My knees either lock out completely or wobbly about, making my feet slap on the floor, reminicent of sulky kid. THE most important laps of the whole event are tomorrow. I've always know that. Saturday, if I got that far, was to be the tough one. Day 4 of 5, it will carry the maximum wear and tear, but without the hype of the last day, when crawling on all fours will not be ruled out. If I can get through tomorrow, I might start to get optomistic of finishing laps 9 and 10.
Today - Friday it was lap 5, sunrise was amazing over Grouville and the rain unforgiving from St.John to the end of St.Ouen's bay. Soaked through, but it made me cycle quicker. Lap 6 was warm and sunny and although flagging slightly, the boost of a 100 pound pledge from Robin & Jennifer Lapidus on the road from their car was enough to push me on. So it's good news and hopefully the money will come in, certainly the response from knowing looks and 'good luck' & 'go Murray' chants, if they convert into pound notes will prove the whole ride worth the silly walk. Bed time - it's gone 9pm you know! Murray.
Today - Friday it was lap 5, sunrise was amazing over Grouville and the rain unforgiving from St.John to the end of St.Ouen's bay. Soaked through, but it made me cycle quicker. Lap 6 was warm and sunny and although flagging slightly, the boost of a 100 pound pledge from Robin & Jennifer Lapidus on the road from their car was enough to push me on. So it's good news and hopefully the money will come in, certainly the response from knowing looks and 'good luck' & 'go Murray' chants, if they convert into pound notes will prove the whole ride worth the silly walk. Bed time - it's gone 9pm you know! Murray.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
When I should be sleeping
3.45am. Sorry for not sounding full of enthusiasm but it's not really the time I want to be writing a blog. Following the euphoria od the second day completed and the 9pm bedtime, I want to be asleep, resting up my heavy legs and dreaming dreams that make no sense in a squidgy bed that feels like a giant mashmallow, but no, the internal alarm is faulty instead. Every hour since 01.21 has me staring at the bedside clock at regular intervals and my mind is racing at speeds it doesn't reach during the daylight hours.
Not that the body is behaving much better. I think the body is now revolting (it was never too pretty anyway) against the treament it's had recently, with the legs restless but made of lead and the threat of throwing up forcing me to sit in the bathroom with a towel for the last 15 minutes until the nausea has eased, it appears to be getting it's own back on me. So 500ml of water and protein bar later and here we are. One more lap of Jersey is halfway and then it's just 5 more to the finish line and no more cycling. The middle days were always going to be the toughest and it is the mental toughness that comes to the fore now. Mind games, pesonal belief and wondering why the hell you are doing such a silly thing as riding around and around the island? If it were work that you got up and did such a phyically demanding thing, you'd console yourself with the money you are paid.
I think the fear is that not every slap on the back from the well meaning friends and strangers alike, who will enjoy the media spectacle and freak show of me making an arse of myself for free, will be converted into them actually putting a penny in the hat going around. Some smile, say 'well done, very admirable', then keep walking, hands firmly stuck in pockets. Well - it's the sort of thing that keeps you awake at night, even though I know full well it's a personal choice to give or not and do try to remember to respect that important point. Fortunately I see those who give, which of course moves you onward and gets you up eating porrige and honey at 5am and in the saddle for 6.30. One of the best moments was just after doing an interview with Channel TV yesterday, just before the fourth lap. The cameraman, having switched off the camera, reached into his pocket and handed over a tenner! Those in the media have normally seen it, heard it and recorded it all before and it's easy to not get involved. A good moment.
Enough rambling on. No point in bed now. I'll see you after Day 3 and that means laps 5 & 6. Now go pass the hat round for the charities for me... Thanks x
Not that the body is behaving much better. I think the body is now revolting (it was never too pretty anyway) against the treament it's had recently, with the legs restless but made of lead and the threat of throwing up forcing me to sit in the bathroom with a towel for the last 15 minutes until the nausea has eased, it appears to be getting it's own back on me. So 500ml of water and protein bar later and here we are. One more lap of Jersey is halfway and then it's just 5 more to the finish line and no more cycling. The middle days were always going to be the toughest and it is the mental toughness that comes to the fore now. Mind games, pesonal belief and wondering why the hell you are doing such a silly thing as riding around and around the island? If it were work that you got up and did such a phyically demanding thing, you'd console yourself with the money you are paid.
I think the fear is that not every slap on the back from the well meaning friends and strangers alike, who will enjoy the media spectacle and freak show of me making an arse of myself for free, will be converted into them actually putting a penny in the hat going around. Some smile, say 'well done, very admirable', then keep walking, hands firmly stuck in pockets. Well - it's the sort of thing that keeps you awake at night, even though I know full well it's a personal choice to give or not and do try to remember to respect that important point. Fortunately I see those who give, which of course moves you onward and gets you up eating porrige and honey at 5am and in the saddle for 6.30. One of the best moments was just after doing an interview with Channel TV yesterday, just before the fourth lap. The cameraman, having switched off the camera, reached into his pocket and handed over a tenner! Those in the media have normally seen it, heard it and recorded it all before and it's easy to not get involved. A good moment.
Enough rambling on. No point in bed now. I'll see you after Day 3 and that means laps 5 & 6. Now go pass the hat round for the charities for me... Thanks x
The view from after 4 times round
Wow! I mean bloody hell - wow! 4 times around Jersey in 2 days and 40% of the challenge done. I do feel pretty chuffed and chaffed now you come to think about it. It started with a cold ok let's face it man-flu - and on a rainy dark Wednesday morning watch the video on - http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUhCmrSnKT8U&h=966dc - and so it has gone on... the coverage by 103fm, BBC Jersey, the amazing JEP full page and impending showing on the CTV interview have all helped the great response I'm getting on the way around on my bike. I'm always very shy about asking for the money when strangers come up and say 'well done' and the like but offer not a penny, which to be fair is why I'm doing it. Day 1 left me exhausted but on a high. Paul Stone has been incredibly supportive, giving up a day of work to be alongside me for both of the laps of Day 1 together with weeks of training runs and huge amonts of time and advice. Without him this would have been an impossible task. Marc Le Sueur and the bike he built me, did'nt let me down either and both turned up for day 1 on both laps. The Bee's Knees Cafe on the North Coast are even our official suppliers of a cuppa on every lap.
Hurrah for Day 1. Day 2 was an awful first circuit in contrast - the wind against me made the ride so hard and slow. Everything makes you doubt whether you are going to do this, my right knee was screeming pain, throat sore, and energy levels at rock bottom - and that was only after 30 minutes. Anna was encouraging me along, but we both knew I was in trouble. A live chat on 103 with Peter Mac helped cheer me up and slowly I chipped away at the first lap. CTV turned up in St Aubin and then I gave myself a good talking to, reminded myself that this was not at all difficult - compared to the pain, distress and discomfort felt by those who might benefit from the fundraising - so time to shut up, stop moaning and get on with it. Rather than take the wind on the coast road going east to Gorey, I took the normally tougher Grouville Hill out of the wind and made Gorey in more comfort. The rest of the 2nd lap worked better from there and hey - what do you know - I'm back in St Aubin. 4 down - 6 to go. Jersey is stunning from the saddle, you should try it, although after Sunday, I may not rush back to the bike too quickly. Anyway time for sleep and it's not even 8.20pm!
Everything I've forgotten is in the next blog... Bye!
Hurrah for Day 1. Day 2 was an awful first circuit in contrast - the wind against me made the ride so hard and slow. Everything makes you doubt whether you are going to do this, my right knee was screeming pain, throat sore, and energy levels at rock bottom - and that was only after 30 minutes. Anna was encouraging me along, but we both knew I was in trouble. A live chat on 103 with Peter Mac helped cheer me up and slowly I chipped away at the first lap. CTV turned up in St Aubin and then I gave myself a good talking to, reminded myself that this was not at all difficult - compared to the pain, distress and discomfort felt by those who might benefit from the fundraising - so time to shut up, stop moaning and get on with it. Rather than take the wind on the coast road going east to Gorey, I took the normally tougher Grouville Hill out of the wind and made Gorey in more comfort. The rest of the 2nd lap worked better from there and hey - what do you know - I'm back in St Aubin. 4 down - 6 to go. Jersey is stunning from the saddle, you should try it, although after Sunday, I may not rush back to the bike too quickly. Anyway time for sleep and it's not even 8.20pm!
Everything I've forgotten is in the next blog... Bye!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
One down - 9 to go!
The first one is done - in 4 hours 10 mins! Better than I thought, just a twinge in the right knee and the sniffles, but taking the lemsip on the move!
Just done pasta and time to move off for the second and obviously slower second lap!
All the details on tonight's blog
Murray x
Just done pasta and time to move off for the second and obviously slower second lap!
All the details on tonight's blog
Murray x
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Start
Aching bones and a a cold is not the ideal way to start a cycle marathon - but I'm excited - and snotty - about the start.
The JEP are here - Paul & Marc my pace setters are here and all I have to do is start cycling - until Sunday night.. I'll keep you updated here.
www.murraysjersey.com is the website - keep the donations coming in.
Love Murray
The JEP are here - Paul & Marc my pace setters are here and all I have to do is start cycling - until Sunday night.. I'll keep you updated here.
www.murraysjersey.com is the website - keep the donations coming in.
Love Murray
Friday, October 1, 2010
Money - it's a hit... don't give me that do goody good...
The new bike that Marc built is just great, now I've had time to use it. Esprit bikes are the future - get him to measure you up then go buy one straight away!
Money - like it or not - that's why I'm doing this whole palaver.
The last two days have started to bring in the boost that I needed. My worry was always, that I will put myself through a certain amount of pain, during and after the cycle ride, for little amounts of donations. Trust me I've been 10,000 feet up a mountain on a bike, wondering "what the !**! am I doing here" and then remembered the faith people put in me to do something, that odd something, that people do to extract some money from wallets of many.
And here we are again. Next time, would somebody please stop me when I have a daft idea?
So is this a challenge? Well for me yes, of course is you are are a keen cyclist you may find this pips, but otherwise dust the bike off and go for a ride, in the rain and wind.
Try doing a circuit of Jersey. St.Aubin - to Gorey, up the hill to Rozel, down and up Bouley or Bonne Nuit and Greve de Lecq, around Corbeire, in and out of St Brelades bay and back to St Aubin . Then imagine doing that again in the same day. Then get up the next day and do that again for another four days. Then imagine an overweight, fifty something, non cyclists doing it (that's me by the way). You will start to wonder why the hell you are doing this. Hero? nah! I just know that know nobody will sponsor me to have an Indian takeaway and watch the golf for 4 days, which is a shame. There are only three things truly pushing me on. 1/ The thought of the money rolling in and 2/ The people who will get the benefit from it and 3/ Not looking like an arse by not doing even one circuit!
Facebook, that social media network that let's you keep count of the number of 'friends' you have, has just justified me being part of it. For what is the use of having 'friends' unless they are there for you when you need them? Or for that matter, to make a tiny donation to inspire you. Now I'm not naive enough to imagine every 'friend' I have will give money. It may be that they don't agree with giving to charity, they may not like the charities picked out or have already given their quota for the year, all of which they are entitled to do. So a sense of perspective is called for. But you certainly can't help but ponder on the whole facebook friend issue and why you have so many of them.
Yesterday and today, thankfully, Facebook messages have been popping up from all manner of directions, ranging from people I know well, to those who are social media acquaintances - electric friends - perhaps, rather than the ones I might go down the pub with of go to dinner with.
Now it is not for me to judge how much people give and frankly, all that matters to me is that I have made people feel motivated enough to make the tiny amount of effort to go through the process of donating something, however small to the cause. But it is difficult not to be human and notice the anomalies in pre-conceived thoughts, when a millionaire will donate less than somebody I hardly know, who has no job. Perhaps that's why they are millionaires, although I suspect it's because they worked hard and applied themselves. I don't hold with envy, just admiration. It's not always the case that the rich are tighter anyway, I must add. One cheque last Saturday, from a customer at Murray's was for £3000. And no matter what their personal circumstances, which are non of my business anyhow, that is a lot of money.
The good, inspiring, get-me-in-the-lyrca news is many have given without so much as a nudge and a tenner is the favoured amount. Sarah even set up a standing order to the account to give £10 per month for 10 months - nice! I like that one, just for the extra mile she went in setting it up. Holiday makers have given at the restaurant and complete strangers have walked up and handed over cash! I'll worry about maintaining the momentum after the ride... well... after the ride. Right now I have enough to ponder on, which stops me thinking about being perched on my saddle.
www.murrays10cc.com should be up and going by tomorrow - hurrah!
Money - like it or not - that's why I'm doing this whole palaver.
The last two days have started to bring in the boost that I needed. My worry was always, that I will put myself through a certain amount of pain, during and after the cycle ride, for little amounts of donations. Trust me I've been 10,000 feet up a mountain on a bike, wondering "what the !**! am I doing here" and then remembered the faith people put in me to do something, that odd something, that people do to extract some money from wallets of many.
And here we are again. Next time, would somebody please stop me when I have a daft idea?
So is this a challenge? Well for me yes, of course is you are are a keen cyclist you may find this pips, but otherwise dust the bike off and go for a ride, in the rain and wind.
Try doing a circuit of Jersey. St.Aubin - to Gorey, up the hill to Rozel, down and up Bouley or Bonne Nuit and Greve de Lecq, around Corbeire, in and out of St Brelades bay and back to St Aubin . Then imagine doing that again in the same day. Then get up the next day and do that again for another four days. Then imagine an overweight, fifty something, non cyclists doing it (that's me by the way). You will start to wonder why the hell you are doing this. Hero? nah! I just know that know nobody will sponsor me to have an Indian takeaway and watch the golf for 4 days, which is a shame. There are only three things truly pushing me on. 1/ The thought of the money rolling in and 2/ The people who will get the benefit from it and 3/ Not looking like an arse by not doing even one circuit!
Facebook, that social media network that let's you keep count of the number of 'friends' you have, has just justified me being part of it. For what is the use of having 'friends' unless they are there for you when you need them? Or for that matter, to make a tiny donation to inspire you. Now I'm not naive enough to imagine every 'friend' I have will give money. It may be that they don't agree with giving to charity, they may not like the charities picked out or have already given their quota for the year, all of which they are entitled to do. So a sense of perspective is called for. But you certainly can't help but ponder on the whole facebook friend issue and why you have so many of them.
Yesterday and today, thankfully, Facebook messages have been popping up from all manner of directions, ranging from people I know well, to those who are social media acquaintances - electric friends - perhaps, rather than the ones I might go down the pub with of go to dinner with.
Now it is not for me to judge how much people give and frankly, all that matters to me is that I have made people feel motivated enough to make the tiny amount of effort to go through the process of donating something, however small to the cause. But it is difficult not to be human and notice the anomalies in pre-conceived thoughts, when a millionaire will donate less than somebody I hardly know, who has no job. Perhaps that's why they are millionaires, although I suspect it's because they worked hard and applied themselves. I don't hold with envy, just admiration. It's not always the case that the rich are tighter anyway, I must add. One cheque last Saturday, from a customer at Murray's was for £3000. And no matter what their personal circumstances, which are non of my business anyhow, that is a lot of money.
The good, inspiring, get-me-in-the-lyrca news is many have given without so much as a nudge and a tenner is the favoured amount. Sarah even set up a standing order to the account to give £10 per month for 10 months - nice! I like that one, just for the extra mile she went in setting it up. Holiday makers have given at the restaurant and complete strangers have walked up and handed over cash! I'll worry about maintaining the momentum after the ride... well... after the ride. Right now I have enough to ponder on, which stops me thinking about being perched on my saddle.
www.murrays10cc.com should be up and going by tomorrow - hurrah!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
New bike new bike new bike
It feels different, it rides different - it is different. Is it easier? It might be when I get used to it. Tonight I have Paul Stone & Marc Le Sueur (builder of the new Esprit Bike) for company. Get Marc to build you a bike - he's good at it!
Have just ridden too hard on too little fuel - feeling flakey and a tad more nervous than normal.
Hmmm!
Have just ridden too hard on too little fuel - feeling flakey and a tad more nervous than normal.
Hmmm!
6 days and counting - the money
Ah! What lovely people there are... George & Jean Baird, Andrew Le Brun, the Pinel's and the Le Gresely's - thank you you are the latest to donate to the cycle challenge sponsorship. I have this idea of only having friends on facebook who sponsor me - is that mean?
Anyway, the money is coming in - always slower than you think... but the is a trickle, which is better than a droplet!
Also the bike is ready - well the new wheels go on later... when the new tyres arrive and my first ride on it is tonight... scary but exciting - Huge thanks to Marc Le Sueur for making this happen along with top support from Nick at Boudin Bikes in Sand Street - their sale of cycle shoes is amazing - get down there now!
Only six days til it starts and some support from those who heard me on Peter Mac's show on 103 is warming things up nicely. Keep it coming folks and if you haven't supported me with a sponsorship email me, text me or drop into Murray's and part with a bit of dosh - thanks
Murray
Anyway, the money is coming in - always slower than you think... but the is a trickle, which is better than a droplet!
Also the bike is ready - well the new wheels go on later... when the new tyres arrive and my first ride on it is tonight... scary but exciting - Huge thanks to Marc Le Sueur for making this happen along with top support from Nick at Boudin Bikes in Sand Street - their sale of cycle shoes is amazing - get down there now!
Only six days til it starts and some support from those who heard me on Peter Mac's show on 103 is warming things up nicely. Keep it coming folks and if you haven't supported me with a sponsorship email me, text me or drop into Murray's and part with a bit of dosh - thanks
Murray
Monday, September 27, 2010
Getting a response from those who care.
Asking people for money is a difficult thing for some and no matter how many thousands of times I've done that, it still is something not dissimilar to going out on stage, radio or TV. It's the getting started, the first line of your speech, gag or script, that is the toughest. After that you forget your self conscious worries and get stuck in.
So, whilst I'm in the flow, please give me some sponsor money - it's going to be divided up between 10 very good local charities so get in touch, pop down to Murray's or post me a cheque made out to Murray's 10 Charity Challenge andpost it to Norton House, St Aubin JE3 8BZ
Do it now, you'll feel better for doing it I promise.
Yesterday I received cheques of £300, £100 pounds and wait for it a cheque for £3000 - yup that's right people and mighty big fat £3k! I was as amazed as you probably are. He still paid for his breakfast at Murray's too!
No surprisingly after those shows of faith and support for what I'm trying to do, training went well yesterday. Paul Stone is my training guru and we really appeared to fly some roads and although the uphill bits were obviously slower, there is now no hill that has not been done - just not altogether yet! Paul is a top bloke and my kind of coach - thanks mate!
I've decided to take two weeks off working in the restaurant now - just so I can train, rest and train again in the run up to the ride starting on the 6th October. Thank god for a partner like Anna, who is running everything and working such long hours in covering everything at the restaurant.
The energy bars and drinks are being consumed. Thanks to Randall's who sent a case of energy drinks with an order this morning -the invoice read "Ref Murray's 10cc - Good luck Murray's". Top people them lot - thanks.
Right time for me to ride again and time for you to give a little something - if you all do a little, it'll make a lot - but don't let me stop you doing a lot!
Thank you
Murray
So, whilst I'm in the flow, please give me some sponsor money - it's going to be divided up between 10 very good local charities so get in touch, pop down to Murray's or post me a cheque made out to Murray's 10 Charity Challenge andpost it to Norton House, St Aubin JE3 8BZ
Do it now, you'll feel better for doing it I promise.
Yesterday I received cheques of £300, £100 pounds and wait for it a cheque for £3000 - yup that's right people and mighty big fat £3k! I was as amazed as you probably are. He still paid for his breakfast at Murray's too!
No surprisingly after those shows of faith and support for what I'm trying to do, training went well yesterday. Paul Stone is my training guru and we really appeared to fly some roads and although the uphill bits were obviously slower, there is now no hill that has not been done - just not altogether yet! Paul is a top bloke and my kind of coach - thanks mate!
I've decided to take two weeks off working in the restaurant now - just so I can train, rest and train again in the run up to the ride starting on the 6th October. Thank god for a partner like Anna, who is running everything and working such long hours in covering everything at the restaurant.
The energy bars and drinks are being consumed. Thanks to Randall's who sent a case of energy drinks with an order this morning -the invoice read "Ref Murray's 10cc - Good luck Murray's". Top people them lot - thanks.
Right time for me to ride again and time for you to give a little something - if you all do a little, it'll make a lot - but don't let me stop you doing a lot!
Thank you
Murray
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Jerez to Jersey
Three days off -well, let me re-phrase that - 3 days 'working' in the very un-glamourous world of TV is not good for bike training. Went to do a show in Jerez Southern bit of Spain on Weds travelling Jersey-Guernsey-Stansted-Jerez, Late arrival followed by a delicious, but not good for you, dinner.
Thursday to the Harvey's Sherry/Fundador Brandy bodegas to do the show all about Whiskey - they use old Sherry barrels to mature some whiskey to give it a sweeter amber colour and taste don't you know - and for the only day we needed to film a live show, it rained. Not much but enough to move from the courtyard to undercover. So Sat truck, miles of cables, 6 cameras with 6 Spanish cameramen, a cast of 60, plus floor managers, producer, director and a healthy collection of PR people. So enough to keep them setting up and having dramas all day. I keep unusually quiet at such times, mostly because they all know what they are doing and it takes 14-16 hours for them from set up to de-rig, as opposed to me and my 40 minutes live.
After show parties are for everyone to congratulate everyone else on how marvellous they were - and to be fair they were all truly marvellous at there particular roles, even the audience. This then splinters off into another party for the individual groups, so whilst the PR types congregate, the crew de-rig and me and the director find a bar to sup beer and praise ourselves. Paul (the director) & I understand each other well enough after 4 live shows to know when we need to have a quiet moment.
Later the rest catch us up in the bar and much drinking was being done into the wee hours under warm Spanish skies.
Friday is good-bye time as this family of talents says adios until the next time we work together and I fly to Madrid, to pick up an Easyjet flight to London, so that I can get to Jersey with Flybe. The 1725 departure out of Madrid, after three gate changes that have you scurrying around the airport left at 2240, an uncomfortable 5 and a quarter hours late. Another hotel night in Gatwick then, followed by the early 0730 flight to Jersey this morning - Saturday.
So, plenty of eating, drinking and waiting in airports, not much, if fact let's be honest - no bike training and today must be a sleep catch up before the talk is back to bikes and aching limbs. To help me sleep, the knowledge that in 12 days time I must be fitter and leaner than it appears possible to be.
Maybe I can sleep myself thinner and fitter?
Keep the support coming, leave comments and remember to use Coop share number 12 for the charity.
Murray
Thursday to the Harvey's Sherry/Fundador Brandy bodegas to do the show all about Whiskey - they use old Sherry barrels to mature some whiskey to give it a sweeter amber colour and taste don't you know - and for the only day we needed to film a live show, it rained. Not much but enough to move from the courtyard to undercover. So Sat truck, miles of cables, 6 cameras with 6 Spanish cameramen, a cast of 60, plus floor managers, producer, director and a healthy collection of PR people. So enough to keep them setting up and having dramas all day. I keep unusually quiet at such times, mostly because they all know what they are doing and it takes 14-16 hours for them from set up to de-rig, as opposed to me and my 40 minutes live.
After show parties are for everyone to congratulate everyone else on how marvellous they were - and to be fair they were all truly marvellous at there particular roles, even the audience. This then splinters off into another party for the individual groups, so whilst the PR types congregate, the crew de-rig and me and the director find a bar to sup beer and praise ourselves. Paul (the director) & I understand each other well enough after 4 live shows to know when we need to have a quiet moment.
Later the rest catch us up in the bar and much drinking was being done into the wee hours under warm Spanish skies.
Friday is good-bye time as this family of talents says adios until the next time we work together and I fly to Madrid, to pick up an Easyjet flight to London, so that I can get to Jersey with Flybe. The 1725 departure out of Madrid, after three gate changes that have you scurrying around the airport left at 2240, an uncomfortable 5 and a quarter hours late. Another hotel night in Gatwick then, followed by the early 0730 flight to Jersey this morning - Saturday.
So, plenty of eating, drinking and waiting in airports, not much, if fact let's be honest - no bike training and today must be a sleep catch up before the talk is back to bikes and aching limbs. To help me sleep, the knowledge that in 12 days time I must be fitter and leaner than it appears possible to be.
Maybe I can sleep myself thinner and fitter?
Keep the support coming, leave comments and remember to use Coop share number 12 for the charity.
Murray
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A good night with the Guv!
The official reception at Government House was an excellent evening, bringing together most of those involved in the running of the challenge, the charities themselves and of course its patron His Excellency & Mrs Ridgway, whose support and hosting was most appreciated by all.
Good to meet up with the people behind charities, which is always good for inspiring you on and good to get together with the team.
Which reminds me - that team:
Kenan MT Osborne - Chief of Operations and probably the best project manager in the world
PS it's Paul Stone - cycling coach, brussels sprout eater known as poo-pants!
Kieron 008 Strecker - He's a treasure. Sorry Treasurer of Murray's 10cc
Rob 'the techie' Milburn is the web designer of www.murrays10cc.com (coming soon), known to flounce out of pubs for being called a techie.
Allan Watts The PR/media/guru
Marc Le Sueur - Building the new bike and posing for pictures in Gallery Mag without a name check
Nick Thomas - Boudins for Bikes - kit suppliers, energy food suppliers, mechanic back up & nice bloke
That's the team - Lucky me!
For those who came to the reception - thank you, for those who were not invited - it was limited numbers and I do love you and do need your support, but blame those who were invited and didn't show!
Right off to Spain to be a TV lurrvvie for a couple of days, The show is all about Whiskey and Sherry barrels - live online at 8pm on Thursday night on www.studiotalk.tv
See you Saturday outside St Peter's Grande Marche when I'll be back on the bike training and fund raising
Murray
Good to meet up with the people behind charities, which is always good for inspiring you on and good to get together with the team.
Which reminds me - that team:
Kenan MT Osborne - Chief of Operations and probably the best project manager in the world
PS it's Paul Stone - cycling coach, brussels sprout eater known as poo-pants!
Kieron 008 Strecker - He's a treasure. Sorry Treasurer of Murray's 10cc
Rob 'the techie' Milburn is the web designer of www.murrays10cc.com (coming soon), known to flounce out of pubs for being called a techie.
Allan Watts The PR/media/guru
Marc Le Sueur - Building the new bike and posing for pictures in Gallery Mag without a name check
Nick Thomas - Boudins for Bikes - kit suppliers, energy food suppliers, mechanic back up & nice bloke
That's the team - Lucky me!
For those who came to the reception - thank you, for those who were not invited - it was limited numbers and I do love you and do need your support, but blame those who were invited and didn't show!
Right off to Spain to be a TV lurrvvie for a couple of days, The show is all about Whiskey and Sherry barrels - live online at 8pm on Thursday night on www.studiotalk.tv
See you Saturday outside St Peter's Grande Marche when I'll be back on the bike training and fund raising
Murray
Logos & Glamour
It's a day of sunshine and wanting to be on the bike, but...
It's also a day of getting the sponsors & charities onto the cycle shirts - one slip with that iron and the whole lot - & the very expensive new cycle shirt - is a gonna! It gets more pressurised with every addition. Plus new cycle shoes to fit SPD's to and a new helmet with logos of another sponsor being done as we speak. I'm so not a detail person and I don't like this faffing about.
Tonight Govt House reception.
Tomorrow travel to Spain via Gurnsey & Stansted!
Thursday do live online TV show in Jerez
Friday fly Jerez-Madrid-Gatwick-Jersey
Saturday on a static bike outside the Coop St Peters - oh the glamour of it all.
It's also a day of getting the sponsors & charities onto the cycle shirts - one slip with that iron and the whole lot - & the very expensive new cycle shirt - is a gonna! It gets more pressurised with every addition. Plus new cycle shoes to fit SPD's to and a new helmet with logos of another sponsor being done as we speak. I'm so not a detail person and I don't like this faffing about.
Tonight Govt House reception.
Tomorrow travel to Spain via Gurnsey & Stansted!
Thursday do live online TV show in Jerez
Friday fly Jerez-Madrid-Gatwick-Jersey
Saturday on a static bike outside the Coop St Peters - oh the glamour of it all.
Monday, September 20, 2010
A lesson in how hard this is...
Sunday 19th Sept. -
A perfect day and one just made for a nice cycle around Jersey and with cycle trainer Paul Stone we set off St Aubin - Gorey - St Catherines - Flicquet - Rozel - Bouley Bay - Bonne Nuit Bay - St John - St Mary - St Peter - St Aubin. It wasn't the full circuit and we did stop in Gorey and for tea at the bottom of Bouley Bay, but a four hour peddle including the stops, that reminded me what this is going to be like - hell!
The weather , no doubt form the 6th -10th Oct will be more testing and there will be another hour and a half of cycling added to make a full circuit. Then of course - I will have to go again, doing another full circuit before the end of the day. Hmmmm this is not nice.
In a car you will drive Jersey at a gentle pace in under two hours.
On an Itex walk in 10-12 hours
On a bike, as a non cyclist - like me in - in 5 hours. I reckon I'm not exaggerating when I say that 2 or three times round on a bike is equal to once on foot 4-5mph walking and 8-10 mph average riding.
On those thoughts doing 2 times on a bike every day for 5 days is akin to doing 4 to 5 Itex walks one day after another.
Now I'm worried all right. One for the body, but more so on the fear that I don't want to do this for meagre sponsorship. Knowing the pain, it's difficult to get the message over, this is not a sponsored silence/sit in a bath of beans/have you legs waxed affair. There is a no hiding place and a tough ask of a fit keen cyclist - let alone an unfit fifty something short arsed fella who actually doesn't really do any cycling.
Interesting times. Halfway up Bouley Bay, all I could think of was Geldof on telly during live aid, and although. an untrue myth that he said these words "give me the F*****g money" ran through my mind.
Murray
A perfect day and one just made for a nice cycle around Jersey and with cycle trainer Paul Stone we set off St Aubin - Gorey - St Catherines - Flicquet - Rozel - Bouley Bay - Bonne Nuit Bay - St John - St Mary - St Peter - St Aubin. It wasn't the full circuit and we did stop in Gorey and for tea at the bottom of Bouley Bay, but a four hour peddle including the stops, that reminded me what this is going to be like - hell!
The weather , no doubt form the 6th -10th Oct will be more testing and there will be another hour and a half of cycling added to make a full circuit. Then of course - I will have to go again, doing another full circuit before the end of the day. Hmmmm this is not nice.
In a car you will drive Jersey at a gentle pace in under two hours.
On an Itex walk in 10-12 hours
On a bike, as a non cyclist - like me in - in 5 hours. I reckon I'm not exaggerating when I say that 2 or three times round on a bike is equal to once on foot 4-5mph walking and 8-10 mph average riding.
On those thoughts doing 2 times on a bike every day for 5 days is akin to doing 4 to 5 Itex walks one day after another.
Now I'm worried all right. One for the body, but more so on the fear that I don't want to do this for meagre sponsorship. Knowing the pain, it's difficult to get the message over, this is not a sponsored silence/sit in a bath of beans/have you legs waxed affair. There is a no hiding place and a tough ask of a fit keen cyclist - let alone an unfit fifty something short arsed fella who actually doesn't really do any cycling.
Interesting times. Halfway up Bouley Bay, all I could think of was Geldof on telly during live aid, and although. an untrue myth that he said these words "give me the F*****g money" ran through my mind.
Murray
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Four hours going nowhere
Sunday 11.50.
My first thanks of the day goes to... my comfy office chair, your padding is a delight! Especially after a 4 hour stint of cycling, whilst going nowhere.
My second thanks of the day are to Lee for the use of his static bike trainer - brilliant portable piece of kit that means you put your bike into this raised frame, adjust the resistance and cycle/train/warm up in one place. Excellent, I would imagine for watching the telly and riding, or in my case, with sponsoring glass jars and the St Aubin Craft Market. A fine day and with the leaflets on the table a super £174.00 raised on on it's way into the bank account. Being able to train and raise money whilst doing it is cool and I now need other venues in the next few weeks to do this. The Airport and M&S comes to mind.
Third on the list of thanks, the Coop, who have put £250 in the pot and given Murray's10cc a share number, so every time you use the Coop for anything, say SHARE NUMBER 12 - that way the 4p in the pound goes to the charity. If everyone does it... well you know.
Fourth, the lovely Jimmy Mac and Sapphire Bedrooms, who sent me a cheque for £100. Cool. Now if everybody did that... well you know (it's not going to happen).
However Acorn Finance have given me a very uber cool £1000! so anything is possbile - Thanks
And thanks to everyone for reading, supporting and giving. I've only got until next June to constantly be raising money, so I'm getting the thanks in early, before I wear you down with fund raising ideas!
It's a training day on Bouley Bay & Boone Nuit Bay today, anybody got a soft ring shaped cushion?
Murray
Friday, September 17, 2010
Paperwork schmaper-work!
With a reception looming at Government house next Tuesday for the 10 Charity Challenge crew, sponsors and charities. That means checking the guest list, writing the briefs for the speeches,mine and the other fella's and all the other bits that seem to take forever. Organising the banks to let us take credit card donations online, writing off for permission for golf days, raffles, cake baking in the bank, (not to mention), so I will, the logos to be requested from the sponsors, so they will feature on the website (that I have not written the content for) and on the cycle shirts, that I have not sourced yet, let alone printed. A text number that people donate to us by texting them and a Coop share number for charity may sound simple, but you have no idea how many emails, and still I am no further with either of them. Ho-hum!
A good short sharp training ride last with Paul Stone felt good as a way of him measuring how much more I have to do. Plenty is the answer to that one. That will include a stint at the Craft Market in St Aubin & Coop St Peters on Saturday afternoon on my static bike with sponsor forms on the table and a bucket in front of me (for the money, not to chuck up in!). Sunday it's a big ride with Paul again. Monday I might do some work, Tuesday is a static bike at Grande Marche St Helier, followed by the that reception at Govt House then Wednesday morning Jersey-Guernsey-Stansted-Jerez to do a TV show on A taste of Scotland, with a flavour of Spain, http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/a_taste_of_scotland_with_a_flavour_of_spain returning of Friday night.
Life is an experience worth having.
A good short sharp training ride last with Paul Stone felt good as a way of him measuring how much more I have to do. Plenty is the answer to that one. That will include a stint at the Craft Market in St Aubin & Coop St Peters on Saturday afternoon on my static bike with sponsor forms on the table and a bucket in front of me (for the money, not to chuck up in!). Sunday it's a big ride with Paul again. Monday I might do some work, Tuesday is a static bike at Grande Marche St Helier, followed by the that reception at Govt House then Wednesday morning Jersey-Guernsey-Stansted-Jerez to do a TV show on A taste of Scotland, with a flavour of Spain, http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/a_taste_of_scotland_with_a_flavour_of_spain returning of Friday night.
Life is an experience worth having.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
New sponsor, talks and thieves!
The good news is that we now have a good collection of sponsors coming forward which is filling up the spaces on the shirt and helmet, just the shorts to go then! Acorn Finance have confirmed that they wish to sponsor the main front chest on the cycle shirt, for which we are extremely grateful. Letto & Sons Jewellers on Charing Cross have also come on board. Better get those shirts printed soon.
Had a fun time with the Probus Club (retired professional businessmen), giving the after dinner talk on Wednesday afternoon - mostly about the forthcoming ride, not surprisingly. Those who were awake by the end of the talk, put a few £10 notes on the sponsor forms, which was nice.
This cheered me up, after a rude awakening at Murray's - the restaurant in St Aubin, as if you didn't know - at 8am to the report of a break in. £350 in petty cash, an ipod and a whole collection of various bottles of spirits disappeared.
Such are the highs and lows of life I suppose. A good ride on the bike should shake off the outrage I feel inside.
Murray
Had a fun time with the Probus Club (retired professional businessmen), giving the after dinner talk on Wednesday afternoon - mostly about the forthcoming ride, not surprisingly. Those who were awake by the end of the talk, put a few £10 notes on the sponsor forms, which was nice.
This cheered me up, after a rude awakening at Murray's - the restaurant in St Aubin, as if you didn't know - at 8am to the report of a break in. £350 in petty cash, an ipod and a whole collection of various bottles of spirits disappeared.
Such are the highs and lows of life I suppose. A good ride on the bike should shake off the outrage I feel inside.
Monday, September 13, 2010
A weekend worth of support
After a great week fund raising, it was good to get back in the saddle and do some cycling again. Saturday mornings 3 hour ride took in most areas of the island without following the course in and out of the bays. Surprisingly, it felt good, although by Sunday night the legs were slightly heavy. The sponsor forms are now in Murray's in St.Aubin and slowly some sponsor money is coming in, so if you are in the area - pop in and pay there!
It is all starting to get serious now and I do have moments of complete nerves where I wonder what I started... but then somebody lends their support and encouragement and you don't feel so alone about the whole thing. The website is only a day or two away, which will be like a light switching on, highlighting the whole thing - soon the better!
It is all starting to get serious now and I do have moments of complete nerves where I wonder what I started... but then somebody lends their support and encouragement and you don't feel so alone about the whole thing. The website is only a day or two away, which will be like a light switching on, highlighting the whole thing - soon the better!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Now that was a great day!
Those days when everything is going well, I guess we must enjoy them and remember them when things are falling apart. Part of the balancing act I suppose. Anyway - Today - how cool was it? Firstly, back on the bike - it had been a while and I was really up for it, so a quick burn up some hills then, a ride into town to do some business.
First, Acorn Finance, for a chat. An they are pledging money to the Challenge - Thanks David. Depending on the sum, we might get a logo on the shirt or shorts or helmet
Second, A sponsorship for to do the rounds at LloydsTSB Broad Street. The bad news is there are lots of forms in the offices right now as the Jersey Marathon is on the week before my challenge! But we live in hope.
Thirdly, those lovely people at Letto's the Jewellers. A stonking £500 from Colin Letto - cool! His company gets a logo on the shirt.
JerseyGas - popped in as they were sponsors of a previous challenge I did - I wait to hear more next week - damn those pesky weekends for getting in the way of business.
Channel 103fm - Chris Halford suggests i do some updates during the ride and we could do some links for the websites - their's to ours! Hurrah! Fiona & Kirsty will sponsor and check a few people they know to fill the forms I left - Hurrah hurrah!
Jim Plumley at the Coop, gets a mention, as he has arranged for me to be outside Grande Marche Supermarket in St Peters on Saturday 18th Sept on a static bike, then outside the St Helier Grand Marche on Tuesday 21st Sept and again on the Tuesday 28th Sept back at St Peters. Hopefully the shoppers will be generous.
Topping it all, one of my best mates gets in touch. Rob, mate you are an inspiration and a friend, thanks for the donation.
On to the weekend, riding and fund raising all the way.
Thanks for reading - do leave your comments, Murray
First, Acorn Finance, for a chat. An they are pledging money to the Challenge - Thanks David. Depending on the sum, we might get a logo on the shirt or shorts or helmet
Second, A sponsorship for to do the rounds at LloydsTSB Broad Street. The bad news is there are lots of forms in the offices right now as the Jersey Marathon is on the week before my challenge! But we live in hope.
Thirdly, those lovely people at Letto's the Jewellers. A stonking £500 from Colin Letto - cool! His company gets a logo on the shirt.
JerseyGas - popped in as they were sponsors of a previous challenge I did - I wait to hear more next week - damn those pesky weekends for getting in the way of business.
Channel 103fm - Chris Halford suggests i do some updates during the ride and we could do some links for the websites - their's to ours! Hurrah! Fiona & Kirsty will sponsor and check a few people they know to fill the forms I left - Hurrah hurrah!
Jim Plumley at the Coop, gets a mention, as he has arranged for me to be outside Grande Marche Supermarket in St Peters on Saturday 18th Sept on a static bike, then outside the St Helier Grand Marche on Tuesday 21st Sept and again on the Tuesday 28th Sept back at St Peters. Hopefully the shoppers will be generous.
Topping it all, one of my best mates gets in touch. Rob, mate you are an inspiration and a friend, thanks for the donation.
On to the weekend, riding and fund raising all the way.
Thanks for reading - do leave your comments, Murray
Donations, raffles and on the bike
Every day is a day that is ticking from morning to night right now. The cycle ride is the most pressing subject on my mind, with routes to sort out and training to be done every day. My mind keeps breaking down the target and plays maths games of "if every person I know gives a fiver...." I've still got some good fund raising ideas up my sleeve, so today is a cycling, planning and doing day where I'm going to knock on some doors for some money. I'm sitting here in my cycle gear typing - that won't get the training done!
If anyone who knows me wants to support - email or facebook me - I'll ride out and pick up the money!
If anyone who knows me wants to support - email or facebook me - I'll ride out and pick up the money!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Cheffin's plays above par!
A superbly organised golf day which is run every year by Dave Parrish and his team at Cheffin's, this year chose to raise money for Murray's 10 Charity Challenge. In the process the competition players have raised a magnificent amount and while this is still being counted and collected from those bidding on the auction items, I'm expecting the figure to be over £2000, which will give us the great boost we need going into the last four weeks until the cycle ride!
Lot's to be done today, so a short blog and more news tomorrow.
Lot's to be done today, so a short blog and more news tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Too much fun - is good for you!
And they same you can have too much of a good thing apparently?
Well it's all fun here and long may it continue... After a more than busy day in Murray's - that popular food and drink establishment in St Aubin (centre of the world), it's another golf day ahead tomorrow. Organised by those nice people at Cheffin's the restaurant along the strip, I'm delighted to say all the proceeds will indeed go to Murray's 10 Charity Challenge - and much needed the funds are too!
So it's 12 teams of 4 golfers - at Les Mielles from 0800 tomorrow, followed by lunch at Cheffin's - and who knows the skill of our four ball - me, Nick Chandler, Kenan Osborne and Neil Pinel could just get amongst the prizes - on the other hand I've seen what happens when we are get together!
Tonight a special meal at the Atlantic and the food of Mark Jordan, one of the finest chefs in the country for certain. Tomorrow golf in the sun & rain, and me on the mic again - drumming up support and funds - I really must start riding that bike!
Talking of which, Marc the bike builder is going to surprise me when it is built, so no peeks before hand for me.
Life is good, getting better every day.
Well it's all fun here and long may it continue... After a more than busy day in Murray's - that popular food and drink establishment in St Aubin (centre of the world), it's another golf day ahead tomorrow. Organised by those nice people at Cheffin's the restaurant along the strip, I'm delighted to say all the proceeds will indeed go to Murray's 10 Charity Challenge - and much needed the funds are too!
So it's 12 teams of 4 golfers - at Les Mielles from 0800 tomorrow, followed by lunch at Cheffin's - and who knows the skill of our four ball - me, Nick Chandler, Kenan Osborne and Neil Pinel could just get amongst the prizes - on the other hand I've seen what happens when we are get together!
Tonight a special meal at the Atlantic and the food of Mark Jordan, one of the finest chefs in the country for certain. Tomorrow golf in the sun & rain, and me on the mic again - drumming up support and funds - I really must start riding that bike!
Talking of which, Marc the bike builder is going to surprise me when it is built, so no peeks before hand for me.
Life is good, getting better every day.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Fund raising fun
Having WON the Close Finance golf day with the best golf of my life, I was certainly in a state of embarrassment and shock. I'm delighted to say those present forgave me for having the temerity of coming first, to dig deep in their pockets for over £300 in cash for Murray's 10cc with further pledges of another £200 on the way! Thank you thank you thank you, I whispered, as I sneaked out the back door of Les Mielles Golf Club late on Friday night, with my trophies, champers and wads of cash!
Saturday afternoon, another function - this time the St Aubin residents tea party, where many a mountain of cakes and sandwiches were consumed. The sun shone and La Haule Manor looked fab. Again some of the locals filled out sponsor forms and gave toward the challenge to the tune of another £100.
If you want to sponsor me - get in touch on Facebook on the murrays10cc site. Thanks Murray
Now! Where is that bike???
Saturday afternoon, another function - this time the St Aubin residents tea party, where many a mountain of cakes and sandwiches were consumed. The sun shone and La Haule Manor looked fab. Again some of the locals filled out sponsor forms and gave toward the challenge to the tune of another £100.
If you want to sponsor me - get in touch on Facebook on the murrays10cc site. Thanks Murray
Now! Where is that bike???
Sunday, September 5, 2010
That old devil called time!
With only 5 weeks to go - the panic is setting in. Every time I think about a training ride - something gets in the way. This week it has been pretty constant for the restaurant business and there have been 3 corporate golf events to play in (came third as a 4-ball team in one and much to my surprise, won the stableford in the other!) so my golf is getting better, but the cycling is not. the next golf is on Weds 8th, with the charity benefiting from the proceeds, so at least I won't feel so bad about it.
Having done a few nice rides in France last week I could do with getting my bike back from Kenan to start with - which is totally my fault, for not collecting it. Maybe later today - although 10-2 and 6-10 shift are required from me in Murray's today.
Fund raising - well at the Close Finance golf day a couple of hundred pounds paid and pledged from the golfers at the dinner, made the winning even more pleasant and yesterday at La Haule Manor, several parishioners signed the sponsor forms, so my thanks to them.
The bike build from Marc Le Sueur is making me nervous, it is hopeful that we will have a new bike, but it will be close and I need to get practising on it soon to get the feel.
Next challenge to be seen and heard spreading the message of Murray's 10cc to the media and on...
Welcome to the blog by the way
Murray
Having done a few nice rides in France last week I could do with getting my bike back from Kenan to start with - which is totally my fault, for not collecting it. Maybe later today - although 10-2 and 6-10 shift are required from me in Murray's today.
Fund raising - well at the Close Finance golf day a couple of hundred pounds paid and pledged from the golfers at the dinner, made the winning even more pleasant and yesterday at La Haule Manor, several parishioners signed the sponsor forms, so my thanks to them.
The bike build from Marc Le Sueur is making me nervous, it is hopeful that we will have a new bike, but it will be close and I need to get practising on it soon to get the feel.
Next challenge to be seen and heard spreading the message of Murray's 10cc to the media and on...
Welcome to the blog by the way
Murray
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