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Blog from Scott Lydon

I rediscovered cycling when asked to join a coast-to-coast ride in 2014 from Siloth to Newcastle with a group of like minded individuals from the construction industry.  This turned out to be a fabulous 3 day mountain bike adventure running parallel with Hadrian’s wall, the sense of adventure and thrill of being outdoors awakened something in me that I hadn’t felt since tearing around on a BMX as a nipper.

 

Whilst primarily focusing on mountain biking on the local trails in and around the Stourbridge and Black Country area I have recently added road biking to my outdoor pursuits and taken part in a number of social and industry related sportives and commute when I can to carry out the day job of Divisional Director for the Clancy Consulting Birmingham Office.  I’ve also managed to keep the mountain bike reasonably dirty with other cross country adventures such as another coast-to-coast trek from Barmouth to Chepstow and a completely mind boggling and eye opening 11 day cycling adventure across Vietnam & Cambodia for Challenge Cancer.

 

In the 5 years since I have rediscovered cycling it has become arecreational hobby #1 and whilst I don’t consider myself to be a rider of any significant technical ability, it is important enough to sometimes keep my bikes in the house.   I can’t wait to get stuck in to my first Velo riding with a fantastic bunch of people for PFK although this is not my first time supporting the charity as I also take part in The Snowball, the annual Christmas live music event that PFK host every year at the Jam House, as bass player for ‘Under Construction’ (recreational hobby #2)…..but that’s another story.’

 

 

 

 

 

Blog from Richard Pannell

Cycling for me took off in the 90’s when I realised I was part of the problem of too much road traffic commuting into Birmingham from leafy north Worcestershire.

It came at a time in my late 40s when as a Sports Exercise Academic at the University of Birmingham said “ if you don’t get fit in your 40’s you can’t turn the clock back in your 50’s.”

The following years cycling became quite self centred with foreign travel and Audax rides; the longest day ride though Wales being 300 km  (and a bit more).

It’ great to be doing a purposeful  Charity ride in a large group and encouraged on by my son Warrick who cycled for PFK last year.

 

Sam Cox and Natasha Saxton

I am a elite triathlete and Tash is a fantastic and enthusiastic swimmer, cyclist and runner  We train together most weekends and we love an adventure. I am a personal trainer and Tash is an Assistant Teacher at Highclare primary school.

We have never done the Birmingham Velo before but we are very much looking forward to the challenge and raising some money for Property For Kids!

Property For Kids Jumping for the Jack at Boules Event

Property For Kids (PFK) raised a fantastic £8,250 at the resurrected property boules event, held at Silhillians Sports Club in Solihull

PFK raises money for disadvantaged children in the West Midlands, supporting a variety of charities by providing useful assets, such as: a safe playground, a minibus or specialist equipment.

The last Property Boules Event took place back in 2003, making this year the 15th anniversary since the games were last played, before PFK resurrected it.

The new incarnation consisted of a barbecue and Boules tournament, with a trophy and plate on offer for the winner and runner-up. Over 100 property professionals battled it out to try and get the closest to the jack in a series of very tense play offs.

Of the 32 teams that took part, Rapleys and KWB competed for the coveted new trophy in the final of the main competition, with KWB taking the honors. In addition, Willmott Dixon and GVA made it to the plate final, with GVA emerging victorious. What was more bizarre about KWB’s glory was that two of the team were also members in the 2003 event, which they also won.

In keeping with the history of the event, attendees were invited to come in fancy dress. Gateley’s team came away winners, opting for a French theme, pairing striped t-shirts with berets and mime artist makeup.

Jilly Cosgrove, Property For Kids Chairwoman, commented: “This is the first boules event in our history but, not for the industry – it is wonderful that we can bring back events that were once so eagerly anticipated by property professionals. We have been bowled over by the success and the amount of companies and individuals that wanted to be involved. At Property For Kids, we are all about raising money for good causes, but having fun while we do so, networking and trying new experiences. Thanks to the reaction we have had, this event will now become a regular summer fixture that everyone can look forward to.’

Furthermore, with the generous support of our co-sponsors Rhino Interiors and CoStar, we are all delighted that the funds raised on the day were so high and will provide a healthy target to exceed at next year’s event.

To express interest in taking part in any upcoming events, either playing or as a sponsor, please contact Jilly Cosgrove at jilly@barques.co.uk. The next PFK event is the Snowball at The Jam House.

Blog from Mark Robinson

What can I tell you, I like riding my bike! My love of cycling was borne out of necessity initially because as a teenager living in a country town in the Cotswolds the only way to see my mates was to cycle to them. This developed into a bit of time trialling before going to college but it’s always been a passion of mine because it helps me on so many different levels, it acts as a stress reliever, a time to think about things, a way to push yourself to your limit, and to enjoy some decent countryside.

For many years whilst friends played proper sports like football, rugby, golf, or squash I took myself off on my bike whilst dressed in lycra. Most people thought that this was a bit odd and really couldn’t see the attraction, however in recent years things have changed and cycling is, I guess, cool. It’s great to see so many people enjoying it irrespective of age and fitness level.

My experience on two wheels is reasonable I guess, I’ve completed 3 Etape du Tours and the gruelling Marmotte (which despite the pain at the time I recommend). I have also completed for Macmillan Cancer Research Lands’ End to John O’Groats 1.5 times (on the first attempt I was knocked off and hospitalised so felt the need to complete it the next year for the charity and the sponsors).  

In recent years my ability to cycle has been curtailed as I’ve become a father. My passion has transferred away from a piece of carbon fibre to a beautiful daughter, who thankfully looks like her mother! Her wellbeing and happiness is my top priority and it’s for that reason that I wanted to add my support to Jilly and Property for Kids to raise money for other children so that they can enjoy a better standard of life.

So when you’re considering if, or how much, to sponsor us please don’t think that this is a bunch of guys just out on their bikes for a mooch around but instead that there will be a fair amount of pain and suffering for everyone who takes part but they do it knowing that some children that have had a rough time of things will have a better time as a result of our efforts.