Day 2 - Pontypool - Hereford - Swindon

Back over the border and off to Swindon via Hereford. 99.1 miles and 4,792 ft of elevation, the biggest day of climbing of the week.

Full details on: https://www.strava.com/routes/4238184

Training tips Tuesday: Cycling uphill

http://cyclinguphill.com/cycle-uphill-techniques/

Hi, Billy Salmon, here. I wish I could promise you that the route was entirely downhill, but unfortunately this isn't the case. Learning to cope with hills might even be the most difficult aspect of your ride, so luckily for you, this website provides 7 simple tips to stop you from huffing and puffing, red faced, all the way to the finish line.

Dementia UK

Dementia UK is a charitable organisation helping families face dementia. The riders of the Abicare 500 mile challange are proud to be raising money for Dementia UK. You can help by sponsoring us at our just giving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/Abicare500

Day 1 - Salisbury - Bradford on Avon - Pontypool

Day 1 is a 95.3 mile ride visiting the Bradford on Avon and Pontypool offices. 4,401 ft of elevation gained. It's the shortest ride of the week so hopefully it will be a nice start.
There are however big climbs once in Wales the last of which Strava calls the "Hill of Death" !!!

Full details on: https://www.strava.com/routes/4238149

Training tips Tuesday: Cycling to work

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/skills/commuting-leisure/article/izn20131017-Commuting-Why-dont-you-ride-to-work--0 

Hi, Billy Salmon, here. If you're preparing for the big ride or even just trying to get fitter, cycling to work may be the best answer for you. This article aims to provide answers for all doubts and questions you may have for the commute (and don't worry; the website says it's suitable for beginners!)

Did you know?

There are an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2015. This number will almost double every 20 years, reaching 74.7 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050.

The Route

On July 11th we set of on the Abicare 500 mile challenge for Dementia UK. The plan is to visit each of Abicare's offices from Pontypool in the west to Worthing in the east. 500 miles in 5 days climbing a total of 22,500 ft.

The route will be:

Day 1 - Salisbury-Bradford on Avon-Pontypool

Day 2 - Pontypool - Hereford - Swindon

Day 3 - Swindon - Oxford - Thatcham - Basingstoke - Farnham

Day 4 - Farnham - Handcross - Worthing - Wickham

Day 5 - Wickham - Eastleigh - Wimborne Minster - Salisbury

Day 6 - Sofa

Training tips Tuesday: get fitter, ride faster and go further!

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/fitness/training/cycling-training-plans-153049

Hi, Billy Salmon, here. For the second instalment of training tips Tuesday, I have found an article on the best training plans, written by a professional coach. I'm sure that nobody here will need it, being in peak physical fitness, but make sure you take a look, just in case.

Training tips Tuesday: How to ride long distance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TTGRLcXFyk

Hi, Billy Salmon, here. In order to help the Abicare team prepare for summer, I have decided to post helpful tricks and tips for those brave men and women taking part. So please enjoy, what I hope, is the first episode of a long running series.