It’s fair to say that Bob Bolder does love a challenge.
Bob, who recently celebrated his 35th year at Charlton Athletic, is well known for his full-throttle approach to taking part in all the various fundraising initiatives organised by Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) over the years, but his latest project might just be his biggest challenge yet.
To most people, the thought of undertaking a daily programme of training 2 to 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the gym and on a bike from April to August is daunting enough; but this is what Charlton Legend Bob has embraced to ensure he’ll be ready to take on his latest personal challenge to raise funds for important CACT projects, including the much-loved ‘Charlton Upbeats’ Down’s Syndrome initiative.
Starting on September 4th, Bob will be taking part in the iconic ‘Deloitte Ride Across Britain’ cycle challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Bob will be cycling over 100 miles on each of the route’s nine epic days, spending up to 12 hours a day in the saddle, before finally arriving in the far north of Scotland eight days later!
Speaking while taking a five-minute break from his training schedule, Bob said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the ‘Ride Across Britain’ event. It’s brilliantly organised with up to 1,000 people taking part and the support the riders receive is excellent, including mechanical and medical support, tented accommodation, massages, sports nutrition and all our hot meals.
“It’s going to be tough but I’m proud to have been a part of this football club as a player, CACT community coach and match day host for 35 years and it’s important to support CACT’s great work and, of course, we all love the Upbeats, don’t we...’’
Bob added his thanks to everyone who has already “generously donated towards my target” of £5,000. “The funds raised on my challenge will help to keep the amazing Upbeats running for the next 12 months”, he said.
Click here to donate to Bob’s ‘Ride Across Britain’ challenge.
For information about sponsorship opportunities for Bob’s ‘Ride Across Britain’ challenge, please contact joanne.dunn@cact.org.uk.