A COMMITTED cyclist is preparing to saddle up and ride thousands of miles off the beaten track to encourage kids to get active.
Martine Verweij, who is the CEO of Warwickshire-based charity Kids Run Free, will be attempting to ride solo 2,700 miles in 24 days from Canada to Mexico along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.
She aims to raise £10,000 for the charity which develops running programmes and parks events, encouraging some 10,000 children to develop a passion for physical activity.
The route is the longest, off-road cycle route in the world – beginning in Alberta, Canada and finishing in Antelope Wells, New Mexico – comprised of dirt roads, trails and unmaintained tracks.
The mum-of-two will spend around 16 hours a day in the saddle and faces climbs up to 200,000 feet, hauling her gear and food with her.
Martine, who sets off on June 8, is a keen hockey player has competed in triathlon championships and mountain bike stage races.
The sports lover said while she was confident at handling the physical demands of this race, the hardest part would be being away from her young children for a month.
Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/MartineandBrian to donate to Martine’s cause.
