I have decided to kick off my 2019 by agreeing to cycle 1,500km (that's 932 miles in post Brexit talk) from London to Cannes as part of the Legal & General Cycle to MIPIM. If that wasn't a challenge in itself, I will be getting involved in the annual property conference that is MIPIM immediately as I arrive off the bike. So, why do it (I am sure I hear you shout) – I am under no illusions that this will not be an easy challenge – the ride is at the beginning of March and in previous years, the weather has not been favourable – if anyone has seen me out on my bike in the winter, unless there is a constant promise of cake, I may be heard moaning about the cold, the rain, the numerous punctures (to name a few excuses) from the back of the group. There is also the small matter of the Alps to get over in order to reach Cannes – whilst I wouldn't say that I shirk hills when I'm out riding, the hills of the Cotswolds are no match for the mountains of France. However, the pain is outweighed by the reasons for doing this. For those of you that have had to listen to my triathlon talk, there is no doubt that this will be fantastic training for the triathlon season ahead (this year I have the privilege of representing GB in the European Age Group Middle Distance Championships in Romania), but for me, the real reason is the amazing charities that this organised ride raises money for and how they do it. My firm (Gowling WLG) has very generously put forward my costs in taking part of this adventure, so everything that we raise will go to the charities (and not towards my cake (or anything else) on the ride), but I would like to smash my target for raising money for the following incredible charities: Coram - Coram has protected childhoods since 1739. Today they provide a unique safety net for children and young people who are frequently ignored or marginalised by those responsible for their care. Coram is responding to the exploitation, hardship, abandonment and growing social care crisis blighting young lives. They address the challenges by developing and delivering services to create a lifetime of difference for 1.4m vulnerable children, young people and families each year. You can read more about their work at https://www.coram.org.uk/how-we-do-it – 60% of all of the money raised for the ride will go directly to Coram The remaining 40% will be split among the following charities: • Tom's Trust which supports projects encouraging young people to explore the world of science and gives them the opportunity to find out more about how to take up a science related career - www.tomaprhyspryce.com • Cyclists Fighting Cancer which gives young people across the UK living with cancer the confidence and ability to regain their physical fitness by building and giving them new bikes, adapted trikes, tandems and other necessary support – www.cyclistsfc.org.uk • Multiple System Atrophy Trust which, from the moment of diagnosis, provides MSA specialist nurses, telephone support, an online forum for people affected by MSA and information for healthcare professionals – specifically our ride supports ongoing research into a cure www.msatrust.org.uk It would be great if you could sponsor me on this ride in any way. In addition, if you're in Cannes for MIPIM on either the Tuesday or Wednesday, let me know as it would be great to catch up. So you can help feel my pain, I plan on keeping a (not too frequent) blog and you can follow my progress on www.facebook.com/lovingtriing and on Instagram @lovingtriing Denise