Clifton cyclist Chris Bloomfield to ride Route 66 in America to raise funds for charity
A Clifton insurance broker must be hoping that 'six' is his lucky number.
He is planning to ride 66 miles a day for 66 days - on the famous Route 66 which crosses the United States.
-
Chris Bloomfireld is cycling from New York to LA on Route 66
Chris Bloomfield, 26, who is single, expects to ride a total of 3,500 miles from New York to Chicago and down to Los Angeles.
The route will take him through desert, mountains and some of the most sparsely populated areas of the continent.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Wednesday, May 22 2013
He has decided to undertake the ride in memory of his grandfather who died of Alzheimer's Disease.
Chris said: "I am trying to emulate his vulnerability by riding through some pretty inhospitable places.
"The difference for me is that it is self-inflicted and my grandfather did not have that choice."
Chris said that as his grandfather's condition grew worse, he was less able to take care of himself which was a desperately sad experience.
"By being totally out of my own comfort zone, perhaps I will get a glimpse of what he went through," Chris said.
He is raising money for the Alzheimer's Society and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
"I chose the society because they give such a lot of support to the families as well as the patient," he said.
He has already been promised £1,500 but hopes to raise a total of £20,000.
He is taking unpaid time off work and paying for all his own expenses including his flight so that every penny raised can go to the charities.
Chris was born and raised in Ipswich but came to Bristol seven years ago to study business studies at the University of the West of England.
After finishing his degree, he landed a job as an insurance broker with a firm in the city.
He is planning to buy a sturdy touring bike for the trip and has decided to use a trailer instead of panniers to carry his tent and belongings.
One of his fundraising stunts will be to challenge two Atlantic rowers to a "race" in Cabot Circus in April where they will go head to head to cover the greatest distance.
For more information, go to www.justdoitforcharity.com
2 Comments
by mrs_h_2011
Wednesday, February 06 2013, 12:44AM
“Route 66 begins in Chicago and ends in LA. It does not cross from coast to coast. Good luck to him though!”
by brissleblue
Tuesday, February 05 2013, 4:22PM
“That is a really great adventure. However, though it would cost a lot more money, I would advise that Chris be shadowed by either a series of companions or, if the driver can handle the pace, a car.
Three reasons, one good, the other two not so good.
First, especially if Chris finds his trip is publicised (and if local US media pick up the story, he will inevitably find himself with a tv camera in his face) he may well cover 66 miles a day but will take more than 66 days. That is because many, many Americans are incredibly hospitable/curious and will want to talk to him. There will be delays, at every potty stop, food stop, sleep stop. Be prepared for Smoky Bear (the Highway Police, in various incarnations) to stop and want to check what is going on.
Plus, and I guarantee it, there are so many fascinating bits of Route 66 Chris will be tempted to stop and have a good, long look. Just West of Springfield Missouri (avoid, horrible place) is the wonderful Gay Parita location, in Sinclair on Old Rte 66. I defy anybody finding it just to ride by and not stop. It is wonderful!
Second, and I'm sure Chris knows this, Rte 66 is dangerous. Don't, EVER, ride on a dual carriage way. There will be lots of stretches of the road that are the 'Old Rte 66' but a lot has now gone and replaced/paralled by country roads which by and large go over the same ground. Plus, sorry to say, some US drivers, especially out in the sticks, are perversely inclined to ride cyclists off the road. Just for the hell of it. Nasty. Plus, there are some hokey parts of the route where the locals may just be as inclined to rob as to welcome. Camera, bike, cash could all be regarded as fair game.
Third, crossing Oklahoma, Texas and much of New Mexico, Arizona and crossing the (long) stretch of California East of the LA Basin is physically very testing in late June, July and August, even into September. Hot beyond belief, constant wind from the West. Water is heavy but MUST be carried. Camping out West risks sharing your site with reptiles, racoons and biting insects. Seriously, not recommended.
Having said all that, take care but go for it. This would be the adventure of a lifetime.”