Part 1:
TESTICULAR CANCER. We all know about it and let’s be honest cycling has a bit of history with it thanks to a certain TDF rider.
April is testicular cancer awareness month and it’s important that we as men are aware of how important it is to regularly #KnowThyNuts.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged between 15 and 45 – approximately 2,400 guys are diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK.
In fact, globally, men aged 18-34 are most at risk of the disease, yet 83% of them don’t know it. And while it’s rare (it accounts for 1% of all male tumours), there are still 70,000 men across the world who
are diagnosed with the disease each year.
Awareness is key - which is where Movember comes in.
This April, The Nuts & Bolts ride starts. A variation of the famous coast to coast cycling challenge which involved cycling from the closest Western and Eastern points of the UK.
The Nuts & Bolts ride takes this challenge, and flips it on it’s head cycling from the most Western point of the UK, Land’s End, to the most Eastern point, Ness Point in Lowestoft. The route takes in around 690kms and over 6500 meters of elevation.
Through my suffering, riding non stop across the UK, the aim is to showcase, fundraise and highlight the incredible work carried out by Movember in changing the face of men’s health.
So if you are reading this, you know part 1 didn’t quite go to plan..
We all face challenges in life. It’s not always possible to see a solution or cope with your reaction. I had a major setback recently, during part 1, I was trying to achieve something positive, and because of the mindless actions of a small group of people, it came to a premature end.
One thing that has helped is to talk about it, and share how it affected me, and this is something we can all do, in any situation. Having people listen, nothing more, is a huge help.
It’s not always easy for men to reach out, and to feel vulnerable. It can also be tough to know what to say to someone you think is struggling. I’ve been supporting Movember for a long time now, and they have tools to help with reaching out.
ALEC. Ask. Listen. Encourage action. Check in.
This simple model is easy to remember and follow when you want to approach a guy (or anyone) who you think is having a tough time. You learn more here.
Movember Conversations helps you rehearse these tricky situations. Prepare yourself and get some tips on how to help a guy open up. Try it out at conversations.movember.com
Need professional help and resources? Movember have compiled a comprehensive list here for all kinds of mental health support.
On the 29th May, I’ll be heading back down to Land’s End to have another crack at the Nuts and Bolts ride. Cycling from England’s most Western point to the most Eastern point, Ness Point as quick as I can to raise money for the incredible work carried out by Movember. If you are able to support in some way, it’s hugely appreciated.
If I could ask you to do one thing, it’s to talk more. I hope by continuing these challenges, I can draw more attention to men’s mental health.
The second attempt was a great success, completing the ride with under 30 hours moving time. Below is the Komoot collection for the ride:
Emily Childs from Attacus and I recently recorded a podcast talking about many of the highs and lows of the challenge plus how it mentally affected me in post a positive and negative way. You can watch it here:
And listen to it here: