“I just absolutely love cycling and if people want to give me money to do something I enjoy that’s just brilliant.”
Mark
With a collection of nine, all of different shapes and sizes, a workshop in his Sidcup garden where he gives old ones a new lease of life so they can be sold for charity, and having completed countless rides for good causes, it’s fair to say retired loss adjuster Mark Gately loves everything about bicycles.
Since learning to ride in the field behind his childhood home in Sidcup, bikes have always been a big part of Mark’s life. He’s also put his passion to good effect – raising more than £20,000 for a number of charities, including £3,000 for St Christopher’s.
As a veteran of two serious rides for St Christopher’s – to Paris and Amsterdam – Mark is now seriously looking forward to St Christopher’s Palace to Palace expedition in 2025. He says he’d also strongly encourage others to sign up.
“They really are a wonderful experience. I did both Paris and Amsterdam with a mate and made lots more friends on the trip. There is such a good atmosphere and feeling of camaraderie as everyone has a common interest. It really is a family affair. If you haven’t got a buddy to do it with, don’t worry because you’ll soon find one.”
Having completed and enjoyed the Paris ride in 2017 with his friend Gerry, whose father had been cared for by St Christopher’s, Mark had no hesitation in signing up for the Amsterdam one two years later – but slightly differently.
Mark and his childhood friend Peter agreed to complete the trip on a tandem. Apart from having to endure a sore backside (for which he provides some advice later), Mark enjoyed this mode of transport too.
London to Paris
“These rides are fabulous – exciting to start and great to finish. Meeting up in the hotel after the first day’s ride everyone is so buoyed up. Then on the last leg everyone rides together in a large group.
“Cycling in France is totally different – the roads are clearer and there’s total respect for cyclists.”
With a heap of other long distance charity rides under his belt too, Mark is the perfect person to provide first-timers with some sage advice.
“Firstly, I’d say while both the fundraising target and the distance might seem daunting, they really aren’t.
“With the fundraising, there are so many avenues you can pursue. Friends, family, work colleagues, your employer, clients and the Rotary club and there are lots of little side events you can do – whether it’s bucket collections in your local supermarket or bake sales. They’ll all help you reach your target and the fundraising team at St Christopher’s are always so supportive.
“Then with the distance, you think, ‘can I really do 100 miles a day?’ But if you can do a reasonable amount of training, maybe regular 30-mile rides and then nearer the time do a couple of longer – say 70-mile rides – then you’ll definitely be able to do 100. If a fat old bloke like me can do it, then you certainly can.
“And you can go at your own pace. Yes, there’ll be the Lycra brigade at the front, but there’ll be people of all paces.”
Two of the most important tips Mark would give both relate to equipment. Firstly, he’s adamant about the benefits of padded shorts – particularly after the Amsterdam tandem experience. Secondly, always train on the bike you’re planning to use.
With Mark’s enthusiasm and advice ringing in your ears, there’s no time like the present – sign up for Palace to Palace in September 2025 now and bonne chance.
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