Berlin in 10.

By A.W.E Security Options

My Activity Tracking

1,038
mi

My target 1038 mi

Home again.

It is nice to be in my own bed once more. My family hosted a lovely surprise welcome for me, which meant the world. I'm going to keep this page open until the 22nd, in the hopes we can edge ever closer to the target.

Day 10 complete.

Last day done. Part of me didn't want it to end, this past 10 days has given me something to really focus on. Today's route was beautiful and it just felt straight the entire way, no turns. I can't say I'd ever do this again, but I am grateful that I get to go home with such amazing memories.

Day 9 complete.

Wow this was a long day, partly because I cycled all the way to the chain link ferry for it to be closed WITH NO NOTICE. Luckily a helpful German mother stood with me for 5 minutes whilst we worked put how to get across this massive river. Putting everything in my bivvi bag and attempting to swim across just was not appealing to me. Found out what I had to do! Cycle 10 miles back the way I came, then come all the way up the right side. Some beautiful scenes though. I was too busy to capture photos but a canal on a bridge, above a river?! Beautiful.

Day 8 complete.

I am a little bit confused where I seem to be missing miles today. Having redone my Komoot route a couple times, the total millage to Berlin is looking to be closer to 1,017. Strange...not that my glutes or quads will complain. I'll add the images of the route plan after Wednesday.
Today was very very wet, and saw me stopping off at a bike shop to pick up some overshoes....what a game changer.
I've got to experience some real German generosity too...After reading a chain link ferry, with no money, I was allowed to cross for free. After attempting to buy a coffee and a pretzel to warm up, and two seperate cards and Google pay failing, I was gifted the items for free as well as having a pizza given to me, for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Maybe Germans aren't as bad as I first thought. 

Day 7 complete.

Day 7 saw me ending my ride in Rinteln. Cycling through Herford was interesting, as I am sure it is just one big uphill. To be honest, it was all up hill from there. I've cycled past and over train tracks a few times now, and my mind races to being on the train, on the way back to Brussels, and then home. Its been a long few days, but all for a worthy cause.

Day 6 complete.

What a day. I finally changed my top, and cycled through the Netherlands, into Germany. When I awoke, to unlock my bike, I found a full market had set up around it, quite embarrassing really. Then the push into Germany, where everyone drives fast. To begin with there was no dedicated cycle lanes, and with all the weight on the bike, I'm pushing maybe 15mph whilst everyone is zooming past at 100kph. Quite daunting. So a re-evaluation of upcoming routes I think. It does mean longer, but keeps me off of those fast roads.

Day 5 complete.

Day 5 saw a cycle through Belgium and into the Netherlands ending in Nijmagen. What a beautiful set of countries to cycle through, made the miles slightly easier too.

Day 4 complete.

Belgium is a beautiful country to cycle through, loads of towns and cities, and loads of cyclists so it's nice to be able to interact...not that I speak the lingo at all. I've settled up in Antwerp tonight and will push towards the Netherlands in the morning.

Day 3 complete.

Day 3 was a slog. It saw mass technical issues, 1 flat tyre, two crashes which saw the loss of my basha pole. A long day that ended with a stop short outside of lille.

Day 2 complete.

Long and very emotional day, some highlights, such as Pegasus Bridge, but the distance was a killer. Made it into Paris very late, and now looking forward to Lille.

Day 1 complete.

A slightly short day today, achieving only 110 miles (hopefully it updates here soon). But this was always expected, after loosing out a bit of time to the Ferry. We re-attack tomorrow.

Made it to the Ferry.

That was emotional, being awake a full 24hrs didn't make that anymore fun at all. Nice sleep on the boat, then back at it on the other end.

We are off.

The time has come, the hour upon us. I write this as I am in the taxi on the way to Imber village, bike on the back, mind racing. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared and followed so far. Watch this space, next stop Poole and the Ferry terminal.

Update 03.

I have been so busy working, and on training course the last two months that I am leaving things to last minute, as any good squaddie would. 
Nutrition - ✅️ Sorted - Eventually....
Bike - ✅️ Semi Sorted - I'll be getting the bike rack, panniers and bags this weekend.
Clothes ✅️ Semi Sorted - I'll be getting some small bits this weekend.
Mentality - Dreading it, but it is for such a good cause that it is beyond worth it. Your donations help to motivate me, and it doesn't even have to be large amounts. Any donation, no matter the size is going to help Veterans who are struggle come through the other end. Thank you.

Update 02.

Ferry tickets have been booked. Wow, it is going to be an early morning start. Still lots to do.

Update 01

🚴‍♂️ Exciting Updates on My Charity Fundraiser! 🚴‍♂️

I’m thrilled to share some big updates on my charity fundraising challenge! The routes are now fully planned, with a detailed daily itinerary mapped out for each leg of the journey. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything is in place, and it’s all coming together perfectly!

I’m also excited to let you know that the charity fundraising pack has arrived. It’s packed with essential information that I can’t wait to share with you all, and the cycling jerseys are here too—I can’t wait to try them on and represent our cause on the road!

I want to make it clear that every single expense involved in this challenge, from preparation to the ride itself, will be paid by me personally. This ensures that every penny raised will go directly to the cause we’re supporting.

As I continue to prepare, my next steps include planning and purchasing the right nutrition to keep me fueled during the ride, making some necessary adaptations to the bike, and deciding on a crucial aspect of the challenge: Should I go unsupported and stay in hotels, or should I keep costs down by going completely solo and using a tent?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on this last part—your input could really help shape how I approach this adventure.

Thank you all for your incredible support so far. Together, we’re making a real difference! 🌟

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep pushing towards our fundraising goal!

#CharityChallenge #CyclingForACause #Fundraiser #AdventureAwaits

I am raising vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

£500

Pinnacle Risk Consultancy

Outstanding effort Owen. Thank you for putting yourself through this challenge to raise money for Combat Stress, a much needed cause. Well done and congratulations Team PRC

£106

Ryan Adams

£92.22

Will Bort

Owen is amazing ♥️

£84.80

Jonnys Bar

what a fantastic achievement own

£53

Oliver Longley

A wholly earnest endeavour and for a great cause. Fantastic effort, good luck, god speed!

£53

The Rowley

you can do this wish we could give more

£50

Sarah Wright

Love mum and dad xxx

£50

Lynda Little

£38

Martin Gillman

Just a little further.

£28.62

Martin Bugler

£28.62

Owen Allsopp

£28.62

Marta West

Well done Owen! You've got this!

£26.50

Colin

Well done, Owen. Thanks for your thoughts and efforts for those afflicted with psychological injuries. All the best, Colin (Bryony Hale’s dad 🫡)

£25

Erryn Jones

good fucking effort mate.

£21.20

George.e

All the best Owen!

£21.20

Stacy

£21.20

Oliver Cullingford

Giving you O and G man power 💪👍

£21.20

Jay Littler

Strong

£21.20

Matt Richards

£21.20

Steve Morris

£21.20

Sangam Gurung

£20

Kaye Manser

So proud of you Owen. Love the Mansers

£20

Phil Holmans

👌

£20

The Melhuish Family

Well done Owen, what a challenge and a worthy cause! We're looking forward to hearing about your adventure. All the best and good luck!

£10.60

Anonymous

£10.60

Anonymous

£10.60

Anonymous

Smashing it well done

£10.60

Julia And Angel

Well done!

£10.60

Yax

Good effort mate. You’re still one of the strangest bloke I have met! 😂

£10.60

Anonymous

£10

Zoe

£10

David Goodall

£10

Angel And Julia

Well done, you’re doing great!

£10

Tom Gadsby

£10

Rachel Rowley

£5.30

Paul Chapman

£5

Jason Rendell

£5

Lauren Dixon