Llandyrnog mum and son prepare for epic Alpine challenge

In their very own Tour de France, Llandyrnog mum and son Libby Glazebrook and Arran White are heading to the Alps with their bikes and camping kit to take on a major fundraising journey.

Arran, 13, and Libby will be setting off from Geneva airport on July 15 to cycle the Route Des Grandes Alpes to Nice.

This epic route covers 16 alpine passes over its 700km with a mammoth 18,000m of uphill.

Understandably, they have been doing lots of training in preparation, but they understand it will be tough - especially because they will be self supported, camping along the way and carrying all their kit.

The duo are raising money for two charities that support illnesses that affect people they love - Dementia UK and Cancer Research UK.

Training for the big challenge

Looking forward to the venture, Libby said: "We will take on 16 alpine cols including the likes of the Cormet de Roseland, Col d’Iseran, Galibier, Izoard and Col de la Cayolle.

"We are hoping to swim in as many pools, rivers and lakes as we can en route and eat our body weights in pain au chocolat!

"We have been doing lots of training – day and multi day rides to test the kit and ourselves but it’s going to be tough – riding an average of 1250m of uphill, some climbs are 30km and it will be hot and then having to set up a camp each night, maintain bikes, eat and fit in some sleep.

"Decamping and doing it all again the next day."

On the reason for taking on the major challenge, Libby added: "Well my lovely mum passed away this year, good friends have been very unwell, I am not getting any younger and Arran will, in a few years, be leaving the nest.

"Time for a bit of Carpe Diem. Hence the name 'seize_ the_fish'.

"We thought that others could benefit from our cycling suffering so we are raising money for two charities that support illnesses that have affected people we love.

"Arran is raising money for Dementia UK and for me it's Cancer Research UK.

READ: 500-mile cycle challenge for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation

"Just Giving doesn’t allow money to be split between two charities whilst also receiving Gift Aid so I have created two fundraising pages and linked them.

"You can choose which to donate to, I would have split the money 50/50.

"I realise money is tight right now but if you can sponsor us that would be really appreciated – and it will motivate us to keep grinding those pedals up the 10 per cent gradients on some of the climbs."

People can read more about the trip on their fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/team/seizethefish and also follow them on Instagram at seize_the_fish.