6 Hour Cycle Challenge for the Emily Ash Trust

Last weekend saw Absolute’s technology consultant, Michael Oats, don his lycra shorts and get on his bike for an intense 6-hour challenge, all in support of a remarkable charity, The Emily Ash Trust.

The indoor cycle endurance event saw Mike complete six 50-minute spin sessions back-to-back, followed by an hour push across the finish line. Having trained since mid-September, Mike’s been doing 3hour rides to get his stamina up to pace to be able to compete. Having admitted he wasn’t in the best shape ahead of doing this challenge, he knew if he set this gruelling goal, he’d be able to accomplish an impressive challenge and raise money for an incredible charity.

Mike said, “I was due to take on this challenge last year but wasn’t in the best physical shape. I started training for the event in mid-September and thought it would be a good way to raise money for a charity we support closely.

The event was exceptionally hard. It didn’t help that in the first 45 minutes, there was no air-con, fans or ventilation in the studio, so it had to have been at least 90 degrees in there! The heat from 80 people and the production lights made it unbearable. 5,900 Calories, four shirts, two pairs of shorts, two hats and four pairs of socks later, the challenge was done. I would say that in the final 30 minutes, my legs were completely gone.

As hard as it was, it was amazing to participate in such an event. The one thing that was evident was the togetherness of everyone. Everyone was there as a team to complete the day. The gentleman next to me was due to do the event last year but was diagnosed with cancer and had to start chemo. He managed to recover but made it his goal to complete the event this year… which he did. This was just one of the inspiring and motivational stories I heard throughout the day.”

Mike’s impressive achievement has seen him raise more than £500 for the Emily Ash Trust, a charity that’s dedicated to supporting families who have a child, teenager or young adult with cancer. If you’d like to get involved, you can still donate to this fantastic cause via his JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/michaeloats