When you're tucked up safely in bed late this August, you might just spare a thought for a couple of our long distance cycling colleagues who will be riding 1200 km in France  (non stop for 2 days) from Paris, west to Brest on the coast, and back again.  That's without sleep.  Seriously!  

The PBP (http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index-en.php), run every four years, is the world’s oldest and most prestigious long distance cycling event.  Thousands from every  continent aspire to the event, but only 6000 or so are able to complete the hard kilometers to qualify.  Many ride just to participate, and hopefully to finish within the 90 hour time limit.  The very best in the world, however, the elete athletes, will be aiming for 50 hours or less. 

One of our number, Matt Rawnsley, known to many of you, has been training to be amongst them, a lifetime goal.  Despite doing the event on his own, unlike many of his well-supported competitors, Matt was the first Australian home in 2007, and the second in 2003.  His previous best, in fine conditions, has been 56 hours.  This year, for the first time in 5 attempts (only the third Australian to do so), he will have some moral and logistical support.  By avoiding food queues, bag hunting and major mechanical problems, he can stay with the front runners, and be amongst the very best in the world to finish.

Those that know Matt personally will admit they tend to take for granted his long distance cycling exploits, including such astonishing feats as 28,000 km on the bike in 2010, including 13,600km of Audax rides (organised long distance cycling events).  Matt has done 326 (over 100,000 km) of Audax rides overall, the most of any Australian.  Some have been 1200 km events, such as from Sydney to Melbourne, and Perth-Albany-Perth.  He's ridden the Alpine Classic14 times. 

An unassuming and bashful chap, you won't hear Matt talking about all this effort and success.  While he'll tell you its not about finishing first, his mates will say, with more than a little awe,"....but he does, just doesn't talk about it".

But how does he do it?  Where does the energy come from for 50 hours of non-stop cycling?And why? "Nothing special", says Matt.  "No special gene.  No-one else is the family is an athlete", he says. "Just mind over matter.  Somewhere, somehow, I seem to have discovered determination.  The will to put up with the pain longer than you normal people who have a life.  Maybe its because in one of my first long distance events, after training hard for a long time with some very good people, when we did everything together, and they were good to me, I had a mechanical problem and had to watch them do the event, and finish arm in arm, without me.  I was maybe 25 years old and it had a big impact on me at the time I remember."

"After the 1991 PBP one of my then new friends showed a video of the event.  We were so excited.  20 of us decided to do the next one, in 1995, together.  In the end it was just 4.  But I was very proud of myself then, as I am now to be frank, that I stuck it out."

"Despite the pain and the lonliness, I have to say the rewards, when I stop to remember them, remind me how lucky I've been.  I've ridden my bike (a steel Cecil Walker) throughout Australia, and many parts of the world.  I've met so many wonderful and interesting people, some of whom, in Australia and overseas, I've stayed friends with". 

"And the scenery.  Scottish mountains reflected in lochs early in the morning.  The Dolomites, Pyrrenees and Australian Alps.  The excitement of the French people lining the PBP route, often throughout the night.  I love it all."

Some of Matts friends have decided its time to recognise Matt's althletic gifts, hard work, dedication and achievements.  They say he is a largely unacknowleged elite athlete, arguably the best long distance cyclist in Australia, certainly in organized events.  He is in peak condition, experienced, and ready to better 50 hours (the Australian record is 49 hours).  He just needs a little help. 

If you were to give this help, 2011 can be a once in a lifetime chance for one of our own, Matt Rawnsley, to do something very special in his life, and his long distance cycling career.  Your donation, however modest, will help meet the extra costs associated vehicle hire, fuel, food and drinks, food satchels, communications, GPS, bedding, spare parts, pump etc. Any extra funding will be used for a spare wheel set, freight costs and accommodation prior the event.

Corporate support of course is always welcome.  AyUp lights (http://www.ayup-lights.com) for example put its hand up early to supply a new light set.  Matt has used AyUp lights on his bikes for many years as he has found they provide the illumination and long life needed for two consecutive nights on narrow french roads.

If you think can help, go to the donation link in http://www.scuzziskippys.com/Matt_Rawnsley_PBP, or ring Phillip Chapman, on 0425 040450.  The guys are also looking for another driver, so if you think you'll be in France on 21 August, and would like to participate in this event without actually doing all that gruelling work, give Phillip or Matt (0427379640) a ring. 

The cost of a  couple of coffees is not much for most of us.  But added together it might make a huge difference to Matt's life. 

Lets give him that chance