Anyone Can Change Everything

Hans Wilsdorf released his Oyster in 1926. Exactly fifty years later, ROLEX launched their "Rolex Awards for Enterprise" program. The brochure you see the cover above celebrated 40 years in 2016.

Read that title again. We all can change the world. Probably not just overnight but over the years, we can all be actors of real change. All it takes is a simple step.

Around a hundred cyclists gathered in the early hours last Sunday in front of Rapha 's Manchester Clubhouse in King Street. All due to cycle 220 miles southwards down to London in small groups of 8 to 12. I was one of them for the 10th time in a row.

You may wonder why I do keep going back riding 220 miles in a single day ?

While Carlsberg Group is known for their "Probably The Best Beer In The World", Manchester to London (#M2L) might well enter history as the "Best Cycling Day in The World". This makes at least one good reason for going back.

That link other than just riding together is the main driver: raising awareness and funds for Autism. Every cyclist does her/hist best to raise at least 1'000 ￡ for Ambitious about Autism . "Ce petit truc en plus" is what makes me return every year. Riding for fun, a podium, the sake of riding or any other reason are all very lovely indeed. Riding for a cause changes everything. You need to experience it yourself to see what kind of people you meet during such a day. People you would never expect meeting in your life or people you would not think doing such a mammoth ride. Over the years some became friends.

Make a test among your colleagues, friends and family. Ask them what they know about autism. If they have it already on their radar, they will all agree there is still a lot to do: there are neither enough resources nor enough supervision available. If it is new land, you will encounter more questions than answers. If you go a step deeper and are looking for solutions, you will shake your head of disbelief.

This is what this ride has set out to change. Increase awareness and provide more means.

I did not know much in 2014 and am still learning every year since. All I know so far is autism does not get the bandwidth it deserves nor the care families dealing with autism need so much.

Immerse yourself in the day with Paul Colley 's video of his year's ride.

Dan Benson explains below why he took part and what the charity enables, for example for his son.

When you think you have seen it all, look again. Do you see the gentleman with the white jacket? Daisuke Yano brought his Brompton Bicycle all the way from Japan to ride with us.

People with autism live like us. Their processor and operating system are just different.

Very few people cycle 220 miles in one day. Regardless of physical condition, body constitution and fitness, each participant eventually reaches the cave in which everything becomes brutal, harsh, incomprehensible and violent. This is done on purpose. This race is a reflection of what autism causes in a family. The advantage of the race is that it ends sooner or later on a Sunday afternoon, evening or late night. Autism stays for an entire life.

“Ambitious about Autism have supported Oscar and my family for many, many years,” says Simon Mottram . “Raising funds for the charity by creating this extremely challenging bike ride was a fairly natural thing for me to do.”

“And the fact is, autistic people and young people with challenges – who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, economic uncertainty and reduced resources – need our support now more than ever. The charity’s mission – a world where autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions – is one that I will continue to support and promote.”

In 10 years of Manchester to London, the funds raised have enabled significative change and will continue to do just that. If you find this cause as worthy as I do, please join the 2024 #M2L fundraising campaign. A click on any picture in this article will lead you there.

Thank you very much for your generosity and support,

Mark