Mike is saddling-up for a 300-mile charity bike ride in Poland

From the Echo archive, first published Tuesday 14th Feb 2006.
WHEN he retired after working for more than 40 years, Mike Cahill, pictured, wanted to make sure that he did not find himself at a loose end.Instead of taking up a new hobby or booking a holiday, the former manager of a logistics company signed up for a mammoth bike ride - even though he had not exercised for ten years.
The 62-year-old grandfather of two will spend five days cycling in Poland from Krakow to Warsaw, covering an impressive 473km, nearly 300 miles. His route is highlighted below.
The event, known as the "Great 500", is organised in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Mike, of The Hawthorns, Marchwood, told the Daily Echo: "I retired at the end of January and was wondering what to do with myself. When I heard about the Great 500, I thought it was perfect - a way of getting fit, doing something to benefit the community and do something different."
Luckily, you don't need to be super-fit or an expert cyclist to take part.
Mike added: "I haven't done anything physical in years. In fact until now I didn't even have a bike! But I've got a training plan to get me in shape for the event."
Five hundred cyclists will take part in the charity challenge, travelling from five different starting points and all meeting in Warsaw on September 15.
Marie Curie Cancer Care provides completely free high-quality nursing care to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families.

l There are still places available on the Great 500 available for a number of routes and ability levels. For details on getting involved, or to sponsor Mike, contact Marie Curie Cancer Care on 023 8026 3123.