A new book which showcases some of Norwood’s international bike rides over the last 10 years through a series of stunning photographs has gone on sale. Views from the Saddle: A decade of Norwood Bike Rides has been produced by regular rider Jon Gordon and is being sold in aid of the Charity, which provides vital support to people with learning disabilities and children and families in need.
Since 2001, Jon, 38, has taken part in eight overseas Challenges and four London to Hove rides on behalf of the Charity, raising over £25,000 in the process. The 28-page book, which is printed on high-quality lustre print paper, features pictures he has taken in Iceland, the United States, Israel, South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Brazil.
“I thought this was a good way to combine my passion for photography and my fundraising for Norwood, which is a cause close to my heart,” said Jon, whose family have had close links with Norwood for a number of years. Prior to the bike rides, he used to volunteer at Unity, the Charity’s recreational service for children and young people with disabilities, while his grandparents and mother used to both run fundraising committees for Norwood.
Jon is registered to take part in the Kenya Bike Ride this October where, as always, participants will be joined by a group of adults with learning disabilities, who use Norwood’s services in London and Berkshire and ride on tandems. “The bike rides engage people who fundraise all year round in aid of the charity,” he said. “We cycle for a whole week through mountains and plains. It’s a strenuous physical effort, but the cause makes it well worth it. This book showcases the spirit of the rides, the scenery and people we meet on our journey.”
Norwood pioneered the concept of charity bike rides in 1992 with a trip to Israel and its Challenges programme has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Jon’s book has been published in two sizes: a 300mm x 300mm version priced at £100; and a 200mm x 200mm version priced at £50. All profits from the sale of the book will go towards his fundraising effort ahead of the Kenya Bike Ride. “The beauty of this initiative is that by making a contribution, people can take home a part of the story of the rides in the form of an artistic photographic book,” said Jon. “Hopefully, this will bring in a good amount of money for Norwood, and it will also be a lovely memento for regular Challengers.”
Ian Tate, Norwood’s Head of Challenges, said: “Norwood’s international Challenges are unique events which offer those people who take part a range of once in a lifetime experiences they will never forget. Through his wonderful photographs, Jon has captured the essence of our rides, and I would like to thank him for his continued support of Norwood over the last decade. The money raised from this book will mean a great deal to the people with learning disabilities, and children and families in need, who rely on our help, so I urge you to pick up a copy.”
For more information about the book, visit www.viewsfromthesaddle.com , and for further details about Norwood’s Challenges programme, visit www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
