Dawn Mylet

Cycle 300 Miles in June

My Activity Tracking

393
mi

I'm cycling 300 miles for Dementia UK

This June, I'm cycling 300 miles and raising funds to help ensure no family faces dementia alone. I'm taking on the challenge for Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, and would be grateful for your support.

Your donation, big or small, makes a difference. Just £8 can cover the telephone costs for two families seeking support through Dementia UK's free Helpline. £33 could fund a new dementia specialist Admiral Nurse to spend an hour helping a family in the community, offering practical solutions and emotional support to cope with their loved one’s distressed behaviour.

Thank you!

My Achievements

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Reached Fundraising Goal

Distance Reached

Increased Target

My Updates

Final Post...Promise...have to show my badge of honour

Monday 30th Jun
Well, that's it. The wheels have stopped spinning (for now), and the 300 mile challenge is officially DONE.

I’m absolutely chuffed to say I smashed my fundraising target and raised £310 for Dementia UK. Thank you so much to everyone who donated, cheered me on, or simply tolerated my endless cycle chat.

And because every hero's journey needs a reward, I even earned myself a fancy upgraded cycling jersey. It’s sleek, it's stylish, it probably makes me 14% faster* (*untested), and it definitely helps distract from the fact that I still cycle like a sweaty little goblin on a hill climb.

But now I look like a pro.
Which is half the battle, right?

No more blog posts (I promise). Just one very happy cyclist, a slightly exhausted Strava app and a shiny new badge of honour.

Thanks again, and big love to you all.
🚴‍♀️💙🧠

#ChallengeComplete #DementiaUK #SweatyGoblinToStylishCyclist #300MileVictory #FinalPostIPromise

Challenge Completed

Friday 27th Jun
WOOOO HOOOO!
It is done!
Last night I pedalled my way past the 300 mile mark.  In fact, I went full overachiever and did 301 miles, just for dramatic flair,  possibly because I took a wrong turn!

A huge THANK YOU for all the generous donations, kind messages, and motivational nudges.  Honestly, every mile was powered by your support, and I’m very grateful. It’s all been worth it, even the days I looked like a drowned rat on 2 wheels.

So… what’s next? Who knows. For now, I’m officially retiring from high mileage heroics and returning to my regularly scheduled programming of occasional, weather dependent commuting.

Now that I now know the route, I’ve got the thighs for it, and I’ll be back on the bike to work when Glasgow’s weather allows (translation: not horizontal rain days).

And as for this daily blog? Let’s just say I’ve confirmed that influencer life is not for me. Too much typing, not enough napping. I'm exhausted.

Thanks again, you're all legends.
Now pass me the snacks and let me sit down.

#301MilesDone #BikeBoss #RetiredInfluencer #300MilesForDementia #NoMoreWindPlease

penultimate post...10 miles left to go 🙌😀

Wednesday 25th Jun
Today I added another glorious 10 miles to the grand total, on a circular loop to Bishopton... because apparently, I enjoy going in circles both literally and emotionally.

Strava, ever the brutally honest friend, gently informed me that I’m “slightly below my recent 30 day average speed, but managing to match typical distance.” Which, translated from fitness speak, means: “You're going nowhere fast, but at least you're going.” Honestly, it’s the most accurate summary of my leg fatigue I’ve heard all week. Cheers, Strava.

I could blame the tired legs on the cumulative miles.
But truth be told, it's more likely to be the fallout from my very busy, very not restful city break. You know it's bad when walking along the work corridor to fill up your water bottle feels like a mile long and you need a nap afterwards.

Still, the finish line is in sight. I’m now perched on the edge of triumph, staring down the last few miles like a gladiator who forgot their sword but remembered snacks.

Tomorrow, I WILL finish. By hook or by crook, or by sheer caffeine fueled spite.

Stay tuned for the final chapter. It might include a celebratory drink. It will definitely include carbs 😋🚴‍♀️

Wind, Wobbly Legs & the Final Countdown!

Wednesday 25th Jun
Last night's 8.5 mile commute home felt like cycling through treacle with bricks for legs. Apparently, Monday's return to the saddle didn’t go unnoticed by my thighs, and the wind had clearly picked a side, and it wasn’t mine.

BUT... every pedal stroke counts, and I’m thrilled (and mildly stunned) to report that there’s only 20 miles left to go! 🎉

Strava is practically throwing confetti at me with how good the stats are looking, picture here is a small snippet of all the data available, but all looking good.

#WobblyLegsWinRaces #WindIsNotMyCoach #StravaLovesMe #20MilesToGo #300MilesForDementia

Planes, Boats & a Brand-New Chain (Plus One White Audi Too Many) 🚴‍♀️✈️🛳️

Tuesday 24th Jun
Sorry for my absence,  have had to put the Challenge on pause for a while… because I swapped two wheels for every other mode of transport known to man over the weekend in sunny (and melting) Düsseldorf.

We’re talking 35°C heat, non stop walking, and travel by plane, train, tram, boat, bus, scooter, subway...pretty much everything short of a bike (too hot to cycle).  If there was a loyalty card for transport methods, I’d have completed it.
 
Back home and back in action, I picked up my freshly repaired bike from Gordon (bike hero legend) who handed it over with a new chain and cassette, after I wore the last one out (what an athlete I am!!) The ride home would’ve been easy if it weren’t for the 28mph headwinds trying to reverse me into a hedge. Naturally, I doubled down and cycled to Renfrew for a body pump class, then home again, at which point I passed out in bed like a log with mild saddle trauma.

Then came today, Tuesday.  Cycling was the last thing I wanted to do when I woke up still shattered from the weekend and in need of another 4 hours kip, but I’ve come this far.  So I shoved on the waterproofs and let the tailwind push me to work like Mary Poppins with gears.

All was going surprisingly well… until a white Audi decided mirrors and basic road rules were optional and launched out of a junction without looking. Thankfully, I now live in a state of constant suspicion and had already clocked it as a potential threat. I braked, avoided a near miss, and muttered a few choice words that probably startled nearby squirrels.

Effectively ticked off another 8.5 miles, bringing me closer to the finish line. I’ve now totally lost track of my running total (maths never is my strong point) but safe to say, the end is firmly in sight!

#DusseldorfDetour #TailwindsAndTerror #WhiteAudiOfDoom #StillPedalling #300MilesForDementia

BBQs, Sunshine & a Surprise Spin

Thursday 19th Jun
Today definitely didn’t feel like a cycling day.

We had our annual work BBQ, and I spent most of it running around filling ice buckets, managing tickets, making sure everyone had drinks in hand, food in their bellies, and that the sun wasn’t the only thing making people smile. It was a brilliant afternoon — full of good chat, good vibes, and only mild chaos (the fun kind). But by the time I got home, I was absolutely knackered 😴 

Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was go back out on my bike. I very nearly convinced myself I’d earned the evening off. But with the 300 mile challenge so close to the finish line (only about 60 miles to go!), I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t at least try.

So I dragged myself out, running on fumes, and set off for what I thought would be a short, token ride.

And I’m so glad I did.

I ended up stumbling across a local route I’d never taken before. It was quiet, scenic, and the path was lovely and smooth. One of those unexpected moments that makes the tired legs worth it.

Now I’m home and packing for a weekend away in Düsseldorf, which means my challenge is on "pause" until next Monday when im back. But the finish line is very much in sight!

 Feeling tired but proud  and weirdly excited to finish strong when I get back.
🚴‍♀️☀️

Wind, Parcels & a Turtle on Two Wheels 🐢🚴‍♀️

Wednesday 18th Jun

Clocked just over 11 miles on the lunchtime airport loop today...made significantly more challenging by a gusty headwind doing its best to blow me backwards. Pretty sure I saw a pigeon overtake me.

Topped it off with a couple of extra miles running errands, picked up a parcel, grabbed my dinner, and then attempted to shove everything into my backpack like I was packing for a weekend away. Cycled home feeling like a heavily loaded turtle, wobbling along, just trying not to tip over.

Mileage still counts, even when you're wobbling and sloth like, just gotta keep moving!

Strava Route : Ride #20 : June Challenge

Wednesday 18th Jun

Sunshine, Tailwinds & Strava Praise – 230 Miles Done! ☀️🚴‍♀️

Wednesday 18th Jun
What a ride tonight! 19 miles up to Lock 27 in Glasgow on a rare, sunny evening, with the wind finally doing something useful (for once) and Simon, my trusty cycling sidekick, keeping pace the whole way.

This brings my total to 230 miles...only 70 to go! Totally within reach now, as long as I don’t get distracted by pub gardens or mid ride snack breaks.

Strava even gave me a virtual pat on the back with some motivational stats, something about “pushing past my usual distance” and bagging a couple of “third-best segments” along the canal. So, basically...I was flying...by my own standards!

Momentum’s building, legs are holding up, and if the sun and Strava keep being this kind, I might just cruise over that finish line in under a week.

#230AndCounting #StravaKnowsBest #CyclingToTheFinish #300MilesForDementia #TailwindsAndTriumphs

Joined a Cycle Group… and Left My Gears (and Patience) Unused

Monday 16th Jun
Decided to mix things up tonight and joined a new cycling group. Full of nerves beforehand...What if they’re all speed demons? What if it’s all hills? What if I get left behind and have to move to Bearsden out of shame?

Turns out… I needn’t have worried.

7 miles done in
1 hour 20 minutes 😴🥱
Through the deepest, darkest parts of Drumchapel🙈
At a pace I can only describe as “gentle Sunday stroll, but on wheels.”🐌

Normally I’d have nailed double the distance in that time and still had energy left for snacks. 

Will look forward to being back on a faster solo mission tomorrow.

#SlowRoll #DrumchapelCreeperCrew #7MilesTooLong #300MilesForDementia #RegretInLycra

Target Smashed – Thanks, Mum, Dad & Everyone! 💙

Monday 16th Jun

Big milestone alert! I’ve officially surpassed my original £200 fundraising target… it’s all thanks to the incredible support from friends, family, colleagues, and two very generous humans I call Mum and Dad. 🥰

Your donations, encouragement, and belief in this slightly sweaty mission are keeping me motivated and moving, even on the days when my legs would rather be parked on the sofa with a cup of tea.

Huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed so far, you’ve made a real difference for Dementia UK, and you’ve definitely helped keep the wheels turning…

Let’s see how far we can take it now! 🚴‍♀️💪

#TargetSmashed #ThanksMumAndDad #PedallingWithPurpose #300MilesForDementia #FuelledByKindness

Strava Thinks I’m an Athlete Now : Let’s Not Tell My Legs

Monday 16th Jun

This morning’s 7 mile spin home from Linwood (post car drop-off) felt like an absolute doddle… probably because my legs are still traumatised from yesterday’s hills and were just thrilled to be on flat ground again. Honestly, I could’ve done it with one pedal and a biscuit.

 

And in other news... I’ve used Strava so much lately, they’ve upgraded me to Athlete level.  Apparently, if you cycle enough miles, Strava just assumes you're a machine and starts throwing stats and graphs at you like you know what they mean.

 

It’s amazing (and slightly addictive) seeing all the stats: speed up, distance up, ego also slightly up. Honestly, I could spend hours analysing my “effort curve” when I know full well that spike was just me trying to beat the rain home.

 

Great motivation to keep pushing through. Who knew data could be so exciting?

Hills, Hunger, and Heroics

Sunday 15th Jun
Today, I became one with the hills. Not in a poetic, meditative way,  more like they tried to swallow me whole, and I barely escaped on two wheels.

After enjoying a luxurious rest day yesterday (translation: I did absolutely nothing and felt like a queen), I decided to punish myself today with a cycle to Greenock. "How bad could it be?" I thought. Cue the dramatic music.

Spoiler alert: It was raining. The hills were relentless. And I had the genius idea of starting this ride with no breakfast. Yup, nothing in the tank but ambition and maybe a faint memory of last night’s dinner.

By mile 5, my legs had filed an official complaint. My motivation packed its bags and tried to Uber home. But just when I was ready to curl up in a wet ditch and accept life as a puddle creature, in came Simon, my motivator, hype man, and possibly part mountain goat. He kept me going with motivational quotes like “you got this!” and “keep going”

Despite everything, I climbed 1,165 ft , which according to my trusted  strava is almost 8 times my usual elevation. That’s either impressive or a sign I need to stop letting GPS suggest “scenic” routes.

Total mileage so far: 196. Only 104 miles left to go. At this rate, I’ll either finish triumphantly… or be adopted by a herd of wild sheep somewhere in the Highlands. Stay tuned.

Airport Loop on Repeat – and Planes Weren’t the Only Ones Taking Off ✈️🚴‍♀️

Friday 13th Jun
Another 10 mile spin around the airport this morning ... I’m practically wearing a groove into the path at this point 😄

So many planes took off mid loop, I felt like I should have filed a flight plan myself. Great way to wake up the legs, engage the brain, and pretend I’m not already thinking about second breakfast.

Onward to the next ride!

166 Miles Down : over halfway completed and still going...

Thursday 12th Jun
Look at this glorious chart! 📅🚴‍♀️
As of Day 12, I’ve clocked up a whopping 166 miles in my 300 mile challenge for Dementia UK, that’s officially over halfway there!

Between airport loops (in both sun and soul destroying rain), speedy commutes, and one very determined calendar, I’m feeling pretty confident I’ll hit the full 300 by the end of the month. And possibly even have a few miles to spare (and sore legs to match).

Massive thanks to everyone who’s supported me so far, your donations, messages, and encouragement genuinely keep the wheels turning.

Let’s keep pedalling!

No Wind, No Worries : Just 17 More Miles in the Bag!

Thursday 12th Jun

Missed a post yesterday, but definitely didn’t miss the milage 🚴‍♀️

Clocked up another 17 mile commute with a beautiful, wind free ride both ways ... a rare and glorious cycling treat. Even managed to match my record time of 42 minutes in both directions. If that’s not progress, I don’t know what is!

Feeling absolutely determined to see this 300 mile challenge through now, bring on the next cycle

Tik Tok-ing to 300 miles

Thursday 12th Jun
@im_justanumber

Charity challenge, 300 miles for Dementia UK

♬ a thousand years - favmusicvibes

Rest, Records & a Tailwind Miracle

Tuesday 10th Jun
Yesterday was a rest day, what with the rain lashing down, I embraced the  luxury of driving to work like a dry, smug civilian. Bliss.

Fast forward to Tuesday, and boom ... motivation through the roof thanks to a shiny Strava email telling me I’ve clocked 603 minutes on the bike so far (that’s over 10 hours of pedalling power 🚴‍♀️). Feeling like a part time athlete with full time snack needs.

This morning’s commute was my fastest one yet, actually completed in 42 minutes, which is 16 minutes faster than when I first started practising. Admittedly, there was a strong tailwind, but I’m still claiming it as personal growth (with a little atmospheric assistance).

Let’s keep this rolling ... miles, minutes, and motivation all on the up!

Soggy Saturday, Slightly Sunny Sunday, and a Bike Hero Named Gordon

Monday 9th Jun
Saturday brought the soggiest cycle of my life, 10 miles on the airport loop and soaked right through to my soul (and socks). Honestly, I think my waterproofs gave up before I even left the street. 💦🚴‍♀️ But every raincloud has a silver lining, as I popped the bike in for its annual service and massive shoutout to Gordon, who totally got on board with my challenge and had it back with me next day...absolute legend. So Sunday? Same loop, zero sogginess, and actually remembered why I enjoy cycling. Two loops, one drowned rat, one bike angel = another 20 miles in the bag.

Airport loop

Monday 9th Jun

100 Miles done and Rolling into the Weekend

Friday 6th Jun
Today’s cycle commute? Perfect weather conditions, Friday vibes, and the sweet satisfaction of pedalling straight into the weekend. 🚴‍♀️☀️

Clocked another 18.5 miles, which means I’ve officially hit the 100 mile mark in just 6 days! Not bad for someone who still occasionally forgets which gear does what.

Feeling chuffed, slightly knackered, and very ready for a celebratory wine (or three). Bring on the next 200 🥵🚴‍♀️

#100MileMilestone #FriYayRide #300MilesForDementia #LegsOfSteelish

Day 6 – New Roads, Big Wins, and the Best Supporter

Thursday 5th Jun
Day 6 and still spinning! 🚴‍♀️ Took advantage of a beautiful evening for a ride and pushed into new territory, venturing out to Bridge of Weir, Linwood, and Johnstone all ticked off the map. Even braved a main road for 4 whole miles (felt like a Tour de France contender, minus the Lycra and helicopters). Huge shoutout to my partner in crime – my top motivator, cheerleader, and unofficial coach , Simon, wouldn't have went so far without him tonight. Still smiling, still pedalling, and loving the adventure so far. Onwards!

Day 4 : Dodged a soaking (just)

Wednesday 4th Jun

8.5 mile cycle commute this morning, not too shabby for a Tuesday!

I somehow miraculously timed it just right and rolled into work minutes before the skies opened and the rain absolutely hammered down. Not even a damp sock. Honestly, I feel like I won a small weather lottery.

Another small chunk ticked off towards the 300 mile goal , slow and steady wins the race!

Thanks so much to everyone who’s donated so far, it really does help keep me pedalling (especially on early mornings like this). If you’d like to chip in, here’s the link:

https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/dawnmylet/june-cycle

Day 2 : Planes, Pain, and PTSD Bollards

Monday 2nd Jun

It’s 7:30am. Most sane people are sipping coffee or hitting snooze. Me? I’m out on the airport loop, dodging suitcase trolleys, travellers, and chasing planes as they take off!

Today’s ride felt like a mix between Wacky Races and Mission Impossible. I was weaving between bollards like a Tour de France rider with trust issues (shoutout to last summer’s traumatic bollard incident, I still flinch going past them).

Bagged 10 miles, which means I'm almost 35 miles deep into this 300 mile madness. And guess what? Donations have started rolling in! Massive thank you to everyone who’s donated so far.  You’re fuelling this madness and keeping my legs moving. Literally. Emotionally. Spiritually.

See you tomorrow for more questionable decisions on two wheels 🚴‍♂️

Day 1 : 25 Miles, a Ceilidh, and Home Before 7pm 👍

Sunday 1st Jun

Today marked Day 1 of my 300-mile challenge for Dementia UK, and what better way to kick it off than with a wee pedal into Glasgow and back – 25 miles in the bag already!

To celebrate, I somehow ended up at an outdoor ceilidh. Yes, you read that right. One minute I was cycling, the next I was doing the Gay Gordons in my bike gear. No idea how it happened, but 10/10 would recommend. Even better – the rain stayed off, the legs kept dancing, and I even managed a couple of well-earned beers (hydration, obviously).

Best part? Back home by 7pm, in time to collapse on the couch and watch TV like a true athlete.

One day down, 275 miles to go. Let’s do this 💪

Wind, Wobbles & Questionable Life Choices

Friday 30th May

Today’s “training ride” (I use that term loosely) was a 10-mile round trip from Erskine to Braehead and back.  I thought, “Hey, quick spin, nice views, no problem!”

LOL. No.Such.Luck

The wind had other plans. It hit me like a wall of regret, and I swear at one point I was pedalling so hard ... and going nowhere.

And yet, somehow, I made it.  Another 10 miles bagged ...and yet another shower for today!

Becoming a regular cyclist now ...

Wednesday 28th May

Boom! Another 9 miles in the bag 🚴‍♂️💨

Second full cycle commute to work in less than a week, this is new territory for me.  At this rate I’ll be launching a spin class by Friday. Legs are holding up, my bike’s behaving, and I really can't complain when the weather stays dry and the wind blows me in the right direction.

Let’s goooooooo ....

Speed practice

Monday 26th May
feeling the need for speed , nailed a PB with a lot of help from the wind speed 🥰

Just got my Dementia UK cycling t-shirt!

Sunday 25th May

It’s official — no backing out now!
300 miles, a sore bum, and probably some emotional bargaining with my legs coming soon 🚴‍♂️💀
Let’s do this! 💪

Practice Runs : First Full Commute Complete

Friday 23rd May

This morning marked a fairly significant milestone in my training for this 300 mile challenge as I cycled the entire way to work. Not part of the way. Not “bike to the station then bail.” The whole thing. No shortcuts, no cheating. Just me, two wheels, and the smug satisfaction of arriving slightly sweaty but totally buzzing.

What made it easier (and much more enjoyable) was the newly opened Renfrew to Yoker bridge – a total game changer! It links beautifully into Route 7, which meant I had a smooth, scenic ride straight through. No traffic stress, no dodging buses, just the spin of my wheels and a surprising low number of midges.

It’s the first time I’ve done the full commute on two wheels, and I’ve got to say… I’m feeling weirdly motivated. Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the caffeine. Maybe it’s knowing that every mile is getting me closer to smashing my 300 mile goal for Dementia UK.

More practice rides to come,  but today’s commute was a good reminder that this challenge is totally doable. Let's see if I still feel the same after completing the return trip!

300 Miles? What Could Possibly Go Wrong…

Tuesday 20th May
I’m back on my bike – and this time, I’ve gone and signed up for 300 miles in June. Yep, I’ve voluntarily decided to pedal further than ever before, all to raise money for the brilliant team at Dementia UK.

In my last cycling challenge I completed 250 miles, raising funds for Maggies and thought, “Hey, that wasn’t too bad.” So naturally, I’ve added another 50 miles – because apparently I enjoy numb legs and questionable tan lines.

On a serious note, Dementia UK does incredible work supporting families affected by dementia, and I’m proud to ride for them. Every mile, ache, and energy bar will be worth it if it helps even one more family get the help they need.

I’ll post updates (and probably a few moans), so stay tuned. If you’d like to support the ride, you can donate here:
https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/dawnmylet/june-cycle

Wish me luck !

Thank you to my Sponsors

£30

Lesley

Well done Dawn, great achievement and a great cause.

£25

Pat Ballantyne

Go go go, you're smashing it!

£25

Andrew Ballantyne

Well done, only another 100 miles to go Dawn

£20

Alison Marshall

£20

Megan Macleod

Congratulations on all on the miles!

£20

Gwo-tzer Ho

Well done Dawn! And keep on cycling.....Gwo-tzer

£20

David Bilcock

Keep up the riding, well impressive :) and a very worthy cause.

£20

Olwyn Byron

Superb effort, Dawn! Watch out for potholes! xx

£20

Carol Macdonald

Good luck Dawn with your Challenge. Cx

£20

Eileen And David

Good for you Dawn. keep going, Eileen and David. X

£20

Jaynenicholls

Best of luck. It’s a wonderful thing you are doing. Love from The Penrith posse

£20

Dawn Mylet

was waiting till payday, but ultimately have to back myself on this challenge, roll on Sunday when the real mileage counting begins ...

£15

The Hills!

Happy Cycling. You'll be selling your car after this! Good luck.

£15

Simon

You smashed it. Well done Dawn

£10

James Brewer

£10

Kerrena

Great Work Dawn! :)

£10

Denise And Stuart

Well done smashing your initial target Dawn. I know it's been hard (especially the hills and rubbish weather) but it's for a great charity. Love Denise and Stuart xx

£10

Jonathan Mitchell

Good luck, Dawn. Brilliant effort for a great cause!

£10

Zoe

You will smash it. !!!

£10

Caroline Oconnell

Well done!

£10

Megan Allan

Well done Dawn!