To join Sam on Zwift you will need to download the Zwift Companion app and follow Sam Proctor. Then go into Zwift as you normally would and select ‘Watopia’ under ‘World Choice’ and then under ‘Join a friend’ select ’Sam Proctor’ and then press ‘Ride’ and you will be dropped next to where he is riding at that time.

These unsettling & turbulent times will eventually pass. However, right now, across the world, the coronavirus has left many families in great difficulty, turmoil & crisis. Here, in the UK, it has been an uplifting welcome to see so many colourful rainbows in the windows of people’s homes, schools & shops. As only a few weeks ago (which now feels like months), when the pandemic began, hundreds of schools encouraged their pupils to put up paintings to “spread hope” after a trend started online. The BBC News shared how a spokesman for Grange First School in Newcastle said:

“We are hoping to spread our cheerful windows campaign as wide as possible.Rainbow signs are going up in windows all over our area and beyond and will really help maintain morale for children (and families) in these difficult times.”

So TORQ’s love of the variety that life offers, the colours this represents and a desire to help to lift the spirits & give something back to our incredible NHS staff is what has driven us to support Sam and get all of you involved.

This coming May Day Bank Holiday weekend has been brought forward, to mark the commemorative 75th Anniversary of VE Day. The change of dates was brought about so as, in the words of Britain’s previous Business Secretary Greg Clark:

“To ensure as many people as possible could have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation.”

Therefore, it also seemed fitting to run such an NHS fund raising event this Bank Holiday weekend, as it would provide not only an opportunity for us to remember our heroes from the past, but, as with every Thursday night’s #ClapForOurCarers, to honour the heroes of our present.

Sam has been completing his weekly ‘ride for meals’ on a Sunday over the last 3 weeks and lumping all the minutes together to make the challenge more formidable. Here is what he has achieved so far:

Week 1: 10.25 hrs. in the saddle // Distance covered 291Km // Number of meals prepared 625

Week 2: 10.09 hrs. in the saddle // Distance covered 328Km // Number of meals prepared 609

Week 3: 10.16 hrs. in the saddle // Distance covered 348Km // Number of meals prepared 616

On average he’s burning around 7200 calories per day! With regard to fuelling, this is what Sam says:

“At the moment I’m using 1 x 750ml with 3 scoops of TORQ Energy Drink per bottle an hour so around 10 bottles a day. I then add a TORQ Gel every 2 hours and make the rest up with real food at the moment. For the Everest ride I’ll be using the same amount of bottles but will drop real food and add 2 gels per hour as I’m aiming to ride at race intensity. Essentially I’ll be following the TORQ Fuelling System, which has supported me through many competitive events in the past”

Well, all we can say is that if you folk donate to Sam’s Just Giving page, he might have to split his hours between a Saturday and a Sunday after this weekend!

Joining Sam this Sunday, either with him on Zwift or spiritually through our challenge are many of the TORQ-Fuelled ambassadors and team athletes. Even 2 of our great downhillers Joe Smith and James Anderson (who are used to much shorter distances) have pledged to conquer the green zone (90km).

We thought we would gather some inspirational quotes to help keep you going at this difficult time – and to think about whilst you are supporting Sam and the NHS during this challenge.

First of all, we spoke to TORQ-Fuelled Kenton Cool (mountaineer/adventurer/speaker) who has summited Everest no fewer than 14 times and he obviously expresses some passion for the highest mountain in the world:

“Ever since I first visited the Himalayas I feel in love with the mountains and the people that live there.  My relationship with the Sherpa people is a deep and meaningful one, I’ve been lucky to have spent so much time and been taught so much by them. While the lofty mountains that tower above the villages have taught me humility and patience.  I return year after year not only to test myself against the mountains, but also to find a balance to life from the values of the people.” – Kenton Cool

“All mountaineers have at some stage dreamt about climbing Everest, so to do so for a ‘job’ is a dream come true.” – Kenton Cool

“Everest has an unbelievable pull, she maybe the highest mountain in the world but she is also a beautiful one.  For me to return to the mountain year after year, to explore her ever changing slopes and glaciers is nothing short of wonderful.” – Kenton Cool

And then of course there’s Sir Edmund Hillary who has spoken some truly inspirational words:

“You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things – to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.” ― Sir Edmund Hillary

Then, perhaps more in tune with the current coronavirus crisis we are going through at the moment, there are the words of the American author, political activist, and lecturer, Helen Keller, who is known around the world as a symbol of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity:

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing…” – Helen Keller

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.” – Helen Keller

Please look after yourselves and those around you at this difficult time and please join us, rise to this challenge and help to support our wonderful NHS.

We will keep this tab updated as your declarations come in. Event ends on Sunday 24th May.

Update: Apologises if you have tried to email us and have not been able to get it to us. We have just changed the email address you need to use to sponsorship@torqfitness.co.uk so please use this one.