While cycling up Le Mont Ventoux last year - a massive 2000 metre mountain in Provence in France and iconic in the world of cycling - I decided on a 50th birthday challenge this year: to ride up (and down) all three of its climbs in one day for the Maypole Centre in Birmingham. That's 4500 metres, or over half the height of Everest. Why Maypole? Well, there are of course many great projects working with young people. It's just that for me, the Maypole Centre represents all that is most wonderful and inspiring about young people and all that is best in youth work in supporting young people achieve their full potential. And inevitably, the young people and workers have got right behind the venture and five are coming out to support the ride. The aim is to raise £1 for every metre climbed. That’s £4500. Go on – give me a wonderful 50^th birthday present! Find out more about Maypole and sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/maypolecentre. Thank you.