Just what is a “Zoodax”?
On Saturday Justin McKie, along with two other Regent’s Park Cyclists, will attempt to cycle The Regent’s Park Outer Circle 113 times and in doing so cycling 500km. This has been given the moniker “# Zoodax” and has never been attempted before!
Justin, who Chairs Regent’s Park Cyclists, took a moment to reflect on why he is doing this and why Regent’s Park is so important to him and other cyclists.
“As a regular cyclist, I breathe in more than my fair share of London air. I exercise around the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park most days before 7am, predominantly due to the safety of the road – but also because it’s away from the dangers and pollution of busier roads in London.
In April 2014, during the spike in pollution, my yearly hay fever took a more serious twist and, with real problems breathing, I ended up paying several visits to the hospital. I was diagnosed with Asthma and now have the different coloured “pumps” to prove it.
Public Health England reported that 8.1% of all deaths in Westminster are linked to pollution – that’s the highest in the UK. In central London, as a cyclist, Regent’s Park – Outer Circle is the only place to exercise away from the pollution and cars.
Having spent time working in various international cities, it’s clear to me that The Royal Parks in London are very special. Cycling around the park as the sun comes up, before the gates are open to commuter traffic, is magical. The wide, tree lined clutter-free roads drift around with stunning views of the Grade I Listed terraces. London is very lucky!
In the last three years, I have cycled over 3000 circuits of the Outer Circle, totalling 13,500 kilometres. Whilst I use the café and am a member of the Zoo, I felt that it was time to give back to The Royal Parks.
I decided simply to do what I have been doing for over 10 years – cycle around the Outer Circle. The difference being that I intend to ride non-stop for 113 laps, to cover 500 kilometres. This has never been done before, but I hope to complete it within 24 hours.
What am I raising money for? The Regent’s Park Cherry Tree Fund of course.
More trees, more bikes – less pollution!”
If you want to help in the Zoodax effort there are a number of ways to get involved as below.
- Ride with Justin the whole distance
- Ride with Justin part of the distance
- Donate to the #Zoodax Virgin Money Giving Page
- Donate to directly to the Royal Parks Foundation Cherry Tree Fund
- Taking pictures and video and shouting support on the day
- Tweeting & retweeting on all social media with #Zoodax hastag
Justin and the other Zoodaxers will be setting off from London Zoo at 5am on Saturday 3rd October. If you want to get in contact with Justin directly you can find him on Twitter here.
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