Profile 5 is another newbie. Shaun Wathey steps into the hotseat to answer why on earth he decided to take part in this years bike ride.
Name: Shaun Wathey
Age: 27
Occupation: Customer Advisor
Favourite York Player: Keith Lowe
Favourite York Match: If I had to stay away from the obvious Wembley wins, it would be Gateshead away in 2009. 1-0 behind and down to 10 men, looked like we had no hope. Came back to win 2-1. The atmosphere in the away end was fantastic.
Why?
I saw everyone do it last year and was amazed, I thought to myself I’d love to be able to do that. Then I saw on twitter that there was a chance to do it, and I thought, why not
How much preparation have you done so far and how much do you intend on doing? I’m probably right in saying that I have the most work to do for this. I haven’t been on a bike in years, so have 8 months to sort myself out. I’m planning on gradually increasing the distance I cover bit by bit, I may even do the coast to coast!
What do you think you’ll bring to the bike ride?
Hard to say, probably a slower pace, lot’s of complaining and a few crashes!
What do you think will be the hardest aspect of the ride?
Probably the second day. I think as long as I train hard enough then I’ll be able to cover the distance, but on the second day when everything will be sore, it’ll be a challenge just getting on the bike again.
Who are you looking forward to biking with the most and the least?
Hard question, I’ve only actually met one other rider so the answer for both would be Jonny Bruce!
If you could choose any York player past or present to bike with you, who would it be?
Probably someone like Russell Penn, I can imagine him being like a personal trainer so when you’re struggling he’ll be screaming at you to get the last bits of energy you’ve got.
Do you predict any injuries or falls for yourself or any other rider?
Yes. All because of me, so it’ll probably be safest if I’m at the back so I don’t make anyone else crash. Yeah…..that’s why I’ll be at the back….
What’s the first thing you’ll do when you finish?
Have a pint, a takeaway and a sleep. I’d love to able able to say after living like a monk for 12 months I’d go straight into town to celebrate, but I know I’ll be too tired to do anything for about a month!
ride to northampton 2 