Pippa & James Middleton are biking 3000 miles across America for charity

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The last time we checked in with Pippa Middleton, The Original Ass of Lies ™ was getting fired from her cushy gig as a basic “columnist” for The Telegraph. She was supposed to write about society… or sports… or something. I don’t think they ever figured it out. Neither did she, which is probably why she sucked at her job and why she got fired. So, poor Pippa was looking for something new to do. She ended up signing on to bike across America. OooooOOO. These are some pics from the start (??) in LA on Saturday. James “I make marshmallows” Middleton is cycling across America as well, but it’s like the photographer didn’t even care, and James is cropped out of most of the photos.

Pippa Middleton is gearing up for a grueling challenge. The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge is ready to ride across the United States. She’s is part of a cycling team that will make a 3,000-mile journey from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland, starting on Saturday.

Middleton and her brother James are registered for the Race Across America in a team with their friend James Matthews. The eight-person team will take part on behalf of a charity named for Matthews’s brother Michael, who died in 1999 after during a descent from Everest. At 22, he had been the youngest Briton to make the summit.

In the past she has skied in an endurance ski race, Switzerland’s Engadin Marathon, and taken part in the Highland Cross, a fell run in Scotland. But now it is cycling – and Pippa has been in the saddle to train for the long distance relay.

In her recently ended column in the the Daily Telegraph, Middleton wrote about negotiating the use of special clip-in cycling shoes. Middleton is also associated with the British Heart Foundation, as an ambassador. Fundraising includes an an eBay auction of her custom-made bike once the race is over. In July, she also hopes to compete in the 6.5km Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race on behalf of the BHF.

In a statement, she noted, “I was shocked to learn that nearly three times more women die from coronary heart disease than breast cancer … and I look forward to working with the BHF to highlight to women the risks of heart disease and importantly, how they can reduce them.”

[From People]

You know what’s interesting? Pippa is way more involved in her charity work than her sister, the Duchess of Cambridge. I guess Kate’s hustling days were over the second she got the ring. Pippa’s still got some hustle left, and kudos to her for actually working up a sweat (and then some) to raise awareness and money for charity. 3000 miles… God. I get exhausted when I bike for 30 minutes at the gym. Better her than me.

Here are a few photos of Pippa at the Aegon Championships last week. She got a haircut a few weeks ago – I think she looks way better, don’t you? Damn, now I’m wondering if I should go shoulder-length. My hair has been past my shoulders for more than a decade. Should I take the chop?

Photos courtesy of WENN, Getty.

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58 Responses to “Pippa & James Middleton are biking 3000 miles across America for charity”

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  1. Esmom says:

    Lol at “I make marshmallows.” I know it’s great that he’s got his own gig but his product still cracks me up.

    This seems like the perfect gig for Pippa and maybe there’s not as much sacrifice as it may appear on the surface. She’s fit and now she gets a built in workout every day. And she gets to see the US in an up-close kind of way. Meh, at least her statement seemed thoughtful, which, as you said, is more than Kate typically does.

    I do think her hair looks better but every time I chop to my shoulders I feel like a major soccer mom (which I kind of am but not what I necessarily want to telegraph to the world).

  2. Buckwild says:

    If only Pippa would convince Kate to cut her hair to this length! Looks very cute and much more modern.

  3. MediaB says:

    She looks fit, so kudos to her for putting some effort in. But I am :side-eyeing: at the loose hair under the bike helmet at the start – is she going to ride as far as the cameras can see then hop in the support van? 😉 just put it in a low pony or braid girl…

    • Ncboudicca says:

      Can’t stand to have loose hair when I’m all sweaty and sticky – not to mention how it interferes with peripheral vision when biking.

  4. eliza says:

    She seems to do more than her sister.

  5. FLORC says:

    Her hair cut is cute.

    Her bike shorts are much too small. They look to be cuting off her thigh circulation.

    • Bridget says:

      The shorts are probably compression gear, which is intended to be quite tight and supportive.

      • Buckaroo says:

        Looks like some cellulite on those gams.

      • FLORC says:

        I considered that. All other pics and the shorts viewed on sale websites show this model looser at the thigh. And compression isn’t suppose to act like a tourniquet. It runs along your muscles. Not so tight you’re bursting out along it. I noticed more because I just got sized and bought some new compression bike shorts.
        Hers look like they’d hurt.

        Buckaroo
        It’s fat that has too much pressure on it. Like if you twist your forarm you see dimples. She wouldn’t have this without that added pressure.

      • Bridget says:

        I think the pic is at a funky angle of her leg, because if you look at her left leg the shorts don’t appear to be digging in to her thigh at all.

  6. Kenny Boy says:

    I came in to say the same thing. Middle parts are never flattering. Hate that they’re in right now.

  7. LAk says:

    At least we can point to what Pippa does. She’s involved and going by that statement, has learnt to communicate better than #pippatips.

  8. Mel says:

    “You know what’s interesting? Pippa is way more involved in her charity work than her sister, the Duchess of Cambridge.”

    My thoughts exactly.
    And while it’s not a huge accomplishment, at least she is putting some real physical effort into it. It’s better than nothing. Which is what Catherine seems to be doing.
    (Oh right, sorry: she is helping her nannies take care of her child. My bad.)

    • just sayin' says:

      Kate’s probably too weak for this kind of serious, intense exercise due to the latest extreme diet she’s on (see Kate post above re: raw food diet)! Plus, Pippa seems more genuinely interested in doing charitable work.

      • Mel says:

        Yes, maybe she is now; she certainly was strong (physically) before the marriage.
        But I think the real reason is she just doesn’t seem to care about charity – or even about the public opinion on her (the endless bottom-exposing skirt saga seems to prove just that). Which is fine for someone whose livelihood and raison d’etre isn’t directly dependent on just that: public opinion.

      • FLORC says:

        Pippa seems more intersted in her hustle. Not shaming her by saying that. She will do things because it’s good for her image and her image is her bread and butter.
        I think Charity is simply an avenue to achieve this goal.

      • AM says:

        They seem like such a close family, I’m genuinely curious if Kate would be doing this kind of stuff with her siblings if she weren’t married to William. Or if she would always have been the older sister at home in her country pile while the others had adventures.

      • kass says:

        I agree that she’s trying to cultivate a certain image – i.e. she has a “plan” – but the mere fact that she’s doing something worthwhile like this (and this isn’t the first time) puts her several steps ahead of Kate who barely lifts a finger.

        Kate’s idea of charity work is attaching her name to a charity and occasionally showing up at an event, wearing the right clothes and shaking a few hands. Whew!! Time for a break.

        Pippa seems pretty athletic and strong — like how Kate used to be before her ED. There’s no way in h*ll she’d have the strength to do all the races and events like this like Pippa does.

      • Bridget says:

        I don’t think this stuff is just the hustle and the image – the truth is that if you’re athletic and have the time to put the work in, these kinds of physical challenges are actually really fun. Especially a relay. Granted it’s good for the image and there’s no doubt that helps, but I do think enjoyment is actually a factor.

      • hmmm says:

        My thoughts precisely, FLORC! Pippa is just more image savvy than Dolittle. support for charities looks good on her husband hunting (aristocratic/rich) resume. Does she actually have a job?

      • FLORC says:

        Bridget
        I don’t disagree with you that much here. If Pippa hadn’t shown us how image obsessed she’s become I would agree with you.
        Her book, her columns, her going after #Pippatip with the royal lawyers. How after she’s linked to a scandal (france gun, hunting, etc…) she vanishes from everywhere.
        Yes, I bet she loves this kind of stuff. I do too and wish I could afford more time towards it. That doesn’t mean this isn’t an opportunity or that it wasn’t 1st presented as an opportunity for pr/image.
        Her enjoyment of this could easily be a secondary perk/reason as it could be the main reason.

        AM
        I believe Kate would absolutely be doing this stuff if it weren’t for William. Not as in he controls her, but pre William Kate was very active. Sports was a strength. Then getting William, Keeping William became a full time job. She changed her life, her appearance for him. She became the Kate we see today. Without William I bet she’d be very active still.

        hmmm
        Best I understand it Kate does have a job, but she rarely does it. Left on her own she makes her schedule as light as possible until a scandal. Still then I’m not sure she’s the 1 adding events.
        Snarky today.

      • Bridget says:

        I’m sure there’s some image consideration happening, but lets give some credit where credit’s due: she’s done this kind of stuff for a while now, and the events she’s chosen are no joke.

  9. Olenna says:

    Call me cynical and call them “Dame Pippa” and “Sir James”.

    • Mel says:

      At this stage, I think they’re probably just managing their public image, so that it improves in the public eye and opens new avenues of income and social standing.
      But I don’t think your idea is too far-fetched, in the long-run.

  10. Anastasia says:

    I think they take turns biking and resting in a vehicle driving alongside.

    I have a rule about my hairstyle: if I’ve been wearing it more than five years, it’s time to do something different. It doesn’t have to be drastic, just different. I had a slant bob for a long time, then I grew it out, and now I want to go back to a really drastic slant bob, then cut it short but log enough on top to make it stand up a bit. Sounds weird to describe. 🙂

    • dena says:

      I work with a school psychologist who does this. Each person rides for so many miles while the others rest. They change-off. No one person will bike the 8000 miles. It’s a collective effort.

  11. TG says:

    And biking across the country is dangerous. Just this past week a staff member of Catholc U was killed in a cross country charity bike ride. I read about bicyclists being mowed down by a truck or car quite frequently in fact. Hope everyone stays safe.

    • megs283 says:

      That’s awful – I went to CUA and hadn’t heard this. What a tragedy…RIP.

  12. Wren says:

    That’s actually pretty cool. It seems like athletic endeavors and whatnot are her forte, so maybe she should stick to those sort of things rather than try to be something she’s not. Like a writer.

    I wonder how big this thing is? My uncle and his wife are also taking part. Not as bikers but they’re driving the team car that carries all the supplies and the team members that aren’t biking at any given time.

  13. Talie says:

    She does seem to be in amazing shape.

  14. FLORC says:

    I would love to get paid or to just have the time to do this.
    Professional exerciser:)
    That it’s a chartable cause is great too.
    When events are organized to gather people to do something active and fun I think everyone wins.

    In this case i’m really jealous of Pippa, but also all those involved.

  15. wow says:

    Remember when James was hot? Sigh. Way back when…

    Good for them both. This seems right up Pippa’s alley. She is physically fit and enjoys being active. All of the Middleton women seem to be very healh conscious, which is a great thing.

  16. Audrey says:

    Poor James and Rob Kardashian should hang out

  17. Asra says:

    Does she actually have cellulites on her legs??? Nice to see a royal family member is like us!!

  18. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    Good for her.

  19. Nonny says:

    Jolly good. She’ll love being in cycling gear all the time, you get to pad your bum!

    • FLORC says:

      haha!
      Those pads are not flattering though. I kinda hate how they look when you walk around in them, but they really save you on the bike!

  20. Annabelle says:

    Have to say this makes me like Pippa. It’s good that she’s doing something at least and it’s for charity!

    Good luck to Pippa and James.

  21. lucy2 says:

    That’s quite a thing to try, and helps support a good cause. No snark from me.

  22. RobN says:

    I wonder if it’s some sort of taking turns thing, as opposed to everybody riding the whole way. Riding the entire thing, especially in summer, is a huge endeavor and people train their whole lives to do it. I’ve done a couple of century’s and the idea of doing 29 more of them, one after another, is daunting.

    Either way, it’s a nice charitable thing to do and I hope everybody stays safe.

    • RJ says:

      I was wondering the same thing-the Race Across America is considered to be one of the most grueling sporting events on earth. They have 12 days to complete 3,000 miles, spending on average of 22 hrs/day on the bike. Solo riders and teams do ride with vehicle support, but even so I can’t envision her doing the solo version. Serious cyclists train for years to prepare for this event, and even then many attempt but don’t finish it. Good for her for being part of a team.

      • mellie says:

        This race comes by my house in Bloomington, Indiana every year…it’s typically hot and humid and Southern Indiana is hilly. It’s a grueling, hard race…I’m impressed, to say the least. I’ll be on the look-out for this team. I love watching for the teams to come by, sometimes it’s the middle of the night when they come by. Hopefully, I’ll be out for my evening run when I meet them!

    • FLORC says:

      Everybody is either on their bike, in a house/checkpoint waiting for their section, or in a vehicle with equiptment and teammates.
      They pick stretches they want to do.
      It’s common there are rules everyone needs to cover this much ground and get this much rest, etc..
      Really a lot of fun.

      I’m sure Pippa and James will be on the stretches where people are out and not the long hauls at night.

  23. bettyrose says:

    Eh, it’s a good cause, she doesn’t need to earn money, and she seems to be having a blast. Must be more fun than being locked in a drafty old castle dining on lettuce and water.

  24. MinnFinn says:

    British Heart Foundation is sponsoring Pippa in this race as she is now their official ambassador. Her bicycle was custom made to fit her body and it will be auctioned for charity after the race. Anyone know if BHF is paying Pippa for her role?

    • hmmm says:

      Good question! And, IIRC yesterday someone mentioned that Pippa smokes. (?)

      • Justme says:

        I’ve never actually seen Pippa smoke. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t of course. Loads of the aristocratic types do smoke so you’d think at least one picture of her puffing on a cig would have been turned up in the press’s download of Facebook pictures of Pippa which happened after she became “famous” and before her friends all increased the privacy on their social media sites.

        She may have done so in the past and given it up of course. She is quite an athlete, but even athletes sometimes smoke.

      • raincoaster says:

        Her sister certainly smokes.

        No, athletes do not smoke. Pippa is not an athlete; she is a socialite.

      • Hazel says:

        I remember quite well the year I ran the Avenue of the Giants marathon in northern California. As I walked out to my car in the hotel parking lot on the way to the staging area, I saw another runner doing some stretches while leaning against his car…and he was smoking a cigarette! So, yes, athletes do smoke. So do ballet dancers. Seems odd, but there it is.

      • justme says:

        @raincoaster – Pippa IS an athlete. She is not a professional athlete, but I did not say she was.

        And athletes do sometimes smoke and always have.

  25. Karen says:

    I thought when you referred to “middle parts” that that was a nickname for Middleton. Lol!

    • Just Jules says:

      Lol! So did I Karen – was thinking I might use that in future when referring to either of them.

  26. Isadora says:

    I think it’s great she does something like this for charity. That was probably her best decision of the past few years!

    As to the hair: I know I’m the absolute minority here but, sorry, I hate it. I think only very, very few people can really wear this middle length where the hair is not short like a bobo but also not exactly long. It just hangs awkwardly around the shoulders and looks generally thin and rather lifeless even if you don’t have thin hair. And it looks so incredibly boring, imo. I think Kate’s hair looks so much better. And someone wrote “she’s not in highschool anymore” – I don’t really understand that comment, is someone supposed to have certain hair styles at certain ages? Like long hair in high school, middle length as a respectful adult over 30 and Hillary Clinton hair when you are mature?

    Ugh… before I walk that road I’d rather have Vivienne Westwood hair.

    • Hazel says:

      Agreed. Wear your hair however you like at whatever age you like it. Pippa’s hair may not look so great right here because she’s had her helmet on & off for the photo op. As she gets ready for this ride, her hair is her least priority & good for her! Showing up for a bike race with styled hair would look odd.