Kentish Express Ashford & District
Cyclists will go across country to help hospice
Team of friends will travel more than 400 miles over four days
A group of cyclists from Ashford have taken on the mammoth challenge of riding from Land’s End to Margate to raise cash for Pilgrims Hospice.
The 10 riders, who are all close friends and ride the Pilgrims cycle challenge every year, said they have now decided to do something bigger and better.
They will take on the mammoth route from Tuesday, May 30, to Friday, June 2, during which time they will travel more than 430 miles and climb around 23,000ft.
One of t he riders, Sean Calnan, said: “We had spoken – albeit lightheartedly – about cycling from Land’s End to Margate, and during a house party on Christmas Eve after some liquid refreshment, the plan was shared and several people were keen, so there was no going back!”
The group have decided on a route and will fund all hotels and food themselves.
They will be joined by a couple of team members in “day vans” who will carry people, bikes and bags, so they will have support en route.
Mr Calnan said: “It has been a real joint effort so far. One team member is a nurse and we are being supplied with spares and nutrition by Romney Cycles, as well as pre-ride services for all the bikes.
“This is probably the longest any of us have ridden in one day and we have to do it for two consecutive days, following the hills on the two previous days.
“For us social cyclists this is an epic challenge and none of us are sure of finishing it, but it is for a fantastic charity so we will give it everything we can.
“Training is well under way now and after the winter it is tough going, but we have a plan in place and we are all competitive so we will stick with it.”
In preparation for their biggest ride, the team will first take on the 100-mile Pilgrims Cycle Challenge and the London Revolution.
To support their amazing fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/LEMA-2017