Rugby stars reach The Sneck tyred but triumphant
Retired rugby internationals Ruaridh Jackson, Ryan Grant, Andrew Easson and Richie Vernon made it to Inverness on Saturday night to complete their Tries2Trials charity challenge of cycling the Caledonian Way in 36 hours.
In fact, the quartet completed the 234 mile route in 34 hours. Starting from Campbeltown at 8am on Saturday morning and arriving in Inverness around 6pm on Saturday night. The group had an overnight stop at the Corran House Hostel in Oban on Friday night.
Speaking to the Oban Times on Sunday, Jackson said: ‘We made really good time on Saturday which was a surprise for us and there was a huge relief getting over the line as we were all running on empty.
‘I think a couple of sections on day two took us to some of our darkest moments. Firstly the stretch between Fort William and Fort Augustus, the terrain was really challenging on the road bikes as it seemed more suitable for a mountain bike and then the climb out of Fort Augustus was so punishing after 200 miles of cycling.
‘I would say everyone managed to keep spirits high and there was a lot of laughter and enjoyment amongst the tough times. The beers went down great after and we were humbled by everyone’s support throughout, from donations, to locals coming out and cheering us. It was amazing to see.’
At the time of writing the Tries2Trials team had exceeded their £5,000 target by £2,260, the total of which will be split between the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Unite Against Cancer.
The funding page remains open, to donate go to the Cycling the Caledonian Way gofundme page.
Visit @Tries2Trials #CaleyWayBikeRide