Blog: Charity cyclists get set to pass through Shropshire
Tuesday 15th June 2010, 9:00AM BST.
Andy Richardson is hoping to raise £2,500 for Hope House on his cycling challenge
More than 600 cyclists will pass through Shropshire in less than 48 hours when the biggest ever John O’Groats to Land’s End ride reaches the county.
Riders – including the Shropshire Star’s Andy Richardson, who is hoping to raise £2,500 for Hope House children’s hospice – were today cycling around 130 miles from Glasgow to the Lake District, having cycled a similar distance yesterday as part of Ride Across Britain.
They will reach villages to the west of Shrewsbury on Thursday afternoon, before beginning an ascent of Stiperstones and then passing over to Long Mynd en route to a base camp at Ludlow.
Ride Across Britain is the biggest ever mass participation attempt at John O’Groats to Land’s End and is set to become part of the nation’s sporting calender.
Andy said the Long Mynd was at the forefront of most cyclist’s minds.
He said: “The organisers of Ride Across Britain have described the Long Mynd as being ‘revered’. Yesterday was the longest day, at 130 miles, and the next major challenge is the longest climb, which is Long Mynd.
“The talk in the feed stations is focused on the climb; I’ve been telling people they’ll be fine, though few seem convinced.”
Ride Across Britain has passed through some of the most scenic locations in the UK including Loch Ness and Loch Lomond.
Mr Richardson added: “It’s like being part of a weary, travelling carnival. There’s great spirit but a few casualties.
“Yesterday, one strapping cyclist got off his bike with 15 miles to go because of an upset stomach. He looked to be out for the count.
“But 20 minutes later he was back on and flying past the pack. There’s a never-say-die spirit about many of the riders.”
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