Only Fools and Donkeys cyclists France-bound
A GROUP of more than 50 cyclists have set-off on a six-day riding challenge that is set to raise at least £30,000 for people with physical and learning difficulties.
The Only Fools and Donkeys charity riders met up at Government House on Saturday morning before getting the ferry across to Jersey, where they spent the day, and then headed to France.
The cyclists will be doing 60, 80 and 100-mile routes daily, depending on their experience and confidence, which will see them travel along the Loire, through Nantes, Angers, Chinon and Amboise before finishing at Chateau Chambord just outside Orleans.
Among the group of 53 cyclists and 10 support staff were a number of first-timers, each with their own reason for taking part.
‘Ray [Smart, the event’s co-founder] is my brother-in-law and he has been asking me for a few years to do it,’ said Keith Douglas, 55, who lives in the north east of England.
‘I finally said yes. It was nice to come over and meet everybody and see the group.
‘I’ve been told it’s a really good team and I’m looking forward to it. I was warned that there were hills on the route, so I’ve been training for that.’
Jacquelin Erskine, 50, did the Tour de Sez in 2016 and thought she would attempt another of the locally-organised charity rides.
‘I’ve been training hard, doing about 50 miles a week since I signed up to it.
‘The group doing the Tour de Sez were lovely but I wanted to do something different and join a different group.’
The distance held no fear for Ben Vaudin, 25, however, he was hoping there would be no issues with the bike he had purchased less than 24 hours earlier.
‘I did the Ride Across Britain a couple of years ago and a couple of people I knew were doing this, so I thought I would give it a go.
‘I picked up my new bike yesterday so hopefully everything goes OK.’
Another debutant, Tom Ceillam, 27, is a relative newcomer to cycling.
‘A few of us from the rugby club are turning our hand to cycling and thought we’d do this as it’s a good way to raise a bit of money for charity,’ he said.
All funds raised from the ride will stay on island supporting causes such as the Guernsey Sports Association for the Disabled, Active, Monday Club, Headway, Le Murier School, Le Rondin School and Autism Guernsey
Co-founders Mike Marshall and Ray Smart were delighted with the turnout and the ‘great atmosphere’ among the riders.
‘There are routes to cater for all groups and all experiences,’ said Mr Marshall.
‘We hope to raise £30,000 at least, if not more.
‘After all the work that goes into it, everybody’s very excited to get going.’
Mr Smart was pleased that the bi-annual event was still as popular as ever.
‘Especially when you see people who have done all three.
‘Most of them are still here, they keep coming back, so we must be doing something right.’
