Guernsey - Rome completed, despite difficulties.
AN ARRIVAL in Rome was much later than expected for two cyclists after their support vehicle suffered engine failure.
Gary Hooks and Leon Howard completed the first part of their epic cycle ride from Guernsey to Istanbul via Rome shortly before 10pm last night [23/09].
Their 20-day bike ride is a personal challenge and planning trip for the fourth Tour de Sez in September 2021, of which Mr Hooks and Mr Howard are co-founders.
The Tour de Sez aims to raise as much money as possible for the Sarah Groves Foundation.
The late arrival in Rome was due to an unfortunate mishap with the support vehicle 70 kilometres north of Rome, which suffered engine failure following an encounter with a large pothole.
Having wasted virtually all day seeking roadside assistance, the problem was eventually solved by a clued-up Facebook follower who identified the symptoms as problems with the fuel cut-off switch.
By this stage the battery had been flattened and there were vain attempts at restarting the engine.
Thanks to the support of a passing motorist, who initially provided jump leads that weren’t long enough but returned with some that were, the team were back on the road.
The cycling duo were eventually able to continue their journey to Rome on their trusty bikes, proving manpower is sometimes more reliable than horsepower.
Early yesterday morning Mr Hooks and Mr Howard set off on the second stage of their journey to Istanbul – a distance of approximately 1,000 miles.
The Sarah Groves Foundation was established in 2013 with the aim of fulfilling the ambition of Sarah Groves: to enhance the lives of young people, especially those less fortunate.
Miss Groves was killed on 6 April 2013 on a house boat in Kashmir at the age of 24.
The murder trial is ongoing.
