The biennial event, which has been running since 2014, is the biggest fundraiser on the local cycling group’s calendar and each sponsored ride raises enough funds to purchase one big ticket item or special donation for a worthy cause.
The group supports local charities working with children and adults living with learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Last time, the team raised about £60,000 and bought two adapted bikes for Wheels for You.
This summer, a bigger group of 55 cyclists and 10 crew members will be heading to St Malo, from where they will set off on a carefully planned route, covering France, Belgium and Holland.
‘We’ve only done France in previous years,’ said board member and event organiser Natalie Davidson.
‘But this year we’re jumping on the coach to Amiens in the north of France, and starting from there. We’ll go up into Belgium, crossing to Holland and then back through Roubaix.
‘The first one we did was a five-day ride with 27 cyclists. So it’s really grown over the years, which is fantastic.’
Appropriately named Mule Flandres, this will be the group’s sixth charity ride. The events have so far raised more than £300,000 for local causes. The cyclists will choose to complete 60, 80 or 100 miles a day, collectively aiming to rack up 30,000 miles in total.
Mule Flandres will take place from 6 to 14 June. To find out more or make a donation, visit www.only-fools-and-donkeys.com
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