FITNESS fanatics from Coventry have completed a mammoth cycle ride around the West Midlands in aid of charity.
The group which included personal trainer Niki Stinson, Julie Calcott, Steve Calcott, Jodi-Leigh Freeman, Gary Hopkins and Andy Lenton began its journey from Coventry’s War Memorial Park, before covering an almost 80-mile circular route to Chipping Campden and back.
The team – which plans to complete several fundraising challenges over a year – clocked up another 70 miles the following day.
To keep funds trickling, two members will be running the London Marathon next spring. Also on the cards is a 1000 burpee challenge – an exercise which involves jumping, plunging to the floor on all fours and up again.
During previous fundraisers the group raised £8,000 for Bethany’s Wish and Myton Hospice through cycling and running from Coventry to Land’s End, and some £3,000 was raised for the British Lung Foundation by running between Coventry and Liverpool.
This time the sporty bunch hopes to exceed its £20,000 target, to share between the Alzheimer’s Society and Parkinson’s UK.
Julie, 61, has been training for the cycling challenge for four months while juggling a full-time job at a law firm.
She said: “I’ve had my knee replaced recently but cycling doesn’t apply any pressure on it so this was a great way of helping me to stay active, while helping to make a difference.
“Before the cycle ride I had managed to cycle 66 miles, but on a fairly flat route, in one go, so I was a bit nervous about how I would find it, especially with all the hills around Chipping Campden. It was a difficult task but in the end we all managed to complete each day in around seven hours.
“I think the whole team is feeling very proud of its achievement and for the money being raised, if not a little tired and ‘saddle sore!’”
Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/WheelieTyred2018 to donate.
