Four fund-raising Hereford cyclists triumphantly completed their relay-ride of the arduous and hilly Welsh Coast nearly two hours ahead of their estimated time of arrival in Chester at 12 noon on Sunday 27th July!

Chief organiser, Chris Holmes, safely back in Hereford on Sunday afternoon, sipping a well earned drink, said, “It was a real challenge, perhaps one of the most rigorous bike rides we’ve ever experienced!”  There was a feeling of elation amongst the four riders; they had completed their mission – it was no mean feat; downhill into the coves and bays of the Welsh coast were a pleasure, but the long hauls out of them, particularly in the prevailing heat were hard slogs.  They had to ride hard to meet their deadline.

Originally Chris Holmes and Phill Prothero were going to ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, but it’s a well worn charitable route now, so they wanted to do something unique, hence coming up with the Welsh Coast Challenge.  Not as long as the previous route, it is perhaps much more gruelling; a fact subsequently attested to by fellow riders Mark Dykes and Howard Robinson.

Asked what he thought was the best thing about the whole trip, Chris Holmes said, “Our Back-Up Team!  Without them, the whole thing wouldn’t have happened!”  Four vehicles: two Motor Homes, one van, and one saloon car, were required to enable the cyclists to fulfil their undertaking.  ‘Leebs’ – Andy Leeburn spearheaded the route planning and the organisation of the back-up team, drawing up driver rotas, splitting the route into sections for the riders and providing and driving the motor home for the Chris and Phill to rest their weary heads .   Dale Morris and Steve Greening co-drove the second motor-home in which Howard and Mark took their rest periods.  Bringing up the rear and acting as Guardian Angel was Ian Mason, Lew Braithwaite and Ian’s son, Lewis, who also did a short stint on a bike.

The team were accompanied in the rear van by Masseuse Liz Peel who also undertook the onerous task of recording times, mileages and other statistics.  Lin from LinPix was Chief Photographer, and together with Dave Richards accompanied the lads all the way.   The most marked thing for Dave was the ever-prevalent teasingly abusive but good humoured banter. As Steve Greening said, “We’ve known each other so long, and been on so many challenging trips together, we can take the mickey out of each other without being offensive!”  There were many amusing incidents but like Lew said “You really had to be there”.

The objectives of the Challenge were two-fold – the first was to complete the course; total riding time was 27 hours and 28 minutes; and the second was to raise just over £2000 for equipment for Hereford’s Charles Renton Unit and for the West Midlands Branch of Spinal Research.  These boys completed their mission; they worked incredibly hard, as did all their supporters, to do this.  So if you are able to support them with a donation, anything at all, it would be very much appreciated; see the Welsh Coast Challenge website and donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/welshcoastchallenge08 or phone Chris Holmes on 01432 358263.

Colin Javens from Spinal Research said, “Crucially, the objectives had to be met, but perhaps more importantly, the long weekend was something from which life-long memories are made and if these are made in the name of charitable work, then long live fundraising!”