Determined Rotarians are taking on an epic fundraising cycle challenge. The team of five are saddling up in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). They plan to pedal nearly 230 miles in two days, visiting EACH’s hospices at The Nook, in Framingham Earl, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and Milton, near Cambridge. The ride is being organised by Phil Davies and Jonathan Holmes, from King’s Lynn Priory Rotary, and they will be joined by cycling friends Jim Hodgkinson, Mark Gregory and Mark Nicholson. The ‘Rotary Ride for EACH’ is taking place on 23rd and 24th June. “It’ll be gruelling but we’re ready for it and know how to ride to support each other,” said Phil, 73. “This will be our second two-day fundraising ride for charity and the idea partly came by accident. “One of our rides went past a signpost for The Nook and I recalled that our Rotary Club has previously supported EACH “I wondered whether it would be feasible to cycle to all three hospices, to and from King’s Lynn. “It turns out the distance is perfect for a tough but do-able two-day ride. “Training has been slow because the weather up until now has either been cold, wet, windy or a combination of all three! “However, we’re confident we can reach the necessary levels of stamina in the next couple of months and are starting to introduce longer rides into our regular twice or three times weekly group rides.” The group’s previous fundraiser was two years ago, when a team of eight took on a 250-mile trek around Norfolk for Little Discoverers, raising £1,825. The charity provides support and training for parents of pre-school children with significant development problems. This time, the team will start in King’s Lynn before visiting The Nook (58 miles) and The Treehouse (107 miles), ending day one on 116 miles. Then, after an overnight stay in Claydon, they will head to Milton (60 miles) before returning to King’s Lynn (113 miles). “Rotarians from the Eastern Region are welcome to join us for the whole ride or parts of it,” added Phil. “Our Garmin Routes can be supplied and we’ll attempt to cycle at an average of 15mph, with café stops roughly every 30 miles. “Everyone will ride at their own risk but we strongly advise to cycle in groups of no more than six, for safety.” Phil and Jonathan live in King’s Lynn, Jim and Mark Gregory in Dersingham and Mark Nicholson near Downham Market. To sponsor the team, click here Image provided by EACH of Phil (left) and Jonathan (right)
