Cycle News Friday, November 19, 2004

CHRISTMAS RIDE TO RAISE CASH FOR CHARITY

A BRAVE group of friends are swapping a warm, cosy Christmas for a teeth-chattering midwinter cycle ride around Wales.

As the rest of Britain snuggles up on the sofa and over-indulges in mince pies, sherry and turkey, a group of 10 lads will be battling against the elements as they cycle along the windswept coastal edge of Wales.
The team has decided to forego their favourite festive treats to raise money for charity.
Between Christmas and New Year, the Wrexham cyclists will pedal through the hills of Snowdonia, into Machynllyth, along the blustery shores of Ceredigion, down towards Swansea, eventually finishing in Cardiff, to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Relief.
The group is made up of three brothers, Alex, Richard and Nick Unsworth from Gwynfryn, and some of their friends from far and wide, including one cyclist making the long trip from sunny Sydney, Australia, to join the fundraising effort in the deepest, darkest depths of a Welsh winter.
Alex Unsworth said the idea came during a holiday on the warm beaches of Queensland but now the challenge is getting closer, the reality is beginning to sink in and the lads are bracing themselves for harsh conditions – and the chilly prospect of a white Christmas.
He said: “Logic would dictate such an activity should take place during the hot sunny summer days of August when refreshments would consist of cooling down with a nice pint of lager outside a good old remote Welsh pub; and entertainment would be the sheer delight of being in Wales during the summer, admiring the views as we cruise on by.
“Instead, five days between Christmas and New Year will be spent struggling against wind, rain, sleet, hail and snow in minus five degrees or lower, making desperate stops whenever possible to warm up and get whatever respite we can from the harsh Welsh winter elements to raise as much money as possible for MacMillan Cancer Relief. We’ll be arriving in Cardiff on the 31st in time for a well-earned New Year´s drink.”
The brothers chose Macmillan Cancer Relief as their charity after being impressed by the expert care and practical support it gave to a close family friend and the difference it makes to people living with cancer.
The team has managed to arrange free accommodation along the way but are still appealing for the owner of a bike or clothing shop to sponsor their equipment.
They are also urging people in Wrexham to dig deep into their pockets and sponsor them in true festive spirit.
To sponsor the lads email them at info@greatwelshwinter ride.co.uk, or write to Richard Unsworth, Great Welsh Winter Ride, Ty Llanbedr, Allt-y-Pentref, Gwynfryn, Wrexham, LL11 5YY.
For more information about the big bi Email: ke ride log on to www.greatwelshwinter ride.co.uk.