Gearing up for cycling challenge

People are being urged to support a feat of pedal power when a long-distance challenge on static bikes starts tomorrow.

Newark and Sherwood district councillors Keith Girling, Neill Mison and Johno Lee have organised the ride in aid of Newark Patriotic Fund.

They will be aiming to ride the equivalent distance from Lands End to John O’ Groats, 950 miles, in one day.

The 24-hour challenge will take place at Newark Sports and Fitness Centre, from noon.

Mr Girling, chairman of Newark Patriotic Fund, said it would be a tough challenge.

“We will all have to average around 13 miles an hour, which is not exactly slow, so we will need some help,” he said.

“I am walking 300 miles round the battlefields of Northern France later this year so it will be good preparation.

“It would be amazing if people could come to support us.

“It is going to be a long day and we need all the help we can get.”

Anyone who attends the event can cycle for as long as they want to help them complete their challenge.

There will be collection buckets and sponsorship forms available, or donations can be made at www.mydonate.bt.com/fund raisers/neillmiso1

Newark Patriotic Fund supports wounded and mentally-scarred Services personnel and their families.