Towering test for bike duo
Two cycling pals are proving to be a tower of strength for children with special needs.
Trevor Greenhalgh from Lowton and Michael Hartley from Newton-le-Willows have embarked on a fund-raising cycle ride from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower.
It was the idea of Trevor who wanted to celebrate his 50th birthday in style.
"It's not every day you turn 50 and, being a keen cyclist I decided it was time for a real challenge", said Trevor.
"My great-nephew goes to a wonderful school for children with autism and I wanted to raise funds for them as a personal thank you."
The 500-mile challenge starts in Blackpool and takes the lads through Macclesfield, Market Harborough, Waltham Abbey, Dover, Poix-de-Picardie, finishing in Paris this week.
The pair started out from the very top of Blackpool Tower. Before the trek began Trevor said: "The staff at Blackpool Tower have been really helpful, and they arranged specially to open the lift for us at 8am.
"We'll finish underneath the Eiffel Tower six days later on my 50th birthday – assuming we don't get lost!"
Click next page to read more...Navigation is one of the challenges for long distance cyclists, so
Trevor and Michael are using a GPS system to keep them on the right track. And they are munching their way through 5,000 calories a day to keep the pedals powering.
Trevor said: "We'll be snacking on Jaffa cakes every 10 minutes and taking in plenty of pasta and high energy drinks every evening when we stop for the night."
Trevor, who works as a woodland officer, has just received a 30-year service award from his employer United Utilities.
"As his gift he requested bike paniers and a special box for flying the bike back from Paris.
"This is a one-way challenge," Trevor joked. "We're taking the easy way back on the plane."
The pair have already raised 2,500 in pledges for Hillside School, Longridge, near Preston, and any further donations are welcome.
Contact Trevor on 01260 252268 or email trevor.greenhalgh@uuplc.co.uk to make a pledge.
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
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Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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