By Harborough Mail | Posted 18 April, 2013
Riders will be uniting two twin towns when they set off to France today while at the same time raising money for the hospice charity LOROS.
The 14 cyclists will be setting off from Lutterworth before beginning their journey from London to Chambourcy on the outskirts of Paris . Chambourcy is the twin town of Lutterworth and all 14 cyclists are from Lutterworth and the surrounding area.
The journey will see the amateur cyclists travel an impressive 300 miles in just four days.
Today they have been seen off by Cllr Robert Coleman, the Mayor of Lutterworth, and when they arrive in Chambourcy on Sunday they will be greeted by that town’s mayor.
The adventure will raise money for LOROS.
Steve Stroud, who is organising the ride, said: “We have two local doctors on the team who recognise the great work that LOROS does and it also supports the opening of LOROS’ new store in Lutterworth so it was really a very local decision, especially as we are doing this with the help of the Lutterworth Twinning Association who have arranged us to meet our hosts in Chambourcy, just outside Paris.” Many of the riders already cycle together locally and use the Gilmorton village store as a base to start their rides from.
Mr Stroud, who is one of several members of Leicester Forest East Tennis Club taking part in the ride, said that once people heard about the challenge there were many more who wanted to get involved. Taking part are Mr Stroud, Dr Allister Grant, Dr Ian Rees, Dave Plimmer, Chris Bint, Tom Measom, Tish Litt, Gerard McGrane, Jack Parham, Carole Stroud, Dominic Tocca, Jo Jones, Gina Kotari and Mike King. Mr Stroud said: “It would be fair to say we have a team of mixed abilities, ages and fitness levels, but all with a strong determination to reach Paris to raise money.”
He said he was most looking forward to meeting their hosts at Chambourcy as it will effectively signal the end of the ride and provide a time to reflect on a great achievement.
They are being supported in the quest with vital equipment by Lutterworth Cycles for potential punctures and breakdowns. Mr Stroud added: “What will be important is that we all support each other, breathe in all the great atmosphere of rural France and get fit while raising money in the process.”
Photograph: The cyclists with supporters including Mayor of Lutterworth Rob Coleman. L-R they are David Plimmer, Steve Stroud, Carole Stroud, Allister Grant, Ian Rees, Mike King, Chris Bint, Tom Measom
