Mid life cyclists raise over 6´000 pounds

PHOTOS: MICHELS
IT began as an idea during a conversation over a glass of wine and yesterday, over 1'200 miles later, the charity cycle to Majorca from England by Jonny Swann and Charlie Woodhead ended in the Port of Andratx.

The two “Mid life cyclists” had hoped to have caught the ferry from Valencia on Thursday night but were forced to wait until Friday night's ferry and finally sailed into Palma early yesterday morning.

They reached the finish line in the Port of Andratx, where Charlie's parents have lived for many years, at 11am.
The two set off from Le Havre, after crossing the Channel, on June 16 and during their 16 day ride they have raised over 6'000 pounds for the charity Swings & Smiles which is based in Berkshire where Charlie is based. “It's been great fun, a marvelous experience and what's more and most important, all for a good cause,” said Charlie.
SWINGS & SMILES “The first few days were a bit sore, but you soon get used to it and had a wonderful ride down through France. “Didn't lose the kilos we expected, we ate extremely well...,” he added.
The Swings & Smiles charity was set up to build, equip and run a recreational centre in West Berkshire for children and their families with special needs.

The charity launched a public appeal last year to raise 400'000 pounds and thanks to the support from people like Jonny and Charlie it is making good progress.

Their ride took them from Le Havre to Paris and then south through Orleans, Limoges, Toulouse, Carcassone and Perpignan before crossing the Pyrenees and then following the cost to Barcelona and Valencia. They have averaged between 60 and 80 miles per day and admit they feel much better for it.

Yesterday, the bicycles were parked up in La Mola and the cyclists recovering from their charity ride. Who knows, over another glass of wine, they might decide to cycle home!