STRANRAER man John Stead is on an epic and charitable mission to cycle the coastal route of the UK, a journey of 5,000 miles in total.
His trip began on February 18th leaving his home town in the west of the region, travelling across to Dumfries, into England, down to the Welsh border, carrying on to Lands End, then a quick jaunt along the south coast, up the east coast, a cup of tea at John O’ Groats, then round the top bit of Scotland, down the west coast arriving home in Stranraer round about June some time.
John is taking on this heroic ride to support two charities dear to his heart, Encephalitis Society, his wife is a long-term sufferer, and Dumfries and Galloway Blood Bikes. To add to the challenge, John will have no support crew and will be carrying everything he needs on the bike. The aim is to raise £13,000 to provide funds towards a new Blood Bike and towards Encephalitis Society.
Along his trip, John has battled severe storms, Deirdre gave him a real beating in Wales, a swollen ankle along the south coast forcing him to take a short break to recover, and after facing winds from the south down the east coast and looking forward to a tail wind up the east coast, the weather changed 180’ and gave him a northerly headwind for the 400 miles up to Scotland!
John has been joined at various points by friends, family and a few Dumfries and Galloway Blood Bike riders to keep his spirits high, the most recent on 3rd May to provide a motorcycle escort across the Scottish border at Berwick, photos attached with this release.
John’s wife Linda is providing regular updates on Facebook which can be viewed By clicking HERE
If you would like to donate to John’s Justgiving page please click HERE. John would like to thank everyone for their support so far.
One partner. No competitors. Supporting local stories across the region.
