West Leeds rookie cyclists in 874 mile challenge to help children’s hospice

A TEAM of five rookie cyclists from west Leeds are set to tackle a gruelling 874 mile challenge to raise cash for Martin House Children’s Hospice.

The ‘Calverley Cranks’ came up with the idea of taking on the Land’s End to John O’Groats ride over a drink in the pub last November.

They started a demanding training regime in December to get ready for their endurance test, which starts on Saturday June 27.

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They plan to pedal an average of 130-miles-a-day to complete the ride within seven days.

Will Spicer, 25, of Guiseley, has been cycling more than 200 miles a week to train for the challenge.

He said: “It started as pub talk. I had never ridden a road bike in my life, it was the same for some of the others.

“We decided to set ourselves a challenge and raise money for the children’s hospice at the same time.”

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Mr Spicer, who works as a personnel manager at Morrisons supermarket in Kirkstall, added: “There are going to be few painful days I imagine, but my motivation will be raising money for the charity.”

Riding alongside Mr Spicer will be Matthew Pape, 30, of Guiseley; Dave Edwards, 57, and Mark Atha, 46, of Calverley and Michael Senior, 57, who is from Wetherby.

Retired IT consultant Brian Greaves, 68, of Calverley, is one of a five-strong support team who will be following the riders in a van and a car sponsored by car dealer Infiniti Leeds.

Also in the support team will be Paula Atha from Calverley, Chris and Barbara McDermott from Rawdon and Trevor Spicer from Guiseley.

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The friends have already raised almost £4,000 for the hospice at a charity dinner and golf day last week at Woodhall Hills Golf Club in Calverley.

To donate and to sponsor the riders, go to www.justgiving.com/CalverleyCranks

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