A group of 13 men will be saddling this Thursday and Friday to cycle the Way of the Roses Coast to Coast challenge in just two days - to raise vital funds for Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs).
The cyclists, also known as the ‘Middle Aged Men in Lycra’ will be pedalling a gruelling 170 miles, from Morecombe to Bridlington, on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September; setting off in three groups to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Ian Strong (47) from Scunthorpe is one of the cyclists taking on the challenge alongside his brother-in-law Gary Simpson (48).
Ian said: “My wife Tracy works at Lindsey Lodge Hospice as a Healthcare Assistant, so Gary and I see how the Hospice and its staff go above and beyond to care for local people.
Ian and Gary will be joined on their challenge by fellow cyclists John Maxwell, Marc Shrimpton, Allan Wright, Stu Straw, Darrell Brand, Wayne Lamming, Liam Dexter, Rob Mullen, Sam Smith, Phil Tennyson and Tom Neary.
Ian’s father-in-law, Roger Simpson will be joined behind the wheel of the support van by Marc Shrimpton’s dad, Martin.
Ian added: “This is a real family affair! All of the riders and supporters have a connection to Lindsey Hospice or SOBs, so everyone is feeling personally inspired to complete the ride.”
Commenting on the men’s plans, Lindsey Lodge Hospice Fundraising Manager Kirsty Walker said: “I’d like to say a big Hospice thank you to all of the cyclists involved, we are truly grateful for all of their support!
“As a local charity we’re in unprecedented times due to Covid-19, so we’re truly grateful to these guys who are willing to take on such a massive challenge to raise much-needed funds for us.
“Every penny they raise for Lindsey Lodge will go to supporting North Lincolnshire patients and families – both now and in the future, so we wish them lots of luck and kind weather!”
To sponsor the Middle Aged Men in Lycra please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/Middleagemeninlycra