Malcolm Smithers and Brian Penniall successfully managed to complete their Pau to Barcelona sponsored bike ride as part of a 16 man cycling team.
Reported to be one of the hardest events they’ve ever taken part in, they experienced 400 miles of temperatures at times exceeding 40 degrees; 15% gradients up to 3 hours at a time; and ascending Cols such as the 2100 metres high Col Du Tourmalet. However, the pain quickly subsided as they were treated to some of the most hair-raising fast descents – the longest of which was measured at 30 miles.
Other team statistics include:
In all, 5 mountains completed during the 4 days of the ride
- Consumption of over 500 litres of water (about 135 litres/day)
- 10 punctures
- 2 slow speed crashes
- 1 pack of blister plasters
- Maximum recorded speed of 53 mph
However, it wasn’t just the cyclists who found it challenging as the support vehicle driver spent 47.22 hours with the engine running; used 411 litres of fuel; had one side mirror smashed by a campervan driven by a crazy Italian; and developed his own set of clutch pedal blisters as he managed to clock up 1672 miles of constant gear changing!
Malcolm and Brian
Only 7 riders managed to complete the whole route (out of the 16) without taking a breather in the support vehicle.
Malcolm, Brian and Lyn would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped them collect £965 of sponsorship money for their charity of choice, CRY.
Lyn Whittle
