A team of Shrewsbury cyclists are beginning to clock up the miles in preparation for a gruelling challenge which will see them ride 900 miles in nine days to raise money for charity.
The 10-strong team, all members of the Paramount Cycle Racing Team, will travel from the most southern part of the UK – Lands End – to the most northern part – John O’Groats to raise money for Severn Hospice and Help for Heroes.
They will depart on May 16 and will ride 100 miles a day for nine days.
Team member 34-year-old Dan Butler, who works at Beaumont Lawrence insurance Brokers on Sweetlake Business Park, said: “Training has really stepped up a gear in the last couple of weeks.
“We have been getting together each week and most of us are cycling around 150 miles a week, squeezing in the odd ride whenever possible.
“We recently took part in the Stan’s Cycles Ronde Van Rhino sportive which was great preparation because it included some tough climbs and now the nights are lighter we will be putting in some additional training to make sure we are ready for the challenge.”
As the team make their way north from Lands End they will ride through Shrewsbury, where they will be joined by other members of the Paramount Club.
“I think some other members are planning to join us on a short leg of the journey as we ride into Shrewsbury on day three and others will join us as we depart on day four,” explained Mr Butler.
“It will be fantastic to have their support and will come just at the right time. I suspect most of us will be feeling a bit sore by day three.”
Mr Butler will take on the challenge with fellow cyclists Colin Heywood, Liz Heywood, Phil Goddard, Jonathan Partridge, Phil Freeman, Damien Thompson, Rob Bould, Eddie Emblen, Randle Edwards and Russell Jones.
Ben Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence, racing team manager for Paramount and organiser of the Shrewsbury Grand Prix, said: “The team have been putting in a lot of time training for this big challenge so we’re all confident they will do well. They will feel a tremendous sense of pride when they return and we will all be wanting to hear about their journey.
“I’ve also been told that just a week after they arrive back some of the team will be getting back on their bikes to ride for charity again in the Stan’s Cycles Shropshire Sportive on May 30 ahead of the Grand Prix which is fantastic.”
To support Dan and his team mates by donating money for their chosen charities visit https://www.justgiving.com/teams/paramountlejog2015