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Stratford friends complete cycling challenge 40 years in the making




TWO old school friends who talked of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats when they were in their teens have finally completed the challenge... and raised £5,000 for Ukraine.

The cyclists reach the finish at John O'Groats after 1,130 miles in the saddle raising money for Ukraine. (58219469)
The cyclists reach the finish at John O'Groats after 1,130 miles in the saddle raising money for Ukraine. (58219469)

Chris Meixner, from Stratford, and Dave Thorpe – both aged 58 – resurrected their ambitions to cycle the length of Britain when they got together for the recent 25th wedding anniversary of Chris and his wife, Rosalind. The celebration was a good time to agree to take on the charity cycle challenge as both men went to Tudor Grange School, Solihull, and Dave was best man at Chris’s wedding.

Chris said: “We’ve fulfilled a lifelong ambition formulated 40 years ago during summer rides across France when we were schoolmates and we supported the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

“As we sit comfortably at home it’s hard to comprehend the agony of those who have fled their homes to escape intense conflict leaving behind loved ones, livelihoods and almost everything they own.”

Chris said he was emotional and raised his bike above his head following the achievement of cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats. (58219492)
Chris said he was emotional and raised his bike above his head following the achievement of cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats. (58219492)

Chris and Dave set off from Land’s End on 8th June and completed their challenge on 1st July. They opted for the longer east coast route as it was less hilly and included a rest day in Stratford, where Chris could sleep in his own bed.

The most direct route is 850 miles but the route Chris and Dave chose was 1,130 miles and climbed 48,539 feet, almost twice the height of Mount Everest.

Chris said: “We averaged about 50 miles a day with only two tumbles, two punctures and two broken spokes,” said Chris. “I felt very emotional as I approached the John O’Groats finish. When I got there one of my daughters had been tracking me and sent me a congratulatory message.

Dave Thorpe and Chris Meixner at the start of their charity cycle ride. (58219277)
Dave Thorpe and Chris Meixner at the start of their charity cycle ride. (58219277)

“I was amazed how emotional the achievement made me feel and raising the £5,000.

“The highs of the journey were to see the beautiful scenery, the lows would be when it rained and when the spoke broke in the Highlands, 20 miles from the nearest village... but at least we didn’t get saddle sore.

“I’m grateful for the guidance of Maria Giordmaina, a trainer at Stratford Leisure Centre, who has been great helping me train for this.”

Flat out. Dave Thorpe takes a break from the saddle in the Highlands. (58219297)
Flat out. Dave Thorpe takes a break from the saddle in the Highlands. (58219297)

The friends have discussed future cycling adventures like riding from Paris to Barcelona, riding along the River Danube and riding around Iceland.

To support their fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LEJOGforUKRAINE.



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