Cycling report by Simon Foster - Andover Wheelers
The Dordogne Challenge is a charity cycle ride open to teams of four cyclists to ride in relay over 540miles from St Malo to Rocamadour in three days.
The team of Simon Foster, Lee Gardner and Martin Patterson had a few problems before the challenge had even started. After sorting all the entry fees and registering the team, they had to arrange the use of a van to carry the spares and the riders between stints on the bike. This all seemed to be in hand until just over 1 week before departure the owner of the van had to pull out, but thanks to the HSA charitable trust a van was hired to transport the team and equipment.
That was the first problem sorted, but the day before departure the team lost one of its riders to a back injury. With no time to find a replacement the decision was made to "Go for it" and prove a point that they could do it with only three.
So the three stooges of Simon, Lee Gardner and Martin Pattinson departed for Portsmouth on Thurs evening for an over night crossing to St Malo.
On arriving at the port they suddenly realised the size of the event. Over 65 teams were assembling, all with the same goal: To reach Rocamadour, have a good time and raise lots of money.
The team acquitted themselves well and were 2nd quickest over the first two days. The trio would like to thank the HSA providing the transport, Oakleys of Overton for providing the team with diesel and Behind the Bikeshed for providing them with energy drinks and food.
The whole event is expected to raise over £180,000 for various charities. The trio are already planning for next years challenge.