Simon takes on the Etape Caledonia

Our Managing Director, Simon Hughes has been braving the wind and torrential rain to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and take on the Etape Caledonia.  Widely regarded as the UK’s leading sportive, the challenge was taken up by over 5000 participants with varying levels of cycling experience.

The event begins in the beautiful town of Pitlochry in Scotland and involves a gruelling 81 mile course with 1200m of climbing.  The course might be challenging but it is worth the effort as it takes in some of the most breath-taking views the Scottish Highlands has to offer, as well as a festival atmosphere to look forward to at the finish line.

Simon rode with friend and colleague Ian Doughty from the Graham Weigh Racing Club.  He said, “My time was just over 5 hours at 5:05hrs, and the weather was bleak (or dreek as they say in Scotland) – heavy rain, cold and windy in the hills. However it only added to the sense of achievement!”

The Scotland jaunt is a forerunner to some future events that Simon intends to ride. He is currently weighing up whether to take part in this year’s ‘Wiggle Etape Cymru’, a Welsh sportive held in September that starts and finishes in Wrexham and passes through the Clwydian Range (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with stunning scenery and some monstrous climbs and descents and has a London Paris ride scheduled for Summer 2016. Good luck, we say!

For anyone wishing to make a last minute donation Simon’s just giving page is still open at http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Simon-Hughes24