Cyclist Jeff gears up for epic journey (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cyclist Jeff gears up for epic journey

A BOOK about a hiker who undertook a journey from the North Sea to the Mediterranean has inspired a Tisbury man to get on his bike and do something similar.

Jeff Scholefield, a retired wing commander, is joining the Royal British Legion cycle ride from London to Lake Geneva next month.

Mr Scholefield, who is secretary of the Tisbury branch of the RBL, said it was 20 years ago that he first had the idea of making such a journey under his own steam.

"I was inspired by British hiker John Hillaby, who wrote a book about walking from the North Sea on the Dutch coast to the Mediterranean Sea at Nice," he said.

"In the early 1990s, I spent 24 days hiking on my own across the Alps, from Lake Geneva to the Med at Nice - about 400 miles, with lots of ups and downs.

"I followed a French long-distance footpath and stayed in mountain huts or gtes.

"This year, I plan to complete my journey but with three changes - I shall use a bike, I shall start in London and I am seeking sponsorship for the Royal British Legion.

"For someone who is now 56 years old and has not cycled a lot, this is a big challenge."

The ride starts on May 12 and finishes 624 miles and eight days later.

"I am one of 65 riders and I have been training hard since early Novem-ber," said Mr Scholefield.

"I have never cycled so far so quickly, but I am keen to take up the challenge for such a good cause.

"Cycling an average of 78 miles a day is just one side of the story - I know that I shall be helping the men and women who risked their lives in many conflicts, including the Second World War, Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia and, of course, Iraq.

"The legion works so hard supporting them, their dependants and families and it needs every penny it can raise."

Mr Scholefield is a member of the Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury.

"Its members have done an enormous amount to help me with my preparation and given me lots of advice and support," he said.

Each cyclist has to raise a minimum of £1,000 in sponsorship.

Mr Scholefield has already paid the £599 to enter the event, which covers food, accommodation, support and return travel.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him can contact him on 01747 870695.