Cyclist returns from big trip (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cyclist returns from big trip

A GRUELLING cycle ride through Wales by Malmesbury man Sam Evans has raised more than £3,000 for charity.

Mr Evans, 34, of Gastons Road, completed the 416-mile, seven-day ride with Alastair Brindley from Sutton Benger in aid of the Great Oaks Hospice in the Forest of Dean.

Mr Evans chose the charity as it was set up by his mum, Sheila.

The pair rode from Monmouth up to the Lleyn Peninsula, before working their way back down.

Mr Evans said the trip was fun, although the steep climbs across the Welsh border proved to be challenging. "It was a great trip," he said. "We went on the B roads rather than the A roads, and they were extremely hilly.

"It was great fun and the weather was very good. The people were very friendly and helpful to us and it was fantastic. It was fairly tough, but the weather was very good, so it was just the big, long hills."

Mr Evans said that he did little training for the ride, which started on September 4 and ended on September 11, although riding the bike for seven days did help his fitness. "I cycle a bit and that was pretty much the training I did for it," he said.

He is planning another ride next year.