Kettering cyclists ride 216-mile ‘magical mystery tour’ in one day for cancer charity
A group of Kettering cyclists have ridden to and from Hunstanton and back to raise as much money as possible for charity Cancer Research.
The six pals’ epic journey was completed in honour of the organiser Bruno Mastrangelo’s dad Vittorio, who lost his life to the disease.
They reached the North Norfolk coast in seven hours – a distance of 110 miles – with no navigational issues.
But the way back was less successful with added complications for the saddle sore group’s tired legs.
Team member Andy Parker said: “Bruno, who lost his father to cancer some 13 years ago, has continually sought ways to raise money to support the charity.”
The team battled a headwind and the heat of the summer to achieve the goal. Leaving Kettering at 5am, the group made good progress out of Northamptonshire and into the Cambridgeshire fens.
Aided by coffee and refuelling stops, the team made it to the lighthouse in Old Hunstanton in good shape – 110 miles ridden in seven hours.
Boosted by a stop for fish and chips, the group benefited from a gentle tailwind at first, but the beating sun and exertions triggered cramp which threw one of the riders off his bike on to a verge 12 miles into the return journey.
Andy said: “The cramp persisted slowing the group significantly. Then some errant route planning (Bruno!) led to our own magical mystery tour, trying to breakout from what felt like a vortex sucking us back to the Lincolnshire town of Crowland and adding nearly a fifth more miles onto the return journey.
“Eventually, the right route was found and we rode through the sunset into increasing darkness arriving home around 10.30pm with 216 miles ridden.
“The good news is that everyone was in one piece, exhausted but pleased with the achievement and in helping Bruno raise over two thousand pounds for Cancer Research this year alone.”
Donations to Bruno’s fundraiser can be made at the Just Giving page here.