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Cyclists complete 208-mile challenge in memory of Rachel





The cyclists setting off from John O'Groats.
The cyclists setting off from John O'Groats.

FOUR friends from Moray have succeeded in their challenge to cycle 208 miles in a single day in memory of a pal.

The four were piped in to Hopeman as they completed their epic journey from John O'Groats during which they spent nearly 13 hours in the saddle.

Through their efforts Roy Cook and Pete Richardson, from Hopeman, and Ed Dunbar and Terry Millard, from Duffus, have raised £4000 and counting for Cancer Research.

The ride was in memory of local woman Rachel Reid (née Shallcross) who passed away from the disease at the age of just 50.

Ed said: "The three-hour drive up to John O'Groats served to highlight the enormity of the task at hand.

"But our spirits were high on the Friday night as we enjoyed a meal in a local restaurant and were visited by Rachel’s father, sister, brother-in-law and nephew.

"After the obligatory photograph at the signpost, we left John O’Groats at 5am. Our first stop was for breakfast with Rachel's family in Reay, where she grew up.

"Being met at Reay by Rachel’s husband, Neil, and her 12-year-old daughter, Morven, and again at the finish was the highlight of the adventure."

Ably assisted by Andy Middlecote, who is from Hopeman and acted as support driver, the four travelled through Dounreay, Kinbrace, Altnaharra and Lairg – the halfway point where they stopped off for lunch at the Crask Inn.

They travelled on through Bonar Bridge, Dingwall, Muir of Ord, Inverness, Nairn and Forres.

Finally, at nearly 9pm, they arrived at Hopeman, where Rachel lived, and an impromptu party was held at the harbour.

Ed said: "The weather was kind, the scenery was tremendous and, thankfully, the midge numbers reduced as we travelled south."

Talking after the ride, Roy, who had the original idea for the challenge, said: "This wasn’t about the four of us going for a long bike ride.

"This was about doing something physically and emotionally difficult to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of Rachel, and family and friends who are still fighting this horrible disease.

Related story:

Enjoying a well-earned beer at Hopeman harbour after completing the challenge – (from left) Andy Middlecote, Pete Richardson, Ed Dunbar, Terry Millard and Roy Cook.
Enjoying a well-earned beer at Hopeman harbour after completing the challenge – (from left) Andy Middlecote, Pete Richardson, Ed Dunbar, Terry Millard and Roy Cook.

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