The Fat Boys are Back…..

Five intrepid members/associates of the Twinning Association embarked on a marathon 250 mile cycle ride to our twin town of Malle on June 23rd.  The trip took four days and culminated in a civic reception in Malle on June 26th.  The original plan was that perhaps as many as 20 cyclists would participate, but a combination of work pressures and common sense reduced the number to the following motley crew; Andrew Morton, Steve Sharpe, Chris Roberts, Dave Thomas and Tony Bones.  In addition, Cathy Roberts accompanied us for the UK leg and Chris Sharpe provided support in the UK in a nice comfortable road vehicle, well a Zafira anyway, whilst Jim Woolhouse serviced our every need en-continent.

The route initially took us to Milford for our first cooked breakfast, then via Cranleigh to Crawley for lunch, We overnighted in Headcorn, near Ashford, where we had dinner and a few light refreshments.  On the 24th we made our way to Ramsgate and the ferry to Oostende.  After more eating and drinking it was off to Sint Niklaas and the next day onwards to Malle.  The more energetic, aka stupid, amongst us, Chris Roberts, then took part in the Malle triathlon.  The more sensible ones went straight to the Triathlon marquee for beer and burgers. The main intent of the trip wass to have some fun and drink lot’s of Belgian beer, but two of us took the opportunity to raise over £1500 for Naomi House Children’s Hospice.

We had made the stupid commitment that if either of us raised more than £1000 we would forego the first course of beer and burgers and take part in the triathlon.  Fortunately for us, unfortunately for the charity, we didn't quite make it. We were, of course, devistated.

A pictorial history of this momentous event is available by clicking here.