As we approach 500 Fairtrade Towns in the UK, Fairtrade supporters are taking to their saddles for a 500 mile cycle relay from Aberfeldy to Cardiff. We'll be blogging about their journey that will conclude in Cardiff on Monday 1 November. Learn more about their route at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/500fairtradetowns
Day 1 Aberfeldy – Strathaven (107 miles)
They’re off! Seven courageous cyclists set off from Aberfeldy to Strathaven on the first leg of the 500 mile bicycle relay to celebrate 500 Fairtrade Towns. This was by far the longest and most enduring leg, albeit through a beautiful Scottish landscape. To the sound of bagpipes the cyclists left Aberfeldy Town Hall at 9am and arrived in Strathaven just after 6pm. Congratulations to all involved but especially the three ‘Hairy Bikers’ (Franny, Bob and John) who cycled the whole distance. Congratulations also go to John Swinney MSP and his wife who gave birth to their baby boy the day before, on National Nut Day as it happens but perhaps best not mentioned? The new arrival that prevented John from taking to his bike was actually not due until November 1st; the proposed date of the 500th Fairtrade Town declaration.
Day 2 Strathaven - Dunscore (57 miles)
A cold and frosty morning saw the cyclists off at Strathaven, which meant another dry and still day ahead, ideal for cycling. Former world cycling champion Graeme O’Bree handed over the parchment to the lead cyclist for the day Guto Williams, watched by local politicians Linda Fabiani MSP (one of the first people to show an interest in adopting the Fairtrade Town ideal soon after the people of Garstang self declared in 2000) and Michael McCann MP. The cyclists rode into Dunscore to a rapturous welcome and a pasta meal prepared by local campaigners. As well as handing over the parchment the cyclists also delivered some homemade cake as a gift from the campaigners in Strathaven to their Scottish colleagues in Dunscore. The last night before crossing the English border ended in true Scottish fashion with a Ceilidh that went on into the night.
Monday, 25 October 2010
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Keep it up guys and gals - will be meeting you on Thursday and Friday we will take the banner onwards from Chester - hope this weather picks up!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to those cyclists now riding in less than ideal weather. Up here in Aberfeldy, we were so lucky, after the downpours on the Friday before we left! Alison
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the valiant souls who made it over the fells in truly disgusting weather to Kendal. Heroes all!
ReplyDeleteAnd here are the cyclists being given a mayoral send off from Kendal http://tinyurl.com/ftbrk2010
ReplyDeleteBack home safe and sound after a very wet and windy journey over the fells but with our guardian angel,Bruce keeping a close eye on us and lots of chocolate to keep us going. Good luck and best wishes to all those still to ride and may the wind always be behind you! A real pleasure to be part of such a great event.
ReplyDeleteChris, Pete and Steve.
We had a windy trip from Chester to Bridgnorth today - in our faces for the whole journey! Provided a metaphor for the struggle faced by Fairtrade to gain acceptance and provide a decent living to the producers around the world. We had a fantastic reception in Bridgnorth, welcomed by the Town Crier and Mayoress, and then entertained to a delicious evening meal by members of the Fairtrade Group. Thankyou!!
ReplyDeleteOn our ride were: Sue, Karen, Heather, Alan, Alex, Tony, and Paul.
Good luck to Ray and the team from Bridgnorth tomorrow, and to the remaining riders to Cardiff
7 of us completed the Chester to Bridgnorth leg of the cycle relay. Despite a strong headwind for the entire journey we arrived in Bridgnorth more or less on schedule and in good spirits after a relatively uneventful journey - thankfully. We were warmly welcomed by the Bridgnorth group provided with showers and a place to change and an excellent meal.
ReplyDeleteAll in all a great day!
Sue, Karen, Heather, Paul, Alex, Tony & Alan