JAMES’S ‘THE LONG RIDE’ GOES CONTINENTAL

As part of his year cycling and fundraising for DISC Dementia Care and The Sara Lee Trust, on Friday 24th May Bexhill Rotary’s President James Slinn embarked on a three-legged cycle route from Dunkirk all the way to Breda in Holland, a distance of over 155 miles.

James was not cycling alone but was supported by cycling Rotarians Tim Pilbeam, Perry Puddefoot and his wife Alison, and head of logistics Rotarian David Dixson who drove the support vehicle.

Day one saw the cyclists start their journey from Dunkirk in bright sunshine taking them just over 48 miles without serious incident to their first night’s stop in Bruges. The following morning it was wet but this didn’t deter the intrepid cyclists who, despite suffering a puncture on one of their bikes, put a further 51 miles behind them on their way to destination number two, Sint Niklaas, where the hotel they stayed in overnight didn’t quite match up to its billing! 

Day three, the Sunday, saw the bikers on their final journey which should have been around 50 miles but, because of a missed turn, it turned out to be a bit longer! The only incident occurred after lunch when James Slinn decided that a large beach bush was lonely and decided to join it but fortunately no bones were broken and in true Rotary fashion continued on his way.

Despite aching rear ends, tight joints, a sore groin and a bit of general fatigue the cyclists reached their final destination, their hotel in Breda, where they were welcomed by Bexhill Rotarian and logistics king David Dixson with a very welcome tray of beer. After sustenance was dealt with, the Bexhill party dubbed ‘The Famous Five’ dined at a local restaurant where they were joined by Paul Martens President of Gouda Rotary Club to help them celebrate their fine cycling achievement.

Of course this cycling expedition, sponsored by Alexander James Financial Planning (www.alexanderjamesfinancialco.uk), does have a serious side to raise much needed funds and James Slinn comments, “I have now cycled close to 2,000 miles since last July and the total raised on ‘The Long Ride’ to raise money for DISC Dementia Support and The Sara Lee Trust via the GoFundMe account and donations to Bexhill Rotary’s Trust Fund is around the £2,200 mark.”

BUT James is VERY keen to add more donations, so please help boost this SPECIAL APPEAL for more funds for these two marvellous charities who do such important work ..............

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY to:

 Bexhill Rotary Club Trust Fund (Registered Charity No. 1026868)
 Nat West Bank 51-70-12
 A/c 65650395

Quote reference ‘Long Ride’