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“Middle-aged blokes with dad bods” set to cycle 101 miles for Hospice
17/07/2023
Barry and David have opted for saddles designed for comfort to help them complete their challenge
Two Banbury men are hoping to raise plenty of money for a local charity this September by completing a 101 mile cycle challenge, despite admitting to being middle-aged blokes with dad-bods.
Barry Newman and David Feeley are planning to take part in an event in Peterborough on September 17, which David admits they picked because it has a reputation for being the flattest route in the country!
For the last few weeks the friends have been completing training rides and making regular trips to the gym, hoping they will be in shape in time. That’s something of a challenge as they aren’t obvious cyclists. David said: “why have a six pack when you can have the whole barrel!”
Barry will be riding his hybrid mountain bike and David has a gravel bike – both of which have been amended for comfort.
David said: “We haven’t got race saddles and neither of us are wearing Lycra. We stick out like a sore thumb!
“If you see my saddle, you would think it belongs on an armchair. We’re not light guys – saddles do not like us. Within literally 30 minutes we’re in agony.
“So I found these old fashioned saddles that have a spring under. They’re probably as wide as we are, but it works well. It doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing and regular cyclists will probably look at us and laugh, but it means that we can go out and do the miles, without sacrificing ourselves in the process.”
Barry and David wanted to undertake the challenge to push themselves both mentally and physically. They are raising money for the Katharine House Hospice – a cause close to their hearts after Barry’s father and the mother of one of David’s good friends passed away there.
David said: “It’s a fantastic place. Everyone locally knows of it or knows someone who’s been there and its one place you hope you never have to go to.”
You can donate to Barry and David’s fundraiser here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam