Cycling from Sunrise to Sunset for Charity: Sam’s 350km Ride
Riding a bike from sunrise to sunset on the hottest day of the year. Sound like fun?
Not for many of us, but for one keen cyclist and eldest son of LOS’ very own Gary Spinks, it sounded like an exciting challenge and in true Spinks spirit, threw down the gauntlet and decided to push himself to the limit.
Sam completed the ride as a fundraiser for his daughter’s pre-school in his local village of Woolstone, Milton Keynes, with no idea how much support he was about to receive. When the pre-school had to cancel their annual summer fundraiser due to Covid-19 Sam decided to take things into his own hands – the lycra was calling him. And with an initial target of £350, Sam has managed to raise more than 1789% of that, with the current donations sitting at £6,260! This is a record breaking amount of money raised for the preschool and accounts for 12 years worth of funding; something that the preschool are incredible appreciative of.
Setting off as the sun rose at 4:30am, Sam created a series of loops and routes that took him all over Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. The 32 degree heat made things even more of a challenge but with a dedicated support crew and regular cycle pals to join him, the day soon flew by (easy for us to say!) and Sam racked up a total moving time of 14 hours, bringing the day’s ride to a close at 9:30pm as the sun set and the 350th kilometre was completed. He was created by rapturous applause, hand-made banners by the pre-school pupils and a very big hug from his wife, Holly.
Sam completed the ride alongside some fellow keen cyclists throughout the day, with Line One’s Gary and Joss also joining him in the saddle for parts of the day.
“It was a tough day, but a very enjoyable one too – being able to combine my passion for cycling with a great charitable cause that means a lot to my family was fantastic. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated, supported me and kept me going throughout the day.
If you’d like to donate and show your support then please visit the Local Giving page and contribute to this momentous effort.
Oh, and he was out on his bike the very next day… madness.