Rees Astley Chairty Bike Ride - September 2014

We consider ourselves reasonably lucky to have our health and be in a position of relative comfort and we have reached that age where we would like to give something back to those who are less fortunate.

We also want to have some fun along the way whilst achieving a personal goal which is challenging but not stupid. Hence this September we have decided to cycle Italy for charity! welcome to "Mike & Steve's Tour of Tuscany".

  • 14th Lucca – Florence 76 kilometers steady
  • 15th Florence – Siena 101 kilometers (can do it in 76 but this is more scenic less traffic) some hills
  • 16th Siena – Volterra 76 kilometers miles some hills
  • 17th Volterra – Lucca 71 kilometers miles down hill

There are maps of the routes we will be travelling on this site and we will update the site with news and more photos as we progress.

The Charity of our choice for whom we shall be raising funds is Derwen College based in Oswestry. They do a wonderful job assisting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to learn new skills that will help them get a job and live as independently as possible. If you wish to learn more about the Charity visit their website www.derwen.ac.uk

This charity isn't registered with just giving yet but if you would like to sponsor two gentlemen in spandex you can email steve@reesastley.co.uk and pledge an amount. We will inform you when we have completed the cycle ride and you can pay by cheque or BACS in favour of Rees Astley.

We are aiming to raise as much as possible for this worthy charity and we would really appreciate it if you were able to make a contribution.

Latest from Italy!!!

Friday
After a 15 hour car journey from Calais we finally arrived in Lucca at 11pm.
Saturday
Today we cycled from Lucca to Florence. Weather was good, first half reasonably flat then we found the hills. It took us 8 hours arriving in Florence at 6pm.
Sunday
It rained overnight so wet start. Florence to Siena is the longest leg with hills most of the way. More rain in the afternoon before arriving in Siena at 7pm.
Monday
Today we cycle from Siena to Volterra.
Arrived Volterra at 3pm. There were more hills than we expected. Took us 5 hours to cycle 40 miles!! Going to reward ourselves with a beer.
Tuesday
Final day cycling Volterra to Lucca. The good news is its mainly Downhill and the weather is looking fine. After a 15 mile detour to avoid a Mountain!
We arrived in Lucca at 4pm.

 

Many thanks to everyone that sponsored us the money is much needed by Derwen College and will provide more opportunities for the disabled people that they care for.