Firefighters to take on 24 hour cycle challenge

Personnel from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service will be tackling a 24 hour cycling challenge this month to raise money for charity.

The route will take in all 24 of the Service’s fire stations – including Melksham – starting and finishing at Devizes. A number of cyclists have already signed up to try and do all 195 miles, while others will join for individual stages.

Organiser Mike Cleaver, an on-call firefighter in Devizes said, “Several of us had a go at the challenge when it was first held back in 2012, and we’ve often said about doing it again.

“We want to raise as much money as possible for the Fire Fighters Charity and also the Epilepsy Society – my daughter has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, so it’s a cause very dear to my heart, and my colleagues have been brilliant in offering their support.

“This won’t be a race, we need to keep things safe for everyone involved, and we’re grateful to the Moonrakers Motorcycle Club, who will be providing us with outriders. We’ve also been supported by Roses of Devizes, who have given us the necessary kit to deal with breakdowns along the way.”

The challenge will set off from Devizes fire station at noon on Friday 24th July – the route will then take in Melksham, Corsham, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster, Mere, Tisbury, Wilton, Salisbury, Amesbury, Ludgershall, Pewsey, Marlborough, Ramsbury, Stratton, Swindon, Westlea, Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Malmesbury, Chippenham and Calne, before arriving back in Devizes by noon on Saturday 25th July.

The shortest legs – within Swindon and between Wilton and Salisbury – are only around three miles, while the longest is nearly 15 miles, between Ramsbury and Stratton.

The challenge is open to anyone who would like to get involved – all you need to do is commit to raising sponsorship or paying an entry fee. To book a place, contact Mike Cleaver on 07515 190365.

To support the challenge, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/cyclewiltshire195.