TRICYCLE rider, Eric Windsor, will cycle 100 miles as part of Alzheimer’s Support’s Tony’s On Tour Challenge to coincide with the Tour de France.
The challenge was inspired by former cycling champion Tony Wills of Whitley, who will ride 100 miles on his static bike to thank the charity for supporting himself and his wife, Mary.
Eric has known Tony since the late 1950s and bought his first tricycle at the age of 18.
Eric said, “When I heard Tony had recently been diagnosed with dementia and was doing Tony’s On Tour Challenge, I wanted to get involved. As a volunteer with Alzheimer’s Support for more than 10 years and with my passion for cycling, I wanted to support this amazing charity, Tony, and also challenge myself.”
Eric will be doing the whole 100 miles on his tricycle around the lanes and villages near Trowbridge and Melksham.
Eric added, “I’ve always liked tricycles, they’re fun and a bit different. For anyone who graduated from a tricycle onto a bike, getting back onto one can be very difficult. People try to balance on them when they don’t need to and an inexperienced rider will struggle to go more than 100 yards before riding into a bank.
“I can switch between a bicycle and tricycle quite easily, but cyclist friends who have tried riding my tricycle have given it back to me in disgust!”
Babs Harris, Alzheimer’s Support CEO says, “Eric has long been a friend to our charity as a volunteer at our Movement for the Mind group in Bowerhill and Memory Café in Westbury and he also plays with his band Sloe Jam at our community groups and day clubs. Little did we know he’s also a keen cyclist and tricyclist and are touched that he is doing Tony’s On Tour challenge for us when he already does so much. Thank you, Eric!”
To sponsor Eric or do a challenge of your own, visit https://www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk/fundraisers/erics-cycling-challenge
