Wet & Windy Start To A 900 Mile Charity Cycle

Simon Chapman, a Guernsey prison officer, began his journey from Land's End on Monday (31 July) and hopes reach the tip of Scotland later this month.

The End to End cycling challenge is an iconic journey, taking those brave enough over 900 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Local prison officer Simon Chapman, who turned 60 last month, decided he was going to tick the challenge off his bucket list earlier this year.

After months of training in Guernsey, he has finally hopped on his bike - leaving Lands End at 10am on Monday (31 July).

His journey began with some unfortunate weather - heavy rain and wild winds.

He is now on his fourth day of cycling, covering more than 50 miles each day.

Simon says he won't let anything stop him from completing the ride:

"On day one, within the first hour, I was having some very mixed emotions. I think it was the fear of the challenge ahead of me, and I was there by myself with 27 kilos of luggage on a bicycle, hoping to go hundreds of miles.

It's been teeming it down and there are road closures which have certainly affected my progress and extended my days into some ridiculously late finishes.

But it's a huge challenge that I've been wanting to do for a long time and my own pride won't allow me to fail.

And the end of each day feels fantastic - a mega achievement."

Simon has set up a JustGiving Page.

His ride will benefit two local charities, the RNLI and Diabetes Guernsey, and a respite care centre in Leeds called Hannah's House. This facility was set up by Simon's mum when his sister Hannah died as a child.

Simon arriving in England to begin his long-distance ride:

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Simon J Chapman (@29chapperslejog)