A HENLEY man is preparing for a mega cycling challenge this month.
Bill Feeney will take his bike to West Yorkshire to follow a gruelling 170 mile long route.
The Calder Divide trail will see him cover 12 valleys, six moors, one floodplain, and a total of 15,000 climbing feet, over a period of 36 hours.
He hopes that his efforts will raise funds for Citizens Advice Wokingham, where he has been interim CEO since March this year.
Aiming to raise £2,000, he’s delighted and grateful that one of his supporters has offered to match his final total.
“It means that I’m able to say to those who are kind enough to sponsor me, that their gift can be doubled thanks to this fantastic gesture,” he said.
Bill’s ride is one of five Calder Divide Trails.
He has chosen the longest, most elevated, and most difficult of the Pennine routes.
“I love a challenge,” he said.
“But I also love mountain biking and being in the outdoors.
“I’m raising money for Wokingham CAB, because the work it does benefits the community enormously.”
During his time with the organisation Mr Feeney says that he has been impressed every day by the dedication and commitment from everyone there.
“All of them – the volunteers, the paid staff, and the board – are putting in such hard work, and responding to a fast growing need,” he said.
“Demand for our services has sky rocketed due to the recent cost of living crisis, and it’s crucial that we raise funds to support this valuable work.”
Preparation for the challenge has seen Mr Feeney riding 30 miles to work daily as well as cycling 5,000 climbing feet at the weekends.
“As well as being able to ride long distances, I must be prepared for the hills,” he said.
“I’m massively looking forward to it, and keeping an eye on the weather.
“I’m hoping it won’t pour with rain, but if it does, well, that’s all part of the challenge.”
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice and information to vulnerable adults and families.
Highly trained volunteers and staff support people with welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, law, and relationships.
They also assist with utilities, and access to charitable support such as food banks and fuel vouchers.
Bill’s Calder Divide Trail takes place on the weekend of September 16 and 17 from 7am on Saturday, to 7pm on Sunday.
Anyone wishing to support his efforts can visit: www.justgiving.com and search for Bill Feeney.
To find out more about the trail, visit: www.calderdividetrail.co.uk
And for information about Citizens Advice Wokingham, log onto: www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk
