BROMSGROVE cyclist Carl Knowles has raised more than £5,000 by riding 110 miles from the town to Barmouth in one day.
Carl completed the ride last Friday to raise funds for charities supported by the Pavestone Rally, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, Variety, Crash, Rainy Day Trust and Lighthouse Charity.
The major fundraising event, organised by Midlands-based paving company Pavestone, challenges participants to cycle 110 miles with more than 7,000ft worth of ascent. The route covers Worcestershire, Shropshire, Powys, Gwynedd and the mountainous areas of the Eryi (Snowdonia) National Park including the notoriously steep pass between Dinas Mawddwy and Dolgellau.
Carl was accompanied throughout the ride by his son and fellow cyclist, Ewan and completed the journey in 9.5hrs.
The pair had pitstops at three local builders merchants – TG Bridgnorth, Boys and Boden in Welshpool and Huws Gray in Dolgellau.
He was also sponsored by three Worcestershire companies – Bromsgrove’s UKF Group, a stainless steel stockholding and processing business, Upton Snodsbury based landscaping specialists, CJC Landscaping and Supplies, and Kidderminster based, Intergas.
Carl said: “I’ve participated in the Pavestone Rally for many years and this year I wanted to do something a little different to raise funds for these charities.
“The route took has particular significance for me as it’s one I travelled – albeit by car – with my mum, dad and brother over 50 years ago for family holidays in the area around Barmouth.
“As a result, this is a challenge that anyone of my family will tell you I’ve been talking about doing for years.
“I’m delighted to have not only completed the route but also to have raised more than £5,000 for charity and am extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received from many individuals and local businesses.”
Donations can still be made for Carl’s Bromsgrove to Barmouth bike challenge at https://sponsorme.charitiestrust.org/event/214ba36d-1847-4bc5-a83b-7be5567f95c1
