Cyclists raise cash in memory of friend

SEVEN cyclists are feeling saddle sore today after pedalling from Ipswich to Norwich and back for charity.

The men, who all work in the Evening Star print department, attempted the 120-mile challenge in memory of their friend and colleague Tony Lees who died in April.

The riders were hoping to raise more than £1,800 for Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Mr Lees' wife, Jackie, and son, Richard, manned a support truck to provide the cyclists, aged 18 to 52, with drinks and energy bars throughout their trip.

The journey took them around seven hours and 25 minutes, which included an hour break for lunch.

The group set off at 7.15am on Monday from the Evening Star offices in Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, and arrived back at around 5.30pm.

Although it was scorching hot on the day organiser Paul Bartlett liked the conditions.

The 48-year-old said: "It was quite nice really but was a little warm coming back to Ipswich. I feel all right but I wouldn't want to do another 20 miles.

"We all stuck together to help spur each other along as the hills creep up on you when you don't expect them."

The ride was not without some drama, although the team did not want to reveal all their trials and tribulations.

Mr Bartlett said: "Ben Cunningham's wheel is in such a state it nearly fell off after the battering it got up and down the hills."

Last September Mr Bartlett organised a 114-mile cycle trip to Lowestoft and back that raised more than £1,000 for Miles Alder who suffers from a rare muscular disease.

Even though this year's challenge was longer, the team was pleased to beat last year's time.

The riders were Paul Bartlett, Christopher Bartlett, Colin Shanks, Matthew Cunningham, Ben Bloomfield, Julian Farrow and Nathan Miller.

Sponsors included Elmy Cycles, Gainsborough Pharmacy and their saddles were supplied by RIDO saddles.