They may not be Sir Wiggo or Mark Cavendish, but the ecclesiastical peleton comprising the Bishops of Swindon – Dr Lee Rayfield and of Ramsbury – Dr Edward Condry rode into a Marlborough after a long hard battle against the elements for an overnight stop and a Civic welcome from the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Guy Loosmore at the halfway stage of their sponsored tour of the county.
The two day marathon ride is to promote Christian Aid Week (12-18 May) and the route starts and finishes in Trowbridge, but covers nearly 170 miles in between and takes in many of Wiltshire’s towns and hills with stops to visit Christian Aid groups in each.
Today (12 April) started early and the first stop was Warminster, followed by Mere, Salisbury, Amesbury, Pewsey, Devizes and finally Marlborough, a total of 95 gruelling miles with plenty of steep hills, a strong head wind and blustery April showers to negotiate. Day two will take in Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Highworth, Cricklade, Malmesbury, Chippenham, Great Somerford, Melksham, Bradford on Avon and finally Trowbridge, an overall distance of some 70+ miles.
As well as promoting the forthcoming Christain Aid Week the Bishops are raising money for Christian Aid on JustGiving. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/bishopsonbicycles
