Huw Maguire and Howard Dennis from Brecon will be taking on a mammoth challenge cycling from Brecon to Gretna Green on Thursday, 29 June to raise money for Brecon Foodbank.
Their aim is to complete the 273-mile ride within 24 hours.
Huw and Howard will depart from the Hop In pub in Brecon at 10am on Thursday and will hope to arrive in Gretna Green at 10am on Friday morning.
Discussing the challenge, Huw told the Brecon & Radnor Express: “We decided to do it just as a challenge just to see how far we can push ourselves. I’m 55 so I like to keep fit and like to test what my body can withstand.
“We also wanted to raise some funds for the Brecon foodbank. I think it’s important to support the local voluntary sector and the local people who are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis.”
Huw is a keen cyclist who rides regularly with the longest distance he has completed being a 200-mile trip up to Lancaster.
Howard, who will be completing the ride with Huw is not as much of a keen cyclist and is expecting it to be a difficult challenge. Huw said: “It’s a big challenge, it is going to hurt a lot depending on the elements. When I rode to Lancaster it was the hottest day of the year and I got cramp in places I didn’t know you could get cramp!
“It’s a significant challenge, there’s a little bit of nerves. I’ve done one overnight ride in preparation where I went down to see my son in Exeter, leaving at eleven o’clock at night and arriving the next morning.
“Hopefully this time it’ll be warmer and lighter than that time and I hope the wind will be on our tails.”
Huw and Howard have received an overwhelming amount of support from the local area. They have currently raised over £1,400 on their GoFundMe page.
“It’s been a really amazing response so far from the local people to support us and so many people have helped us along the way,” said Huw. “Lily, at The Hop pub designed our poster and loads of people have been displaying the poster across town which has been really helpful.”
A spokesperson from Brecon Foodbank said: “Brecon Foodbank is really grateful to Huw and Howard for putting in so much time and effort to raise money on our behalf.
“Last year was our busiest year to date. We packed 597 parcels to help 1475 people. The cost of living crisis is effecting us all, food donations from our supermarket collection points have gone down as everyone is feeling the pinch, leaving us needing to purchase more food.
“The money raised will be used to replenishes our stocks, for what looks to be another challenging year.
“We wish them fair weather for their epic cycle and for choosing us as their charity! “
You can donate to the cause by following the link below: