Day 4: the heavens opened last night with a roar of thunder, hurling pent up rain to the ground.

Having baked and burned for the previous 3 days, our intrepid cyclists ploughed into a wall of water. We had 66 miles to cover, with stops to make at Ty Cwm and Johnstown, Supported Living in Llanelli and Swansea Vale Resource Centre.

We made it through the rain to Ty Cwm and Johnstown where Cllr Emlyn Schiavone awarded medals to numerous residents who had made their own 350 mile journey on static Physio bikes,
Then it was on to Supported Living in Llanelli, for a quick pit stop and a warm welcome from staff and residents.

Next, after a couple of wrong turns and a fall, we made it to Swansea Vale Resource Centre, where we were warmly welcomed with coffee, cake and the sight of children waving Leonard Cheshire banners. We received well wishes from across the political spectrum, with a range of councillors, Assembly Members and Parliamentary Candidates meeting our cyclists.number of politicians also wished our cyclists good luck and urged them on.

Finally, we travelled on to the Best Western Hotel in Port Talbot, for hot food and dry towels!



Day 3

Day 3: did I mention it was hot yesterday? Today was hotter!

Our cyclists set off from the Dragon Hotel in Montgomery this morning in competitive  spirits. Despite climbs totalling 1081 metres and a journey of 80.3 miles, today was characterised with friendly rivalries, with speeds that reached between 20-30 mph

Over the morning, we set about our highest climbs, from Montgomery to Llandrindod Wells. We snaked past sheer drops, carving our way through beautiful seas of grass and awe inspiring mountain summits.

Our morning climbs completed, we received a warm welcome at the Llandrindod Wells media resource centre. We enjoyed lunch, cake and meetings with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, parliamentary candidate James Gibson-Watt and Assembly Member Simon Thomas.

As we left to complete our 40 odd mile trek to Llandeilo, Simon Thomas AM joked to us that he was "half jealous I'm not riding myself... and half thankful I'm not!"

Our day concluded in the same competitive spirit as it began, with dust flying in our wake. Halfway through our journey, we may be tired and sore, but our finish line is coming into sight!

Day Two

Day Two: 80 miles to travel, a set of climbs, the sun is shining and it's hot, hot, hot!

Our hardy cyclists set off this morning from Glan Yr Afon. With a slight delay for a broken wheel spoke, we cycled through the countryside of Flintshire and Chirk to the warmest of welcomes at Dolywern from the residents, staff, members of the local community and the mayor and mayoress of Wrexham.

Taking a break from the heat we enjoyed lunch, music and ice creams, before medals were awarded to the residents inspired by our journey who cycled the route on their own physio static bikes. But soon it was time to mount up and get back on the road.

Our journey took in the beauty of the Llangollen aquarduct and tow path as we made our way to a quick rest stop in Pant. Thanks to Emily at the Cross Guns Inn Pub, free ice cold water and squash was on offer, along with a bucket collection to raise more funds for our target.

Then it was back on the bikes for a final push to the Dragon Hotel in Welshpool, and a well earned rest!

First day!

And we're off!

Ten brave cyclists set off this morning from Leonard Cheshire Disability's Gwel Y Mor supported living service usefully aided by Deputy Mayor Keith Thomas. Our aim: to travel 350 miles across Wales, raising money to assist disabled people get involved in sport. 

We stopped for a free coffee at Waitrose on the Menai Straights before making good progress to Penryhn Castle and onto Eithinog care home in Colwyn Bay for a warm welcome by residents, volunteers and staff

 
 

We had lunch in the sun before medals were given out by Councillor Mary Doyle to a number of disabled residents who have been cycling out 350 mile route on their physio bike at the service.

Then we set off once more, down a steep hill past the sunny seaside town of Rhyl, and up an even steeper hill to Glan yr afon inn. In total the cyclist climbed 1106 metres!  

We've turned in now for some welcome food and a bed for the night.

The cyclists did amazing today while cycling a total of 76.3 miles at an average of 12.6 mph!

If you would like to support Tour De Cymru we would love for you to make a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tourdecymru2017

Photography done by Emily Stangroom of Baggycat Photography

Tour de Cymru is a new cycling challenge taking place from 24-28 May 2017, covering 350 miles across the tough, challenging terrain of Wales. This 5 day event is in celebration of our founder’s centenary year, starting at Anglesey North Wales and finishing in Gwent South Wales.

We're planning lots of events along the route for the local community, family and friends to get involved which are being held at all of our disability services in Wales that the cyclists will stop at.

This event has grown from a single individual wanting to do something he enjoys for a charity he knows well to others getting excited about the challenge, spreading the idea and wanting as many people as possible to be a part of it. 

Don’t be deceived, this It is not going to be a challenge for the faint hearted

All sponsorship money will go directly to the people that Leonard Cheshire Disability supports across Wales. Towards buying items such as sports kit, physiotherapy equipment and pay for sporting activities for people with disabilities who use our services.

The ride will cover 350 miles across the ranging landscape of Wales – from Anglesey in the North to Llanhennock in Gwent in the South East.  It will take place over 5 days and during each stage there will be an opportunity to visit all of the Leonard Cheshire Disability services and to meet the staff and residents in those services who will be benefitting from the fundraising efforts.

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tourdecymru2017 anything is appreciated.