On Wednesday afternoon the first Walk on Wales relay team will hand over the silver baton to cycling team headed up by Colonel Hugh Bodington, who will be joined by an ex-SAS commando on a butcher’s bike and a pair of newlyweds on tandem. If you'd like to join in the fun please visit the join in page of the website. For more information click here.
Hugh and fellow cyclists will carry the baton overnight as they cycle the Wales-England border on the evening of the 28th of August to Chester. They’ll be greeted at the city’s Racecourse the next morning.
Nigel Thomas, 50, from Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, will ride on a butcher’s bike and in full butcher’s regalia, including a straw boater. Nigel, himself a Royal Marine and Special Forces veteran, will be joining dozens of other cyclists in this special one-off event, “I am really looking forward to the ride. However I think it would be pretty difficult on a normal bike, let alone a butcher’s bike. I’m not sure whether the basket on the front will be a help or a hindrance!”
“It is such a brilliant cause so the more money we can raise, and the more walkers and riders we can get involved in this the better. It will make all the difference. I’m up for the challenge.”
Married earlier this year, newlyweds Major Bayard Barron - a serving officer in the Royal Irish Regiment - and his wife Julia, from Andover, will also be taking part on a tandem.
Organising the cycle leg, Col. Hugh Bodington, said, “We are feeling reasonably well prepared for the cycle ride but must not be complacent. With this weather, the more cycling we can do in advance the better. The support team is robust, with vehicles and bike mechanics supplied by Enterprise Cars. “It is still not to late to join in for part or the whole way, or simply support from the roadside. The more the merrier. This is a great cause and I know that all our riders would love as many people as possible to cheer them on their way, even if it is in the dark!”