Harrogate friends of 20 years unite for 470-mile cycle to Bordeaux for Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity

The group, who have shared more than 20 years of friendship after meeting through golf, are taking on the six-day challenge from Oxshott in Surrey to Bordeaux in France to raise vital funds for people affected by brain tumours across Yorkshire.

Simon Grafton, 61, Tim North, 60, Paddy Kidd, 65, Phil Webb, 68, Rob George, 66, and David Rowley, 65, will set off on August 25, cycling to Portsmouth before catching the overnight ferry to St Malo.

From there, they will continue through France before arriving in Bordeaux on August 30 after covering more than 470 miles.

The challenge was inspired after the friends saw first-hand the impact a brain tumour diagnosis had on the life of another close friend.

Every week, 15 people across Yorkshire are diagnosed with a brain tumour, and the team hopes the money they raise will help improve outcomes for patients and families across the region.

Phil Webb said: "For me, I've had family affected by various forms of cancer, but before this cycling challenge, I only knew a little about brain tumours.

"There's been very little research into them, while a lot of other cancers are very well supported.

"During our lifetime we've seen so many improvements in cancer treatments, and we know why.

"It's because of ordinary people taking on challenges like this, where people raise money to fund essential research."

Fellow cyclist Rob George added: "Everyone is touched by cancer."

Although the six friends have spent more than two decades playing golf together, this will be the first time they have tackled a cycling challenge as a team.

Only two of the group would consider themselves experienced cyclists, with the others relying on their fitness from other sports and hobbies as they prepare for the demanding ride.

Phil said: "We're not all regular cyclists.

"We're fit through our individual sports, but we have a lot to do to get where we need to be."

Paddy Kidd joked: "Dave has only just come off his tricycle."

The friends have been training individually as well as meeting up whenever possible to ride together.

Earlier this month, four of the team completed a 55-mile training ride to Masham as they continued their preparations.

The challenge will see them cycle between 65 and 70 miles on most days, with the final two stages stretching to around 90 miles each.

Tim North, who has been training in Mallorca, believes the French summer temperatures could prove one of the biggest tests.

"The route is mostly flat," he said, "but it's the heat that I'm really concerned about."

Throughout the challenge, the cyclists will ride as a peloton, taking turns at the front to shelter one another from the wind while offering encouragement and support over the six days.

Following close behind will be a support vehicle crewed by Kirstie, Victoria and Wendy – the wives of three of the riders – who will provide refreshments, supplies and plenty of encouragement along the route.

And, in keeping with a team proudly embracing life in their 60s, the support car will also be stocked with Werther's Originals to help keep spirits high.

The fundraising challenge will not end in Bordeaux.

Just seven days after completing the cycle ride, Simon Grafton will lace up his running shoes to take on the Bordeaux Marathon in support of the charity.

He said: "After taking on the cycle challenge with the team, I wanted to find another way to continue supporting such an important cause.

"If I can push myself further and help raise more awareness and funds for people affected by brain tumours, then it will all be worthwhile."

The team is encouraging individuals and businesses to support their efforts by making a donation, sponsoring the ride or following their journey from Surrey to Bordeaux.

To make a donation, head to https://www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-team-fundraising-for-yorkshires-brain-tumour-charity

For more information about Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity, visit https://www.yorksbtc.org.uk/