More "fools and donkeys" set off on a cycling challenge!

Saturday 16 June 2018

The latest 'Only Fools and Donkeys' charity mission gets underway today, with 52 cyclists and a 10-strong crew heading to France for a fundraising challenge.

They will be covering distances of up to 100 miles per day as they make their way from St Malo to Chateau Chambord with a number of stops on the way.

The charity was launched in 2010, when Mike Marshall and Ray Smart found their rugby days were coming to an end and they wanted "to seek new sporting challenges, whilst raising some money for charity and have some fun along the way."

All of the money raised over the years, which have included a number of cycling challenges, have supported projects close to their hearts.

Mr Marshall and Mr Smart chose Guernsey Sports Association for the Disabled, Active and Le Rondin School as their main beneficiaries and collectively they have received a share of £157,000 since the charity was launched. Smaller projects have also benefited; including Le Murier, Headway, Autism Guernsey, Monday Club and Special Needs Gym as well as the Schools in Rugby programme. 

The latest Only Fools and Donkeys Mule Loire charity bike ride will depart from Guernsey today (Saturday 16 June).

The riders and their support crew will gather with well-wishers at Government House, where the charity's Patron, the Lieutenant Governor himself, will host the launch of the ride.

H.E. The Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, will greet the riders and support crew and wave them off as they cycle from Government House down to St Peter Port Harbour to check in for the ferry to Jersey. 

When the riders get to Jersey they won't be resting, as while they wait for the next ferry to France they will be cycling around Jersey before continuing their journey  onwards to Vannes.

From there, on Sunday they'll continue cycling, following the Loire, with their journey planner taking them through Nantes, Angers, Chinon and Amboise to finish at Chateau Chambord. The riders have a choice of three routes each day – 65, 85 or 100 miles.

Pictured: The cyclists on a training ride

Of the 52 riders taking part, there are a mixture of business people, sports people and those connected to the charities which will benefit. You can read the full list of riders and support crew here.

Pictured top: Some of the riders taking part in this year's challenge