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53 lycra clad cyclists gathered at Government House on Saturday before a week-long fundraising ride around Brittany.
Addressing the group of "magnificent lunatics" the Lieutenant Governor praised their collective efforts as part of the Only Fools and Donkeys charity.
This week's ride is the fifth Only Fools and Donkeys charity bike ride - called the Mule d’Âne-versaire.
The 53 riders - with their 10-strong support crew - will be cycling 50, 80, or 100km per day - starting and ending in St Malo, with stops in Vitre, Nantes, Saint Nazaire, and Rennes.
This year's event - like the previous four - is raising money for children, young people, and adults with any disability, such as Wheels for You which is aiming to create accessible cycling opportunities for individuals who are unable to ride or access traditional two wheeled bicycles.
Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor had a go on an adapted bike from the newly launched Wheels for You initiative. (Tim Langlois)
Addressing the cyclists as they gathered in front of his house, before they set off for the harbour, His Excellency, Richard Cripwell told them that what they are doing is "very special".
"Right, you magnificent lunatics, two years ago, I stood here and made jokes about lycra," he said.
"I'm not going to do that anymore, partly because I have, in another sport joined the ranks of the lycra clan, and I know how magnificent and how unforgiving a material it is."
"I just want to thank you all for what you're about to do," he continued. "This is a wonderful, wonderful charity, over four years, raising a quarter of a million pounds, and I think particularly making sure that money is used in a impactful and wise way."
HE is patron of the Only Fools and Donkeys charity, and he told the cyclists, support crew, and sponsors, that their efforts are appreciated by those who benefit.
"You just have to look at the website to see the good that you are doing through the money you raise," he continued. "And I just want to thank you very, very much indeed for that. And to thank you on behalf of all of the people who probably don't know what's happened to bring that money to them in the first place. It means a lot.
"This is the fifth anniversary ride. I know that there are targets for where you want to get to, and I'm sure that you will exceed all of those as well. I hope for you all whether you're on the short, medium or long courses, that you have a wonderful time and that the way in which you support each other continues over the space of the next week, and that you all come back safe and well, having needed no more than the physiotherapist to sort you all out.
"Have a great time, and again, can I thank you all so much for what you do. It's a very special thing, and the fact you have fun as well is just an extra cherry on the cake. Have a lovely time."
Pictured: Tim Langlois captured the cyclists heading to the harbour.
Funds raised from this week's ride have provisionally been allocated to support a number of local charities working with children, young people and adults with any disability including Guernsey Sailing Trust, Guernsey Mind, Le Murier School, Le Rondin School, and Headway as well as the annual Afternoon of Christmas concert.
"With the sponsorship we secure and the costs the riders pay, we cover all the ride expenses separately so are able to be very clear that all of the funds raised by the riders is spent on donations to local charities," explained Sharon Parr, Chair of Only Fools and Donkeys.
"For this reason we are incredibly grateful to our Yellow Jersey sponsors for this year’s ride, Derek Birch & Sons, Pallinghurst Group, Stan Brouard and the Steve Morgan Foundation, along with our Sprinter’s Jersey sponsors Babbé, BDO, Creaseys and PwC and back pocket sponsors Collenette Jones, Condor Ferries, Ian Brown Cycles, OvenU and Rock and Small."
Pictured top: The Only Fools and Donkeys leaving from Government House.
More "fools and donkeys" set off on a cycling challenge!
GALLERY: Charity cyclists wished well on their trip by Lieutenant Governor
Only Fools and Donkey cyclist return home
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