Lejogle cyclist hits initial goal and sleeps in bus shelter after celebration
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A charity cyclist ditched sleeping in style to highlight homelessness after arriving at his Caithness destination as part of a marathon Land's End to John O'Groats plus return trip ride (Lejogle).
Tim Styles cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats unsupported in under five days last year and is trying to upscale the challenge by undertaking the 1900-mile Lejogle ride in just 10 days.
"Tim arrived at John O’Groats on Tuesday evening (June 20) at 6pm, meeting his goal of getting there from Land’s End in just four-and-a-half days," said communications and research team lead Cicely Baron.
The 60-year-old is using this cycling challenge to raise awareness and funds for Harbour Housing, a Cornish based charity that helps deliver safe homes and life support for people with multiple needs.
"He’s been sleeping outside in fields and bus shelters in a bivvy bag throughout his journey to raise awareness of rural homelessness and the realities facing many throughout the UK. So far he’s endured pouring rain, cold temperatures at night and layers of soaked cycling clothes."
Tim says that the journey to John O’Groats from Land’s End was easier than he expected but was still "very, very tough" going. "The wind was with me on the way up which helped my cycling. I can feel the tiredness setting in in my legs now, but they’re still turning and keeping me going which is the most important thing," he added.
“When I arrived at John O’Groats on Tuesday evening I felt absolutely elated. I stopped to remind myself 'well, I’ve just cycled almost 900 miles unaided in four-and-a-half days'. I’ve cycled to John O’Groats before, but I felt just as thrilled arriving there as I did last time.
“Then, of course, the reality set in and I remembered that I’ve got to go all the way back home again as fast as I can and face all the gruelling hills and terrain once more.
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“I had a nice rest in Wick and then turned around to start my journey home on Tuesday evening. My goal was to ride until around 4am the next morning, but by midnight I was really tired so I found a quiet bus shelter and had a great two hour nap on the roadside with my bike. This helped me reset and I was off and raring to go.
“I’m so grateful for all the messages of support and encouragement I’ve received from people cheering me on and from those following my journey on social media. Lots of generous people have helped me exceed my fundraising goal for Harbour Housing on JustGiving – together we’ve raised over £1,500 for the charity."
Harbour Housing is a registered charity which works to provide safe homes and life support to individuals who would otherwise face life on the street. It does not discriminate based on a person’s behaviours or personal challenges, such as addictions or mental ill health, but all its properties provide a safe environment and the necessary person-centred support to help the individual transition towards a life of independent living and recovery from homelessness.
"I’ve been a volunteer trustee of Harbour for over 10 years and I will do all I can to support the charity and its work,” adds Tim.
For more info visit Tim’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/styles.tim
You can also donate to his crowdfunding page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lejogle
Tim is expected to reach his goal today (Tuesday, June 27).
