200 mile tandem ride raise £1,500 for Salisbury's STARS Appeal
Two wheels, two saddles, two hundred miles and two Best Men
Two good friends have raised over £1,500 for Salisbury's STARS Appeal and Royal United Hospital in Bath, completing a 'couch to 200 miles' on a bicycle made for two.
Alan and Andy have known each other since they were 18 years old and were even each other's Best Men at their weddings.
But, this is the first charity challenge they have done together.
The sporty one out of the two is Andy, the idea of a bike ride was put to Alan who replied with "you what boy?"
As a joke he suggested using tandem, that is when they realised that is they bought one they could use it to raise money for a good cause.
"WE WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK"
The 200-mile trip started from Midsomer Norton through to Salisbury and then to the Isle of Wight where the pair first camped 30 years ago.
They camped along the way, carrying all the necessary gear, including tents and sleeping bags.
Andy said: "The RUH (Royal United Hospital - Bath) and SDH (Salisbury District Hospital) have helped both of us and our families so we'd like to give a little back.
"I sometimes feel as though I've taken out more than I've put in and hope that we can raise some money to help.
"Alan unfortunately didn't understand the instruction to "travel light" and wanted to attach a stereo to the handlebars for entertainment plus squeaky hooters to warn others of our approach.
"I am the captain and Alan is the stoker - I bought a wing mirror for my handlebar to check that he's still peddling and not putting his feet up."
ANOTHER CHALLENGE PLANNED
The pair plan to ride another 60 miles on the tandem.
When Alan has recovered from the trip and can face getting back on the saddle again, they will ride from Midsomer Norton to the RUH in Bath and then to SDH in Salisbury.