Gearing up 4 Gorillas

Ray Haswell returns from his incredible 2,000 mile cycle ride in 16 days…..! It was at times boiling hot, at times torrential downpours and Ray was behind schedule a few times  - but he returned triumphantly to The Bull, on time, at just after 2pm Sunday 22nd June. He no doubt has lots of stories still to tell of his journey but he was simply pleased to be back and downing a pint once more. His trusty steed was leant up against the wall of The Bull, in its usual position as if nothing had happened, but an amazing journey had just ended successfully. Well done Ray!! As soon as he’s caught his breath, we’ll have a look at the sponsorship final tally & let you know. Many, many thanks to all of you who have contributed - very much appreciated….

A fantastic journey and a challenge completed - Ray should be rightly proud of his achievement.

His stories will no doubt emerge over the next few weeks!….We can’t wait!

G4G drove Ray up to Gatwick Airport in the early hours of the morning, Thursday June 5th and he was off on his epic cycle ride. Here’s the first text we have got back from him.

Ray to Mission Control

Runway at Gibraltar

Ride to the start hot, hilly, headwind and on my part sleepy.

Cape Trafalgar Lighthouse

Day 1. Hot, hilly, sunburn, dehydration and cramp. Cut the day short by twenty miles.

Day 2. Hot, five mountain passes, four in the first 48 miles. Cut the day 20 miles short.

Rhonda

Day 3. Hot, hilly with a sting in the tail.

All told behind schedule, but I am adjusting to the demands of the ride. Hard work but beautiful scenery.

Ray

While we’re waiting to hear what is happening regards the rangers and gorillas of the rebel held Mikeno sector, my mind went back to the visit of June last year. Are these children OK I wondered? Are they still here in their village or been forced to move? I was travelling with the ICCN Advance Force from the north of Virunga National Park down to the southern Mikeno gorilla sector. We stopped at this village to get some breakfast. The women greet the trucks with trays of small bags containing fried potato (cold), strips of onion and a little piece of cooked meat. It costs a few English pencefor breakfast. The rangers pile the trucks high with leeks and other vegetables for later in the journey.
Some of the most amazing sights are the wooden ‘bikes’ being ridden around - totally wooden, including the wheels. I just hope this community is safe and still able to offer breakfast to those travelling through their village…..
Linda, Chair G4G