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'Men in Lycra' cycle into hell...then Belgium

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THREE Lycra-clad cyclists are preparing to pedal two gruelling rides for charity – tackling a Texan desert and a 90 mile-a-day slog from London to Brussels.

The trio will take on the 350-mile journey from England to Belgium on September 25, but before that, two of the intrepid team will take on the "toughest ride on earth" known as Hotter 'n Hell Hundred.

Mike Ball, of Waltham Close, Ingatestone, is one of the pair taking on the ride on August 24, a 100-mile slog starting and ending at Wichita Falls in Texas.

He said: "It will be hard, we know that. It was a spur of the moment decision. We were having a few drinks and I just said I would go.

"Just as well, because if I have too much time to think about it I might not do it. The temperature will reach over 110 degrees Fahrenheit."

The 49-year-old explained how the current heat wave has helped in training. He said: "It has been really hot these past few days, and despite it not really comparing, a relatively easy ride can be turned into a really hard slog.

"Water will be important and we are working out how much we need to pick up and take on. We will need to think about salt levels as well.

"It will be an incredible experience and I really cannot wait to get over there."

The second ride, in which all three men, who dubbed themselves "The Three Men in Lycra", will ride from the Olympic Stadium, in Stratford, to their final destination in Brussels.

Taking four days, and travelling through Brentwood and Ingatestone on their way, the journey will take in three countries, each presenting its own challenging terrain.

Mr Ball said: "Holland may be known for being flat, but the wind can be treacherous. If you have it behind you that is okay.

"However, if you have to push against it then it can slow you down massively. It may not be hilly but it won't be easy."

He explained how he had only just recently returned to the sport of cycling, saying: "I had not been out cycling since I was 30.

"The Olympics inspired a lot of people and I went and dug out my old bike. Since then I have noticed a huge increase in the number of people cycling. I have now got a new £1,000 bike and the difference between the old and the new is incredible."

Mike Ball will be riding with friends Jason Griffin and Brent Coulson on the September ride and with just Mr Coulson in America. Brent Coulson, 44, of Fryerning Lane, Ingatestone, said: "I have family in America and I just googled for bike rides in Texas and discovered the Hotter 'n Hell ride. Then a few weeks later Mike said he would do it as well, which is mad.

Jason Griffin, 43, of Chantry Drive, Ingatestone, said: "I am missing out on the Hotter 'n Hell ride, however, that is probably a good thing. We realised when we cycled to Paris last year that we could raise a lot of money."

The rides will both be for the charity Cure Parkinson's Trust and a charity auction took place in Ingatestone on Friday to help boost funds.

'Men in Lycra' cycle into hell...then Belgium


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