Two Southwick road cyclists have gone the extra mile to complete a biking marathon for charity.
Kirkbean man Ian Baird and Southerness buddy Mark Hunt pedalled an incredible 1,000 miles in seven days for Alzheimer Scotland and Prostate Buddies Dumfries and Galloway.
The dynamic duo clocked up seven 21.5-mile circuits every day until Saturday – Ian’s birthday – when only five were required to reach the target.
Their route followed back roads to Carsethorn and the A710 to New Abbey and back to the start and finish point at Southerness Lighthouse.
In every village and hamlet people clapped and cheered Ian and Mark on their way – often with coffee, bacon rolls, tea and scones thrown in.
Ian told the News on his final lap: “The support has been fantastic – Southerness, Kirkbean, Carsethorn, New Abbey, Drumburn, Prestonmill – the community spirit has been 100 per cent.
“Every time we come round they’ve been feeding us – I’m actually putting weight on!
“Cars have been tooting their horns, people come out of their doors to wave us by, It’s very touching.
“I put it to a vote on social media what charities we would do it for.
“And if I can raise a bit of money doing what I enjoy doing, that’s great.”
Ian and Mark completed 47 21.5 miles in total with the men taking turns to slipstream each other when cycling into a headwind.
“It takes time to train and I set myself a target of 1,000 miles in seven days,” Ian said.
“I originally set this up for myself – this is my fifth year of charity cycling.
“Then Mark jumped in at the last minute and said I’ll dae it with you.
“He’s a brave man, like.
“The first three days were a struggle but after that the legs got tuned to the 150 miles.”
Ian and Mark have raise almost £6,000 so far for Alzheimer Scotland and Prostate Buddies Dumfries and Galloway.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IanBaird3.
