Event 23 June 2013
Brian Rowson is Chairman of the Suffolk Villages Cycle Ride, an annual event he started some five years ago, in support of the British Heart Foundation and Lions charities.
Last year, Brian rode all the way round England (a distance of over 2200 miles), starting on his 75th birthday. Here Brian describes why he undertook his inspirational journey and his passion for cycling.
“Some 12 years ago I developed angina, caused by a blockage in an artery that reduced my heart capacity by 15%. I was devastated. Out of desperation I visited a sports cardiologist, insisting that I wished to continue to ride my bike. Upon his advice and prescribed medication I have done so successfully ever since.
Last year I felt that it was time to again do a more serious cycle tour for fear that I was giving in to Father Time. So, I told my family, starting on my 75th birthday, I am going to ride round England...
I have been a sportsman all my life, football, cricket; athletics. I ran a marathon when I was 48. I played squash until I was 62. Then I took up cycling which has been my passion ever since.
My ride was eight months in the planning and involved 4,500 miles of training with a schedule based on 50 miles cycling per day, starting and finishing 50 days later in the Suffolk coastal town of Felixstowe.
People were so generous and my ride round England has given me the satisfaction of raising over £8,000 for my favourite charity, the British Heart Foundation, and for my Stowmarket Lions Club - I gained a renewed sense of achievement. Will I do it again? No, but I will cheer you on if you do!”
So, if you already share Brian’s passion for cycling or want to give it a try why not join us on this year’s Suffolk Villages Cycle Ride on the 23 June 2013. The ride offers cycling at its best through glorious Suffolk countryside and quaint villages. There are three routes to suit all abilities all in support of the British Heart Foundation and Stowmarket Lions Charities.
Enter online today using the British Cycling calendar.
