RIDE OF THE LIONS. MELBOURNE to SYDNEY 2013.

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Well, its been a manic few months for those of us trying to get the logistics for The Ride Of The Lions sorted but with about a month to go, it looks like we are well on the way and the excitement is really growing now.

A quick summary for those who have not been following our progress from the start: A group of ex Lions and other cycling/rugby enthusiasts are heading to Melbourne in time to watch the Second Lions Rugby Test against the Wallabies. We then head off the next day on our bikes for Sydney. 1000km following the coastal route primarily, in 6.5 days. We are being joined by a group of Aussies, made up of ex Wallabies including the likes of Simon Poidevin and Warwick Waugh. The Lions contingent is headed by Peter Winterbottom, Mike Teague, Roger Uttley and Tyrone Howe. We are expecting several other sporting names to join us for a leg here and there and there is some talk of a major Hollywood celebrity or two but you will have to watch this space for firmer details on that!

At Road Rags we have been involved from the start. Organising the event and preparing the kit for the riders and back up crew. That has been no mean feet in itself. Not often you get cyclists with 52" chests and 20" biceps to cater for!! Mike is on the ride and has been training hard for the long days ahead.

To add to the fun we are planning on breaking the world record for the highest number of cyclists in a bike bus on our departure from Melbourne and, taking advantage of the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney siders, we then expect to break that record when we get to Sydney on the day of the Third Test. Just to top it all off we have just been given official notice that we will deliver the match ball too!!

The Lions riders are riding to raise money for WWTW, a fantastic charity, much beloved of its patron, Prince Harry and the Wallaby riders are raising money for child cancer charity, Red Kite who have strong ties with the ARU.

See more on WWTW at www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk

See more on Red Kite at www.redkite.org.au

Follow ROTL at www.facebook.com/Rideofthelions or on twitter at @ROTL2013 and you can donate at Mike's personal fund-raising page which is www.bmycharity.com/Rideofthelions.

Alternatively you can donate to the central page at www.justgiving.com/Rideofthelions.

Road Rags are keen to support the team and their very worthy cause so would like to offer customers the chance to donate to WWTW when buying online at www.roadrags.cc. Enter the Discount Code 'ROTL' when you purchase anything on our website and we will donate 50% of profits to WWTW.

We want to thank all the supporters of the ride especially the lead sponsor QBE who have been fantastic. Other companies we need to thank are:

Renault

Chain Reaction

Athlon Sport

Kask Helmets

Cosaveli

Dress2Kill

BLM Law

Tudor Sports

Wish us well and we shall report our adventures throughout the ride.

 

Mike

World record attempt for Lands End to John O'Groats and back!!

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Road Rags are pleased to be supporting Chris 'Hoppo' Hopkinson in his World record attempt...

 

Chris started riding again in 1998 at the age of 31. He has been building an impressive CV of endurance and ultra riding.

First ever official British solo RAAM (Race Across America) finisher in 2012 covering 3052 miles in 11 days 23 hours and 5 mins. 2012 UMCA 24hour Champion.

In 2013 he has already won the Sebring 24 hour with 432.6 miles

On the 2nd April 2013 at 10.00am, wearing Road Rags merino 'Hoppo' will be aiming to beat the current World Record for Lands End to John O’Groats and back to Lands End (1685.9 miles) This will be a Guinness World Record and also a UMCA (Ultra Marathon Cycling Association) record attempt. The record is currently set at 5 days 21 hours and 8 mins

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2265845 This is the link to the route. It not only shows the route it also shows the elevation chart. If you want to come out and give him a shout he will be happy to see you. There will also be a page on the website www.teamhoppo.co.uk once he starts that will show where he is.

People keep asking him why he is doing this, the answer is simple what better way is there to train for a 3,000 mile bicycle race? By doing this and running it like RAAM (Race Across America)  it is good training for both him and the crew  Mind you the weather is going to be slightly different, here in the UK we currently have snow and strong winds which is expected to last, but he is prepared, and our 'Smithfield' will be keeping him warm.