Ayr lecturer’s cycle bid

Jun 17 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A LECTURER is ready to hop on his bike and pedal for charity.

Paul Holdsworth, who teaches hospitality at Ayr College, will cycle from Brittany to Barcelona for Ayrshire Cancer Support.

Paul’s friend, who lost his father a few years ago, has roped him in for the ride to undertake the charity effort in memory of his dad.

Paul, a long-time cyclist, has just joined Walkers Cycling Club to improve his training.

He’s already travelled extensively around the world but this will be by far his biggest cycling journey.

The route from Brittany to Barcelona is around 1500km and will take around two weeks to complete.

Paul said: “The journey will be hard but we will try to avoid the midday sun to take advantage of the lower temperatures in the morning.

“Mental preparation will be the key, more so than physical training.

“There are only three of us completing the journey, so we have to rely on each other for motivation, and hopefully avoid too many tantrums along the way.

“Originally we talked about camping, but with the physical aspect of the cycling, we knew we would need something more comfortable.”

A motivational speech by Mark Beaumont, record-breaking long distance cyclist, has helped Paul to get mentally prepared for the journey.

But with the physical challenge ahead, the training has been a key part of his build-up.

He revealed: “I’m currently doing a 50-80 mile bike ride each Saturday, doing aerobic spin classes plus cycling to work each day for extra training.”

To donate money to Paul’s charity cycle, visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/paul-holdsworth0.