73-year-old Dover cyclist goes solo to ride 100 miles for charity
Fuelled by flapjack, he clocked up a 'century' along east Kent roads to be greeted by cheers from his family as he sailed under their balloon arch at the finish line
Submitted by Jo Godden
Pilgrims Hospice may have had to cancel its popular Cycle Challenge this year but that didn’t stop one 73-year-old cyclist from Whitfield, Kent.
Covid-19 did not factor in the determination of keen cyclist Paul Kelly, who decided to complete the 100 mile ‘century’ course on his own.
Fuelled largely by flapjack to counter the 6,000 calorie burn, the 73-year-old left Canterbury East train station at 7.45am and had finished the circular course at 4.15pm.
The whole event was captured for posterity by his daughter Alexa, who is a professional photographer.
As Paul rode into the University of Kent campus, in Canterbury, he was greeted with surprise smiles, cheers and a balloon arch held up by the little members of his family.
This is the third time he has tackled the course, previously with another 1,200 competitors during Kent’s biggest annual cycling event.
This year's charity ride was scheduled for May but organisers had no choice but to cancel it.
The event is one of their biggest fundraisers and Paul still wanted to do his bit.
So far, his donations total just shy of £1,700 but he has more to gather in.
Paul said:
“One of my reasons for supporting Pilgrims Hospices is for the fantastic treatment my father in law was given in Canterbury hospice where he passed away with motor neurone.
"Our family were so relieved to see how his last days were made as comfortable as possible, we cannot thank you enough.”
The former engineer planned his own 'feeding stations' including one at his home at Whitfield near Dover, which was en route.
He nearly came a cropper in Kingsdown when he hit a gas drain but managed to stay seated.
He also came face-to-face with a combine harvester in Coldred and was pleased he did not take the corner as quickly as he usually does.
Stowting Hill and the climb out of Shepherdswell near Dover were the biggest spikes on his Fitbit and the heatwave added to the challenge.
Paul loves his bike and has been training since March. He was back in the saddle on the day after his big cycle to go and do his regular shopping trip, perhaps aware of a few more aches than usual.
He said:
“My wife Pat said I could have clocked up 100 miles up and down Deal seafront but where is the challenge in that?! Walking is uncomfortable with arthritis in my toe, but I find cycling reasonably comfortable.
“It was a slog in places but also very enjoyable being out in the Kent countryside. The charity has lost so much money this year, what with the shops closed and this event cancelled.”
Purely a coincidence but Paul chose to complete the challenge on #CycleToWork day (August 6), which this year was changed to Cycle to Who? What? Where? Day because of the pandemic.
To donate to Paul’s effort, visit his Just Giving page.
The 2021 edition of the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge will return to its usual early May Bank holiday weekend next year.
In the meantime, the charity are organising a virtual cycling fundraiser during September.
To find out more visit their events page.
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