Farmers Weekly gets on its bike

Early on Sunday morning – a little too early for some – eight members of the Farmers Weekly editorial team will be setting off from Clapham Common in London, to cycle the 54 miles to Brighton.

Known as The Farmers Weekly Wheelers, the team will be joining an estimated 28,000 other cyclists for the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride.

“Some of us have done it before, so know full well the rigours of the route – the sting of sweat in the eyes, the stabbing pain of blisters on the bum, the aching thighs for days to come,” said Farmers Weekly Europe editor and team leader Phil Clarke.

“Others are raw novices, who believed me when I said it was a stroll in the park and anyone who backed out a sissy.”

Despite this, some people have been spotted doing some training.

Farmers Weekly machinery editor David Cousins, believing the rumours that it always snows on top of Ditchling Beacon, took his bike to an arctic training camp for a spot of acclimatisation.

“Are we there yet?”

Others are believed to have given up cigarettes and alcohol for a month to ensure they are in tip-top physical condition.

But the whole point of the exercise, apart from getting fit and having a good excuse to slip into Lycra, is to raise funds for The British Heart Foundation. The Farmers Weekly Wheelers have set themselves a target of £2000.

At this point in time we are about half way there, so further support is urgently needed. It’s very easy to make a donation. Simply dig out your credit card, click here to reach our fundraising page, and follow the instructions.

Alternatively e-mail philip.clarke@rbi.co.uk leaving your name, a pledge and a phone number.

The British Heart Foundation is a great charity, raising money to help people living with heart disease and funding research into treatment and cures. Many thanks!

* For a full report on the event, with pictures, see FWi on Monday (16 June)

The Farmers Weekly Wheelers are: Philip Clarke (Europe editor and team organiser), Ian Ashbridge (business editor), Paul Spackman (deputy business editor), Mike Abram (deputy arable editor), Hugh Anderson (group art editor), Grant Sherriffs (deputy group art editor), David Cousins (machinery editor) and Debbie Beaton (projects manager). We will also be joined by Debbie’s family and Phil’s fiancé, who doubles up as team physio. Can’t wait for a rub down!