Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle Challenge
On 11th September Ivor Beamon completed his 12 day 1,000 mile cycle challenge to raise funds for NOAH. The journey took Ivor from Lands End in the extreme south-westward point of England to John O'Groats at the extreme northern point of Scotland.
Ivor came into contact with NOAH Enterprise through his work at Luton Borough Council. Inspired by NOAH's work with homeless and vulnerable people, Ivor decided to undertake the 1,000 mile challenge to raise funds for the charity. The iconic Lands End to John O Groats ride was Ivor s 7th cycle challenge in 3 years, and his most ambitious to date.
Ivor set off from Lands End on 31st August and averaged between 70 and 100 miles per day, including a total ascent of 45,000 feet. He was fortunate enough to encounter only a few minor technical issues en route but did admit that sitting on a saddle for 6 plus hours per day carried its own unique challenge - a very sore backside!
Ivor completed the challenge along with 24 other cyclists, raising a combined total of £70,000 for various charities. One fellow cyclist pulled out with a knee problem, two others went over handlebars but continued and a couple of Americans that joined the trip kept going South instead of North, travelling 75 miles in the wrong direction at one point!
Ivor said "the ride between the two ends of Britain was my way of offering my support to NOAH and the homeless and vulnerable people of Luton. My family and I have a permanent roof over our heads. Others are not as fortunate". Ivor met all challenge costs himself in order that every penny pledged to him in sponsorship goes to charity.
NOAH Chief Executive Jim O'Connor said "we would like to thank Ivor for his tireless efforts to raise funds for NOAH and the incredible stamina and dedication he has shown in completing this epic cycle ride."
About the Challenge
Lands End is the extreme southwestward point of Great Britain, situated in western Cornwall at the end of the Penwith Peninsula. John O'Groats is the traditionally acknowledged extreme northern point of Scotland, in northeastern Caithness. Ivor aims to complete the 1,000 miles plus between Lands End and John O'Groats within 12 days.
The route is also known as 'End to End' or LEJOG (JOGLE if doing the other way)
Ivor says "the ride between the two ends of Britain is my way of giving and a reason for you to donate through my personal effort. I know it is a tall order but every little helps. As I am meeting the cost of the challenge all that I raise will go to charity. My family and I have a permanent roof over our heads. Others are not as fortunate"
Press Information
You can download print resolution photos below or contact Kirsty Fountain at kirsty.fountain@hotmail.com / 07979 892249) for further information.
