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Off to a flying start as RAF cycle 600 miles in six days
Date: 04/09/2012 Image shows: Members of 29 Reserve (R) Squadron (Sqn) pose for a team photo prior to their 600 in 6 charity eve, which will see them cycle from Royal Air Force (RAF) Coningsby in Lincolnshire, to St Dizier in France where 29(R) Sqn were once based. The team will cycle to the channel and then row across cycling once again on the other side. POC - Flt Lt Nick Hill - 29(R) Sqn - #6190 This image has been cleared by the MCO. For further information, please contact: Mr Jim Robinson Media & Communications Officer (MCO) RAF Coningsby Lincolnshire United Kingdom LN4 4SY Civ: 01526 347780
VOLUNTEERS from RAF Coningsby are currently half way through cycling 600 miles from their home base to a French Air Force Base at Saint-Dizier.
A team of 11 RAF pilots and engineers from 29(R) Squadron are riding for 100 miles a day to raise money for two charities: Cancer Research UK and Alzheimers Research.
The two air bases have a relationship as RAF Coningsby is home of the Typhoon and Saint-Dizier is the base for the Rafale aircraft.
The route selected for the journey reflects the history of 29(R) Sqn throughout both World Wars.
If the cycling wasn’t enough, during the cross-channel trip they swapped bicycles for Concept 2000 rowing machines as they attempted to beat their ferry across the English Channel to Calais.
Many members of the team only took up cycling within the last year, with the majority not having ridden 100 miles in a day before, let alone 600 miles in six days.
However, the team have trained tirelessly this summer and, if they complete the challenge, the riders will have cumulatively cycled the equivalent of the circumference of the Earth since March.
Wing Commander Graham Pemberton, one of the riders and also Office Commanding 29(R) Squadron, said: “This arduous challenge provides a great opportunity to get some of the Sqn away to test our physical and mental robustness, develop our leadership and ethos, and celebrate our heritage.
“Forging links at the end of the ride with the French Air Force will also help build relationships for the future.”
The team’s progress can be followed via their website: www.600in6.co.uk.
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Weather for Horncastle
Wednesday 19 June 2013
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Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
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