Lancaster driving instructor to cycle length of Britain for charity

Tuesday, 14 June 2022 15:03

A Lancaster woman is swapping four wheels for two as she embarks on a tandem cycle ride the length of Britain with her son for charity.

Lisa Preston is teaming up with her son, Matt, to undertake what they’re calling ‘The Handsome Tandem Tour of Britain’, covering more than a thousand miles from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in just 18 days.

Lisa, whose day job is a driving instructor, told Beyond Radio: ‘’I’d like to think that Covid 19 had nothing to do with this adventure, but in some ways it does.

‘’When lockdown came the first time, there was a mass rush to buy indoor exercise equipment; I was late to that party and by the time I thought of getting an indoor exercise bike, there were none to be had.

‘’Fast forward to the second lockdown; this time I decided I was going to come out ‘fitter’ and managed to get hold of a spin bike. I am a keen walker and love the outdoors. Paddle boarding and wild swimming with my son and daughter are also firm favourites.

‘’My son Matt and his best friend John, had been considering the iconic cycle ride. They are both keen cyclists, having entered a mountain bike marathon, participating in gravel sportives, completing 100km road rides and a 100mile ride through their mutual love of two wheels.

‘’A suggestion was made by one of Matt’s close friends, why don’t you do it with your mum on a tandem?”

‘’I thought why the heck not!

‘’Personally, I’ve only ever been a casual cyclist; so the idea of cycling over 1000miles over a matter of weeks is equally scary and exciting.’’

Lisa and Matt have been practicing for the ride, gradually building up distance and confidence to commit to the adventure.

They will be using quieter roads, making the journey a little longer than other popular “LEJOG” rides, with the route covering approximately 1049 miles over an 18 day period, starting 23rd July.

Lisa adds: ‘’This journey will mean a lot to us, but we’re also hoping to make it mean something to more people than just ourselves.

‘’The two charities we will be riding in aid of will be: Guide Dogs, as we all love and appreciate dogs, and Motor Neurone Disease (MNDA), for which there is currently no cure.’’

You can sponsor their ride here