Greg and Normans Two Wheel Ordeal Challenge in aid of Invergordon RNLI

As keen cyclists, friends Greg & Norman were keen Strathpuffer enthusiasts and when it came to mountain bike challenges, they don't come much tougher or more rewarding than the Strathpuffer - the legendary 24-hour mountain bike endurance event held every year in the Highlands of Scotland in the middle of winter usually comprising of freezing temperatures. 17 hours of darkness. Miles upon miles of gruelling terrain. A brutal mix of ice, wind, hail, rain, mud, and snow and maybe, just maybe, a glorious Scottish winter sunrise all supported by Team Yellow Welly comprising of crew and fundraising volunteers from Invergordon Lifeboat Station who helped push them on and ensured the guys were fed and watered throughout the challenge.

With Covid-19 striking and cancelling the event, the two RNLI supporters wanted to give something back, and embraced on a road bike challenge of John O’Groats to Lands End, then back again in twelve days!

Greg advised “We chose to do this in aid of the RNLI, specifically the Invergordon lifeboat in order to try and show some thanks and raise some awareness and support for the great work they do. We first met the Invergordon lifeboat team through the well know 24-hour mountain bike event 'the Strathpuffer' where they have provided support for us and other riders throughout the full duration of the event. Their dedication, Motivation, and spirit in all of this we have always found amazing and are very thankful for. Cycling is something that we both enjoy a lot and we both do a lot of be it mountain or road, taking part in events and generally getting out on the bike and exploring the great country we live in and found this a fitting challenge to help support the team at Invergordon.”

The duo plan to leave John O’Groats at 6:00am on Saturday 24^th July and arrive in Lands End 6 days later before turning 180 degrees and cycling back to John O’Groats on a reciprocal course arriving on the Thursday 5^th August.

Invergordon Lifeboat Press Officer Michael MacDonald said “The challenge set out by Greg and Norman is something to be admired on physical and mental demands not to mention the mileage involved but does show our supporters will travel the length of the country and back again to support the RNLI, which is funded by donations, where crews are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week ready to answer the call. I and all at Invergordon RNLI wish Greg and Norman all the best on the challenge and we will be looking forward to their updates’

The Two Wheel Ordeal Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/twowheelordeal which will contain the links to the Live Route Tracking throughout the challenge as well as challenge updates, photos, videos, and Facebook Live coverage.

To donate to Greg and Normans challenge please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/two-wheel-ordeal

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.