Cyclists of all ages have taken part in the Kilgetty Bike It 100 and raised over £6,000 for two charities.

Last month 170 riders, who were aged between 11 and 30, braved the hot temperatures to raise £6, 300 for the Wales Air Ambulance and Paul Sartori Hospice At Home.

The cyclists took to the road to tackle the three different routes – 100 miles, 75 miles and 50 miles, with approximately 7000, 5000 and 3500 ft elevation respectively throughout the challenging event.

The riders who took in the 100 miles route cycled through the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

One of the participants was Wales Air Ambulance fundraiser Mandy Draper, whose life was saved by the charity’s medics after a horrific cycling accident nearly five years ago. This was Mandy, who was told she would probably never walk again, first official cycling event.

Since her accident Mandy has raised thousands of pounds for the charity by running over 40 marathons. She completed the 75-mile route in good time and told the organisers that it was one of the friendliest cycle events that she had ever experienced.

The event registered as a Sportive with British Cycling was run under strict covid restrictions including staggered signing-on and start times for the riders.

Other outstanding achievements on the day included 71-year-old Des Rees from Saundersfoot who planned to make his Ironman debut last year to celebrate his 70th birthday, and with last year’s and now this year’s event cancelled, Des proved that he was ready for the big challenge as he finished the gruelling 100 mile route as strong as he started. 

Kilgetty Bike It 100 attracted people of all ages as eighty-year-old Alan Bain and Cindy Walker at just 11 (both representatives of Haverfordwest Hornets) were the eldest and youngest entries as both completed the 50 miler, with Huw Cressey-Rogers, 13, (Llanboidy) and Rogan Cox, 15, (Whitland) who impressively finished the 75 mile route, and Caio Jones, 12, (Clarbeston Road) and Pembroke’s James Harris, 13, also finished the 50 miler in fine form.

The event finished at the Kingsmoor Sports and Social Club opposite the start of the event and the recent lifting of covid regulations allowed entrants to enjoy an outdoor socially distanced barbecue and welcome refreshments which were gratefully provided by the club.

In December 2020, the Charity achieved its aim of operating a 24/7 service. Wales now has access to the service’s Emergency Department-standard critical care around the clock and to keep the helicopters in the air, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year.

Organiser Norman Mason thanked all volunteer helpers and marshals provided by the two charities, with special thanks to Katie Macro and Toni Dorkings from the two charities for their help and guidance throughout the planning of the event as well as on the day.

He said: “It had been difficult planning an event of this size with all the uncertainty that seemed to be constantly changing over the nine months since the event was planned but I’m pleased that the event had gone ahead smoothly. I’m delighted with the money raised, as well as the positive feedback throughout social media for the organisation, signage of all routes, and all were very impressed with their Welsh Slate Commemorative Medals.”

Katie Macro, the Wales Air Ambulance’s South West Wales Community Fundraising Co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to all the cyclists, who took on the Kilgetty Bike It 100 despite the hot weather, to raise funds for two important charities. Thank you so much to Norman, Sharon, the volunteers and all the entrants that made this event such a success. The Wales Air Ambulance volunteers and I loved the opportunity to help at such a well-attended event.

“A fantastic amount was raised, which will help towards the running of the Charity. It was also inspiring to see Mandy Draper take part in her first official cycling event since her cycling accident. Mandy completed the 75mile route, which is incredible.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.

Pictures Credit: Adam Jones Photography