brainstrust

2 October 2008

In January '08, Hilary Carter sadly developed a brain tumour leaving her locked in her own body, unable to communicate, so on 2nd October Chris, Thomas and Jonathan Carter, Hilary’s sons, will be participating in the Velo Vosges Challenge 2008 for three charities close to their hearts, of which brainstrust is one.

They have formed two teams of four with Simon, Ben & Tamsyn Derrick, Will Goodison and Eleanor Wratten; and will be cycling in relays covering 500 miles in 3 days from the North of France to Alsace in the East, near the border of Germany, going over the Vosges Mountains.

Le parcours

The route will be on minor roads and on the first day will take cyclists through some of the First World War battle fields of France including parts of the River Somme to the Champagne vineyards of the magnificent Montagne de Reims and Epernay for an overnight stop.

Day 2 will again start with a ride through the Champagne vineyards and then across the flat Chalons plain to the delightful Lorraine region of France, finishing on the outskirts of Nancy.

Day 3 will see riders ascend the Vosges Mountains with spectacular scenery along winding roads, climbing through pine forests close to ski resorts.  The countryside changes dramatically as teams descend to the Rhine valley with Hansel and Gretel like fairytale villages set amongst the Alsace vineyards to the beautiful village of Riquewihr for the finish and final celebrations.

Thomas says:

We have got the gear (including the Lycras!) and training is well under way for what is going to be a huge challenge for us all. With your help we can meet our fundraising target of £2000 and help make our challenge worthwhile. Donations can be made in person or online now at www.justgiving.com/cartercycle
Many thanks for your support.

Chris, Thomas, Jonathan