Date: 25th September, 2018
Two Devizes firefighters are taking on an epic cycling challenge next month in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.
To mark its 75th anniversary this year, the Charity has been urging people to do #My75Miles – walk, run, cycle, swim or do any activity for the equivalent of 75 miles, either in stages or in one go.
Rick Lavens is due to retire from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service next July after 24 years as an on-call firefighter and, with colleague Mike Cleaver, he’s aiming to cycle 75 miles up and down Roundway Hill, on the outskirts of Devizes on 17 October – in just 12 hours.
With 37.5 miles of steep climbing, the challenge will be tough, as the hill will have to be ascended and descended 59 times.
Both Rick and Mike are veterans of multiple cycling challenges, and Rick is also a keen triathlete and marathon runner. He said: “I’ve had a great career in the fire and rescue service, and the #My75Miles challenge is a great way to show my support to the Fire Fighters Charity. Hopefully we can raise a decent amount of money!”
Away from being an on-call firefighter, Rick works for the Royal Mail, based at the Devizes sorting office.
To support Rick and Mike in their fundraising, visit https://my75miles.everydayhero.com/uk/rick-1