ABPmer takes part in the Pedal the Ports Challenge

On Thursday 26 June, three employees from ABP marine environmental research took part in Associated British Port’s tandem cycle-relay fundraiser to benefit motor neurone disease charities.

Ridden by a shifting, relay group of ABP employees and friends of the Company, the tandem is currently circumnavigating Britain in an anticlockwise direction, calling at each of ABP's 21 ports, before arriving back in Grimsby on Saturday, 5 July.

Ray Drabble, Chris Jackson and Colin Scott of ABPmer took turns to spin the tandem’s bicycle wheels between Litton Cheney and Southampton, each one partnered with a cyclist from ABP Southampton. The distance covered was about 75 miles, although all three also cycled as tandem support during the day and covered over 130 miles in total. The bikes were greeted back in Southampton by a reception of ABP staff and members of the local MND Association.

Speaking about the challenge
Colin said: Cycling up to Hardy’s monument early on in the day was tough, but very rewarding. I really enjoyed the whole experience being a stoker on a tandem!

Speaking about being on a tandem
Ray said: ‘Being the back seat driver the view wasn’t too pretty but with the way the bike wobbled around in the face of oncoming traffic, sometimes I was grateful for the obscured view. All in all it was a great experience and a privilege to be involved’.

Speaking about arriving in Southampton
Chris said: ‘To be ferried over in the Harbour Master's launch from Hythe and ride home to support like that was something special, it made the weary legs all worth it!’

ABPmer Managing Director, Bill Cooper, said “The purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness and earn money to support sufferers of this crippling disease. I am pleased to say that our ABPmer cyclists have raised a total of £500 through sponsorship.”