Land's End to John O'Groats - The Sequel

Chris Stevenson will be attempting to cycle the 1000 miles or thereabouts, from Land’s End to John O’Groats between 27th April and 13th May. As well as being a personal challenge, he will be raising some sponsorship for St Helena Hospice http://www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/ in Colchester. He will be cycling with Erwin Deppe, a colleague from Essex Highways.

Many of you will recall that Chris attempted this challenge last year and encountered a dog after 3 days, breaking his collarbone in the process and ending the tour prematurely. He assures us that he will be on the lookout for mans' best friend especially in sleepy country lanes in Devon!

If you would like to sponsor Chris it would be much appreciated and will raise much needed funds for the Hospice. If so there are two ways of doing this, either by:

• clicking on http://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Stevenson1000 which is a link to the "Just Giving" online facility and make an automated donation, or 
• sending an email by by clicking this link and saying simply “YES” and the amount you would like to sponsor.

As a suggestion if you were to sponsor Chris for 1p per mile that would equate to about £10, or just nominate the amount you would like to donate.  You can do this anytime in the next 14 days or so and he will contact you after he has (hopefully) completed the ride to ask for your donation.


If the technology works (and it did last year), Chris will be posting details and photos of their progress to Facebook and Twitter.  If you have a facebook account you should be able to follow progress by clicking on the link: http://www.facebook.com/Lejoggers. If you don’t have a facebook account, click on www.twitter.com/puffinus and you should be able to view their tweets and photos!

Chris's final message is:

"Thanks for any support, and let’s hope the weather is kind to us, there are no mad dogs, and the wind keeps off when climbing the hills especially in the West Country and in Scotland!"

Free Half Term fun - Thursday 2nd June

The Halfords Tour Series is coming to Colchester Thursday 2 June 2011, bringing with it a whole afternoon of festival activities for all to enjoy, in addition to the thrilling professional cycle race that will take place in the town centre streets from 7pm.

Castle Park will host an array of free activities from 2pm for people of all ages to play a part in, in the lead up to the evening race.

Head to Hollytrees Meadow, Castle Park, to trial the amazing 54 metre Northshore mountain bike track, bikes and helmets will be provided. Budding BMX riders can freestyle on the BMX Park or brush up your tricks with the skills sessions – bring your own bike.

Drop in on the Halfords Hub Arena where there will be all sorts of entertainment going on throughout the afternoon, and prepare to be amazed by the tricks and flips of Triple World Champion Ben Savage as he tackles the VooDoo Bikes Stunt Rig. There will be an opportunity to improve your cycle skills with some coaching from Ben himself.

Don’t miss all that Lower Castle Park has to offer including football skills sessions, kwik cricket, tennis and volleyball.

Hollytrees Lawn will host the entertainment and refreshments arena, come and try Zumba Latin workout, join the street dance workshop or relax and enjoy a programme of activity throughout the day.