Barcelona Boomerang cyclists about to set-off

Barcelona Boomerang!

The challenge? A charity cycle ride from Hastings to Barcelona – and back – in eight days. Five cyclists. Two thousand plus miles. All weather conditions. Altitudes as high as 2000 metres above sea level. Temperatures as low as 2°. Why? To raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and funds for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust. HOT’s Zelly Restorick was there to see the cyclists start their journey.

Route map

The participants, along with their drivers, medic and support team, set-off from the St Leonards’ promenade on Friday 22 September, waving goodbye to family, friends and supporters and planning to be home in just over a week. In order to reach their target return date, each cyclist will cycle 100 – 200 miles in any 24hour period.

I spoke to James Beeching, one of the central organisers of the challenge and someone who has lived with the effects of cystic fibrosis since his childhood. He told me that the project was launched exactly a year ago by his friend Darren Byrne, who wanted to make people aware of what the disease can do to a person’s life and to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

“Since last year, we’ve raised £40,000, which is fantastic, but our target is £50,000.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, degenerative, respiratory disease, affecting the lives of 9000 people in the UK, making it hard to breathe and digest food. It’s one of the country’s most common life threatening illnesses.

I asked James how the disease has affected his life – “I have to take a lot of medication every day and have daily physio. Unfortunately, I can’t cycle the route, but I’m going along as part of the support team.”

Bon voyage Barcelona Boomerang!

You can follow the Barcelona Boomerang teams’ progress, donate to the project or offer encouragement and support, via Facebook, Twitter and their website. Watch out for their return next weekend!

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