A HAMPSHIRE country pub cycling to raise money for charity is all set to break more than £2000 this weekend.
The Cricketers Inn, in Easton is hosting its 'Ride to Remembrance', a 72-hour event that invites people to pay £10 for 30-minute cycling slots to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
The Chronicle previewed the event run by 31-year-old publican Andrew Gwilliam-Kent and he said the pub is set to raise more than £2000.
Read more: Hampshire country pub's 'Rides to Remembrance' for charity
Andrew said: "The message I really want to get across is the community message. When we got here a year ago the pub was in a pretty poor place... there was a negative relationship between the community and the pub.
"We've worked really hard over the past 12 months to get where we are and, for me, this event is just a nice way of representing the community that we built."
The initial plan was to cycle for 24 hours, but the 'Ride to Remembrance' quickly grew to a 48-hour event and then a 72-hour ride. It will finish at 11 am on Armistice Day.
People were originally meant to cycle in 1-hour cycle slots, but they shrunk down to 30-minute slots because of demand and empathy for fitness levels.
He said: "That was the birth of the idea and then it was like, 'what can we do around it that makes it a community thing.
"We put a sign up to donate £10 and all of the money goes to the poppy appeal."
Read more: Romsey Health Walks take part in BBC Countryfile Ramble
There were 144 slots on offer, which would have netted £1440 but one donation gave £500 to the pub's event and now it's looking to exceed £2000.
Andrew added: "We should pick up some good donations over the weekend in the pub!"
The pub is using Zwift Ride, a fully adjustable smart trainer. Theo from Easton, 73, took part in the event.
Nursing a pint, he said: "The Royal British Legion is a great charity and deserves our wholehearted support! It supports the pub, charity and it will encourage further camaraderie in the village."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel