A pair of intrepid Fifers are gearing up for the gruelling trip of a lifetime. Ally O’Brien and Jonathan Paisley are to cycle 2300 miles across Europe in a bid to raise cash for a pair of good causes.
The best friends teamed up as they both turn 50 this year and felt it was time for a new challenge.
Ally, a BT worker from Glenrothes, and Jonathan, a GP who lives in Freuchie, plan to cycle coast to coast, from the North Sea to the Black Sea, reckoning the energy-sapping trip will take six weeks to complete.
Jonathan said, “We’re cycling enthusiasts but we know this trip will take that enthusiasm to the limit.
“The coast-to-coast ride, from Amsterdam to Constanta in Romania, is a total distance of around 2300 miles. We are leaving at the end of May and plan to finish in early July.”
Both are aware the six-week trek will be anything but a sun-kissed holiday.
“We will mainly be camping en route with occasional overnights in hostels, mainly to wash and lie in a soft bed,” said Jonathan.
“The route will initially follow the cycleway along the river Rhine, then pick up the river Danube cycleway.”
All funds raised will go to Crossroads Fife and Friendship International.
“Friendship International has helped to set up a camp for disadvantaged children in Romania,” Jonathan said. “Both Ally and I have spent several weeks over the last four years doing voluntary work in building the infrastructure of this camp. Hammering nails into wood can be very therapeutic.
“I’ve had direct involvement with Crossroads Fife in my work as a GP. They provide support for carers in the community, helping to prevent many unnecessary hospital admissions.”The pair are self-funding the trip and all cash raised will go to the two causes. Contributions can be made via the Just Giving website, www.justgiving.com/Ally-and-Jonno-Euro-C2C.With Ally and Jonathan set to celebrate their half-centuries, they insist the time is right for what will be the biggest challenge of their lives-though they admit the sheer scale of the challenge has led to raised eyebrows among some of their friends.
“We have convinced ourselves that the cycle is not part of a mid life crisis,” Jonathan jokingly added.