TORRENTIAL rain couldn’t stop the High Sheriff of Warwickshire from getting on her bike – to showcase the best of the county.
Min Willoughby de Broke ‘s five-day 200 miles cycle odyssey took in the length and breadth of Warwickshire with two key aims – to showcase the people, organisations and independent businesses that make it the best it can be to live, work and visit.
And secondly to raise £10,000 for the High Sheriff’s Fund, which was established to give grants to small voluntary and community organisations at a grassroots level in the county.
Starting on Friday, October 1, Min set off from Shipston on Stour covering 50 miles and visiting Stratford, Bidford and Alcester before finishing in Henley in Arden.
Braving the non-stop rain on Saturday, she did 35 miles from the Garden Shed in Wellesbourne, taking in Warwick, Kenilworth, Leamington, and Whitnash.
Day 3 saw breezy conditions as she covered 38 miles from Kineton via Burton Dassett Hills Country Park.
On her penultimate day Min did 45 miles from Southam to Ryton Pools Country Park via Rugby, Bulkington and Brinklow.
She finished with a 45 mile circular route beginning and ending in Atherstone to coincide with the start of Stage 3 of the Women’s Tour the following day, Wednesday, October 6, in Atherstone where she waved the flag to start the event.
“I knew that when I became High Sheriff I wanted to do something big, something that would challenge myself while shining a light on all the amazing businesses and organisations that contribute to making Warwickshire the best it can be,” said Min.
“I was under no illusion that cycling more than 200 miles in October would be an easy feat, but it was worthwhile as it showcased the beauty of this county and the amazing character and kindness of its residents and raised essential money to help grassroot organisations.”
Anyone wishing to support Min’s fundraising efforts should visit: https://bit.ly/MinsBigBikeRide
