Pensioner’s virtual cycle for church

A PENSIONER is on track to finish a virtual bike ride between Land’s End and John o’ Groats before his 81st birthday.

Harry Marsh started his ‘journey’ on February 8, pedalling for one to two hours a day, up to four times a week to complete the 951-mile route by May 6.

The grandfather of four took on the task to cycle the length of the UK to raise money for Bothwell Parish Church in South Lanarkshire which, like most congregations, has seen its income fall over the last 12 months due to Covid-19.

Mr Marsh has hooked up his road bike to a turbo trainer which is connected to a laptop loaded with a programme called BKool. It has accurately plotted the route from the south-west of England to the far north of Scotland which gives the rider the realistic simulation of pedalling along actual roads and streets.

Mr Marsh, an elder at Bothwell, said: “My family and friends are amused, impressed and supportive that I am doing this to raise money as part of a wider fundraising drive because our income has slowed to a trickle.

 “I have never been a great sportsman and only started cycling six years ago after I retired following encouragement from my son David, which has helped my fitness a lot.

“So when I was thinking about what I could do to raise money, I thought it would be fun to do a virtual cycle between Land’s End and John o’Groats.

“I was already using my turbo trainer in a bedroom over the winter but now that the weather has got a bit warmer I have moved it into the garage to the delight of my wife, Joan.

“I am enjoying the experience and cycling no more than 30 miles at a time and if you are going uphill you have to pedal harder.

“The pace varies according to the terrain along the route so the programme gives you a realistic account of your efforts.”

Mr Marsh admitted that he wished he was cycling the route for real.

The retired business management and development consultant said his daughter Allison has set up an online JustGiving page and he has raised £1,250 so far.

Donors are encouraged to predict his total cycling time and the two most accurate guesses will be rewarded with a bottle of 12-year old Old Pulteney malt whisky each.

The Rev Iain Majcher, minister of Bothwell Parish Church, said: “I am truly humbled that at the age of 80 Harry is taking on this challenge for the church while I struggle to run just to the end of the road,” he said.

“Covid-19 has seen our income severely affected but Harry would rather look for solutions and so he got on his bike for us.

“His marathon ride embodies the belief that we all make up the body of the Church as he uses his talents.

“I am taken aback by his willingness to help and the kindness of everyone who has so far donated towards the work of the church.” ¤