Chateau Gontier sponsored cycle

A retired Frome teacher has completed a sponsored cycle ride to Frome’s twin Chateau Gontier in aid of the Frome’s Missing Link cycle track appeal.

70 year-old Bob Beacham set himself the task of completing the ride in order to demonstrate local support for the completion of the track. £20,000 must be raised locally. When this is done, cycling charity Sustrans will seek to raise funds by other means to increase the sum to £200,000.

The off-road track already exists between Great Elm and Radstock. When the final links are completed there will be a traffic-free path for cyclists, pedestrians and dogs between Frome Market Place and Radstock, and from then on access into Bath through the newly opened Midford Tunnels.

Much of the work is carried out by volunteers but the funds are needed for those parts of the project which need specialist expertise, materials and equipment.

Bob said, “I was a bit concerned that this was a geriatric jaunt too far, but actually it was ok, although I won’t be doing it again! On one day I did 40 miles, every inch of it in steady rain, and amazingly I was pretty dry underneath, thanks to mudguards and my retro cycling cape. I also managed to complete the whole escapade entirely unencumbered by Lycra. I am a Lycra-free area. I’ve never worn any yet and am not about to start now!

“I know there are many worthy charities in Frome competing for finite amounts of money, but I’m asking people to sponsor me on this one  because of the fantastic offer from Sustrans. In effect every £10 you donate locally Sustrans will seek to make up by other means to £100 and this is too good an offer to let pass. So many thanks to all those who have already sponsored me. Those who haven’t and wish to please visit www.justgiving.com/Bob-Beacham. The ride has currently raised around £800 and I would love to make £1,500 for this excellent cause.”