Tarvin man Roger completes from charity bike ride from Chester to Rome to raise funds for armed services’ disabled ski team

Jun 3 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

A DETERMINED parish councillor and successfully completed his epic 1,400-mile journey from Chester to Rome on two wheels.

Roger Hones, of Hockenhull Lane in Tarvin, was among the Ski Club of Great Britain group who crossed the finish line in the Italian capital city after leaving Cheshire more than two weeks ago.

The muscle-burning cycle ride through England, France, Switzerland and Italy was organised to raise money for the British Combined Services Disabled Ski Team.

Roger, a rep for the Ski Club and member of Tarvin Parish Council, described the challenge as “rewarding”. More than £7,500 has been raised already.

He said: “It has been an incredible journey both physically, mentally and socially. I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me and also everyone at Selex Galileo and CSDST who made it all happen.

“To cycle into Lausanne and along Lake Geneva to Montreux and then lunch by Chateau Chillon in glorious sunshine was a highlight for me.

“The hairiest moment came in Switzerland during one of our fast descents when a large wagon coming uphill did not leave us much space.”

The group were joined by several members of the GB disabled ski team who had suffered shocking injuries during their service in the armed forces.

Roger added: “They are the reason we are raising money so that they can excel in their chosen sport of skiing and be in a position to qualify for the Paralympics in 2014.

“These guys are truly fantastically courageous and ambitious.”

After completing the ride, Roger and his team were invited to a dinner in Rome where they received medals in recognition of their successful Home to Rome challenge.

Go to www.justgiving.com/CSDST to donate and reference ‘Roger’.