Jon Ashley’s back in the saddle for epic ride to John O'Groats

Kurt Milton, support driver Edwin Warrican and Jon Ashley Kurt Milton, support driver Edwin Warrican and Jon Ashley

IT is a challenge he first completed more than 20 years ago.

Now a Hampshire man is set to get back in the saddle next month, for an epic charity cycle.

Jon Ashley, 59, tackled the gruelling 960-mile route from Land’s End to John O’Groats, back in 1988.

And now, 24 years on, he is teaming up with work colleague Kurt Milton, 31, to take on the marathon nine-day ride.

The duo, who work together at Pentalver, in Southampton Docks, hope to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK when they saddle up on Saturday.

Their inspiration came from friend Neil Barfoot, who is currently battling cancer, as well as Jon’s wife, Tina, who recently overcame the disease.

Father-of-three Jon, from Totton, said: “I was 35 when I did the ride before and it was horrendous. I rode half the journey completely on my own and I had a chunk ripped out of my leg after an accident.

“Kurt said he wanted to do it and asked if I wanted to join him. Stupidly, I said yes!”

The pair are now cycling up to 300 miles a week in preparation for the ride, having clocked up around 1,700 miles since April.

“My family think I’m too old for this now, but we are training like mad and we can’t wait to get going now.”

Comments(8)

Silversha-ha-ha-ha-dow says...
7:55pm Fri 12 Oct 12

Well done chaps, doing a fantastic job, good luck, a pint is waiting when you get back.

Little P says...
8:16pm Fri 12 Oct 12

All the best Uncle Jon!!! Take care. Karen

Ginger_cyclist says...
9:31pm Fri 12 Oct 12

This is a ride I hope to complete myself one day with a friend or 2, good luck Jon and Kurt.

KATIEKINZ26 says...
10:08am Sat 13 Oct 12

keep those legs going look out Fort William there on route!
Good Luck hope the weather holds out for you.
Lots of love Tina,Kate, Diesel and Ryan a.k.a MRRUBBISH@YMAIL.COM (no job to big or small)

KATIEKINZ26 says...
10:08am Sat 13 Oct 12

keep those legs going look out Fort William there on route!
Good Luck hope the weather holds out for you.
Lots of love Tina,Kate, Diesel and Ryan a.k.a MRRUBBISH@YMAIL.COM (no job to big or small)

KATIEKINZ26 says...
10:16am Sat 13 Oct 12

keep those legs going look out Fort William there on route!
Good Luck hope the weather holds out for you.
Lots of love Tina,Kate, Diesel and Ryan a.k.a MRRUBBISH@YMAIL.COM (no job to big or small)

KATIEKINZ26 says...
10:18am Sat 13 Oct 12

keep those legs going look out Fort William there on route!
Good Luck hope the weather holds out for you.
Lots of love Tina,Kate, Diesel and Ryan a.k.a MRRUBBISH@YMAIL.COM (no job to big or small)

Ginger_cyclist says...
7:01pm Sat 13 Oct 12

KATIEKINZ26 wrote:
keep those legs going look out Fort William there on route!
Good Luck hope the weather holds out for you.
Lots of love Tina,Kate, Diesel and Ryan a.k.a MRRUBBISH@YMAIL.COM (no job to big or small)
Was there any need for this to be posted 4 times? Once would have been plenty.

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