DROITWICH’S Beccy Ricketts successfully completed the 100-mile Velo Birmingham cycle race in seven hours and 42 minutes, raising £1,495 for the Worcetershire Homeless Appeal.
The 46-year-old undertook the challenge in memory of her husband Neil who lost his battle with cancer of the esophagus in 2017.
Beccy, who only took up cycling in January so she could join her friend Jo Lewis from Fernhill Heath on the Velo, eclipsed her target time of eight-and-a-half-hours.
She told The Standard: “I could not believe I had completed the 100 miles and exceeded my expectations.
“I didn’t sleep at all on Saturday night as I was too excited and nervous and had to be in Birmingham at 6.30am, ready for our start time of 7.30am.”
She said she ‘hit a wall’ at the 84th mile and struggled with the steep South Birmingham hills between the 80 and 90mile mark.
“The spectators were walking faster than I was riding.
“I really struggled and could have quite easily knocked it on the head.
“Fortunately other riders and the spectators cheered me on and gave me the boost I needed.
“I also could not let down everyone who had supported me during my training and those that had donated to my chosen charity.”
Beccy also had a setback around the 20mile mark when there was some congestion and she had to stop, toppling over because she was not used to using the cleats which keep cyclists’ feet in the pedals.
“I think that makes me a proper cyclist now.”
Raising more than £1,000 means the Worcestershire Homeless Appeal can now get its chiller van on the road to collect and preserve unsold food from supermarkets each week. It will then be distributed among those who need it.
“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who believed in me, encouraged me and supported me, not just for this challenge but also since Neil passed away.
“It has been unwavering and I know will continue to be for as long as I need it to be,” added Beccy.
She also thanked The Standard for promoting her ride and helping generate such an amazing amount.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rebecca-ricketts to boost Beccy’s coffers further.
