MATT Theedom and Scott Chappell are digging out the Lycra and loading up their saddle bags again for a second cycle marathon.
Chappell, the cricket development manager for Devon and then colleague Chappell tackled the gruelling John o’Groats to Land’s End ride in 2013 on behalf of two charities.
Around £7,000 was raised in sponsorship, donations and gift aid, which was shared between Prostate Cancer UK and the Devon Cricket Foundation.
Journey’s end – Matt Theedom (left) and Scott Chapple at the end of their last JOGLE
Four years on the charities are the David Shepherd Cricket Trust, a new organisation that incorporates the DCF, and Cancer Research UK.
The target this time is to raise £10,000 for two worthwhile charities.
“The David Shepherd Cricket Trust does a lot of good work for youth cricket in Devon and is a cause worth supporting,” said Theedom.
“Scott and I decided on Cancer Research UK a while ago as all of us know someone who has lost a friend or family member to the disease.
“It seems even more appropriate now following the death last week of Stuart Munday, who was a trustee of the DSCT and the chairman of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.
“Scott and myself hope people will visit our Virgin Money Giving page and give generously.”
Chappell no longer works for the Devon Cricket Board having been lured away by Somerset as their new head of youth cricket.
He will be taking time off from his job in Taunton to get back on the bike alongside Theedom for the fund-raising effort.
“Last time it took us 11 and a half days and we would like to do it in nine this time,” said Chappell.
“We were averaging around 85 miles a day and the aim is to get that up round the 100 mark.”
The trek leaves John o’Groats on August 22 and the route south takes Chappell and Theedom through Fort William, Oban and Dumfries then over the border to Carlisle and down through England.
“Once we get to Carlisle we go in a virtual straight line to Chepstow, through Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Hereford down to Bristol then through Taunton, Launceston and Penzance before we turn off to Land’s End,” said Theedom.
“It is around 960 miles and takes in some glorious Scottish scenery and bits of England you wouldn’t normally see.
“We learned last time that the run through Scotland is smooth and beautiful and the worst bit is Cornwall and Devon, where it gets a bit hilly.”
To pledge a donation, go to the Virgin Money Giving website and search for Scott Chappell or Matt Theedom.