Gina Cleere, the super endurance cyclist from Basildon accomplished her 166-mile long cycle challenge across Essex in just 13.5 hours. She completed this impressive feat to raise awareness and funds for the Essex Wildlife Trust, in aid of the charity’s 60th anniversary.
On Sunday 22 September, Gina cycled to nine of Essex Wildlife Trust’s visitor centres, starting this impressive feat at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Belfairs Woodland Centre in Leigh-on-Sea at 3am in the morning. Gina crossed the finish line at 5pm and was greeted with smiling faces from Forward Motion, Hadley Mountain Biking Club, the Tweed Riders and staff and visitors from the Essex Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre. The Forward Motion Cycling Festival was held at Belfairs Woodland Centre on the Sunday and included a mountain bike track and guided woodland rides providing hours of entertainment. At 4pm, the Tweed Riders joined the celebrations at Belfairs Woodland Centre, having ridden from Gunners Park nature reserve in Shoeburyness on their annual Tweed Ride. Some arriving on bicycles which dated back as far as the 1930s.
On reflection of the day, Gina Cleere said: “Despite the awful weather forecasts it was lovely at 3am and the perfect start to the day; warm and virtually no wind. A quick stop for a few pictures at the start and we were on our way. The roads were quiet and Mark (my companion for the day) and I were able enjoy a fair few traffic-free miles. The heavy downpour at the end of the day didn’t dampen our spirits!”
Gina has raised £360 for Essex Wildlife Trust to help support the wildlife conservation charity. If you would also like to show your support for Essex Wildlife Trust and Gina Cleere, donations are still being accepted online. Please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/RideForWildlife.
