Huddersfield pair to take on Swedish Vatternrundan cycle challenge

Jun 2 2009 by John Knighton, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LAST November Will Boyes and Lesley Atkins hatched a plan to compete in the world’s biggest recreational bike ride.

Now with just a few weeks to go before the Huddersfield pair cycle 185 miles around Lake Vattern in Sweden that idea does not look so clever.

Will and Lesley will take part in Vatternrundan to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a disease Will suffers from.

“I am looking forward to it, but there’s definitely a bit of wondering why we’re doing it,” he said.

“The lake is so big that you can see it on the weather forecast on TV.

“We did 80 miles last weekend fairly comfortably and that has given us more confidence.”

Will, a project officer for Kirklees Council, and Lesley will set off at 11pm on June 12 from Motala, on the north-east shore of the lake, and will complete the ride without stopping.

“The lack of sleep is the worst part,” said Will. “But once the adrenaline kicks in, you are moved along by that.”