Yahoo News This is why eight friends are cycling from Southampton to Amsterdam over three days
A group of friends from Millbrook are set to undertake an extreme challenge, cycling from Southampton to Amsterdam over three days, to raise money for charity.
Having formed Saints of Southampton in 2023, eight friends have vowed to undertake a new daring challenge each year in the name of charity.
Having raised £5,000 last year – after cycling from Southampton to Paris – they’re going one step further this year, travelling 340 miles in three days, setting off from The Saints Pub on May 10.
“I should make it clear, none of us are professional cyclists,” said Chris Nutburn, who’s taking part in the challenge for the first time.
“I’m 40 years old later this year and it just seemed like if I wasn’t going to do it now, then when? It’s all for a fantastic cause.”
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Ten cyclists in total will be raising money for the Chapter Eight Foundation – with two members from the foundation joining the challenge – a community group who work to benefit residents living in Millbrook.
A GoFundMe page has already raised over £2,000 for the foundation, with the group hoping they’ll have raised £5,000 for the second time in two years when they finally reach the Dutch capital.
“We’re excited but scared,” said Chris.
“We’ve been getting in as much practice as we’re able to – even cycling as far as Stonehenge.
“It’s really getting us out of our comfort zone, but I hope it’s something we can look back on in years to come and be really proud of it.”
The group of friends will be cycling 160 miles from Southampton to Dover – taking them approximately 18 hours – at an average speed of 10mph.
They’ll then catch the ferry to Dunkirk in France, before embarking on a 140-mile trip to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
From there the group will cycle to Amsterdam, with Chris confessing: “It hurts just thinking about it!”
Saints of Southampton will set off from The Saints Pub at 4pm, Friday, May 10.
