OWEN Martyn, 19, from Ashwater, completed John O’ Groats to Land’s End on Sunday, July 31 along with eight other cyclists for the organisation, Bike The UK For MS.
Owen covered the 1,006 miles in 14 days on his Giant Defy 3 road bike. He said: ‘Fort Augustus was the best part, because of the views, but it was a big climb to get to the views, it was the biggest challenge but the most rewarding.’
Owen described the ride as ‘one of the best two weeks of my life.’ It didn’t go without its struggles, with Owen saying that his legs were bitten savagely by midges,
‘The midges of Tyndrum were everywhere and constantly biting you.
‘The day we went through Bath, we missed a food stop and at the end of the day I hadn’t eaten enough and felt really week and lethargic.’
MS is an illness close to Owen’s heart as his mother has the debilitating disease, as well as this closely in his mind Owen also admitted: ‘Everyday was another challenge.’
Crossing over Dartmoor on the penultimate day, Owen knew he was nearing the end and was greeted by friends and family at the band stand in Tavistock Park, when the group stopped for a food break. They tucked into a pasty and Owen admitted that his pasty ‘was a taste of home.’
Owen arrived at Land’s End at around 5pm on Sunday and soon after announced that he was hoping to do it again next year and is looking for some company.
Owen has so far raised £1,377 and you can support him on the fundraising Page at www.biketheukforms.org