Dudley bin men gear up for charity bike ride (From Dudley News)

Dudley bin men gear up for charity bike ride

10:04am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

TWELVE Dudley Council refuse collectors are saddling up for a mammoth charity cycle ride this Saturday.

The team, who are all based in the waste collection and street cleaning team at the council’s Lister Road depot have organised the 150 mile bike ride in aid of Help for Heroes and have already smashed their original £1,000 fundraising target.

The men, who all live around the borough, will set off from the depot at 5am on Saturday and head towards Barmouth in Wales, backed up with a support van which has been funded by the council, containing spare bikes and all the team’s kit.

The 12 are well prepared for the ride after they began training back in May.

Chris Williams from the waste collection team, who thought up the fundraiser, said:“We’re all used to early starts and hard physical work, but this bike ride is a new challenge to all of us.

“It’s been great to see the progress that everyone has made and the way it’s helped us get to know each other and really lift our spirits and have a laugh. I think it’s really benefited the team as a whole”.

Councillor Tracy Wood, cabinet member for environment and culture said:“The team has worked together really well to make this happen, investing their own time and money to do the best they can. I wish them the best of luck for their bike ride challenge.”

For more information search for Ride for Heroes on Facebook.