A TEAM of four charity cyclists from Surrey has succeeded where Lewis Hamilton failed, by completing a lap of Silverstone without their tyres blowing out.
Riders Kieron Hughes, Paul Taylor, Jon Wilkins and Darrell Hughes also completed a 400-mile trip from the Spa Formula One circuit in Belgium to the Northamptonshire track, in memory of friend Charlie Dodson who died of a brain tumour in January.
After beginning the ride with a once-in-a-lifetime lap at Spa on Monday, June 24, the quartet – named Four Charlie – reached their destination on the Thursday, as Silverstone was being prepared for the British Grand Prix.
North Holmwood builder Kieron Hughes, 34, told the Advertiser they were thrilled to be allowed to ride on the track.
"We met Charlie Whiting, who is the FIA race director, and he gave us access to cycle round both of the tracks," he said. "He must get requests to do this sort of thing all the time, but for some reason he said yes to us.
"It was one of those occasions that you will never be able to repeat in your life. It was incredible to get access to both of those.
"Spa is a very recognisable track and to climb up Eau Rouge, one of the most famous bends in Formula One, on your bike was just amazing."
He added: "Silverstone had such a buzz because it was the day before practice and they let us in to look at the pit lane.
"We saw Vettel getting into his car, and we got into the race control room – we had access all areas. It was unforgettable."
After four days of constant riding across Belgium, Holland and England, the saddle-sore riders are now bathing in the glory of a job well done and of earning a pile of charity cash to give to St Raphael's Hospice, in Cheam, where 36-year-old Mr Dodson spent his last days.
Mr Hughes said: "Now we're thinking about what to do next, although we need to get over this first. It's taken six months of organising but we've raised £11,000 and the things we've done have made it worthwhile."
To add to the total, visit www.justgiving.com/fourcharlie or text "chas76" to 70070.
The team also has a fun day at Epsom and Sutton Rugby Club on Sunday, July 21, at 2pm.
