LifeCyclists enjoy smooth first leg

The 58 LifeCycle challengers rode their first 128 kilometres yesterday, ending their day in Norway early and without injuries.

Spokesman Louise Bugeja said the ride was quite easy. Cyclists were very excited that the challenge was at last starting and they woke up very early.

The camp buzzed with excitement as the cyclists had breakfast, packed, handed in their luggage and gathered for the day's briefing and morning prayer.

They travelled in teams with each team leaving at 10 minute intervals.

The first team left Honefoss at 8 a.m. and by 3 p.m. all teams had clocked in safely.

The day was fine and sunny with a comfortable temperature of 23°C to 24°C and very good visibility.

The only hitch in the ride was a mechanical fault to one of the vans, which had to be replaced.

The team will tonight be sleeping early at a modern youth school in Fagerness in preparation for a difficult ride of 227 kilometres tomorrow, which will take them to Dombas, also in Norway.

They will end their trek in Rivanieni, in Finland, covering a total distance of 2,018 kilometres.

Donations to Travelex LifeCycle can be made online at www.lifecyclechallenge.com, by SMS on 5061 7356 for a Lm1 donation, 5061 8921 for a Lm3 donation and 5061 9208 for a Lm5 donation, by cheque to LifeCycle Organisation, c/o Renal Unit, St Luke's Hospital, Guardamangia, or in HSBC (Malta) account 061198792050 or Bank of Valletta account 1481421017.