Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and a group of Dyfed-Powys police officers have already completed three days of their 500-mile cycle ride challenge, #TourdeForce.
The group are aiming to call in at every police station in the Dyfed-Powys Police force area to raise money for charity.
The ride is also intended to launch Dafydd Llywelyn’s Safer Dyfed-Powys Diogel charity.
The first two days saw the PCC and police officers take in all the police stations in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and day three saw them heading into North Powys and reaching the half way mark.
Despite the first three days being "challenging", Mr Llywelyn said the trip had also contained several highlights. He said: “I’m not going to lie and say it’s been easy so far – but along with the struggle there is a fantastic team spirit, camaraderie, and some breath taking scenery along the way. I count myself so fortunate to be the elected Police and Crime Commissioner of such a beautiful and outstanding area – and am experiencing first-hand what it is to be the biggest force area geographically on my bike!
“So far we found Saundersfoot hill on Monday really challenging. But cycling downhill from Crymych to Cardigan yesterday (Tuesday) was one of my highlights – I really enjoyed that. And then we were into the hills of Powys today which are particularly challenging – not helped by the fact that the weather has gone downhill and hasn’t been very kind.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all those that have supported us along the way – it really helps spur us on and keep our spirits up. And the evening engagement events at the end of a long day cycling have been great – it’s been brilliant meeting members of the community in this way, and being able to talk to them about the charity Safer Dyfed-Powys Diogel, and the opportunities this new charity has to offer young people in our communities. Everyone is welcome to come along to these events, the more the merrier – tonight I’ll be in Llandrindod Wells so look forward to seeing you there.”
The tour has had support from Cariad, the charity which raises funds to provide local schools and communities with defibrillators and lifesaving training. They have provided medical cover with a team of specialist managers riding in an ambulance behind the team.
Other sponsors to lend their support are Brecon Carreg, who have donated bottles of water, and Enterprise Cycles in Neyland, Pembrokeshire, who have provided energy gels and bars and spare inner tubes.
If all goes to plan, today’s ride (Thursday, May 3) will see them arrive at Brecon Rugby Club at 7.30pm.
Follow the Commissioner and the tour on Twitter @DPOPCC or @DafyddLlywelyn
If anyone wants to donate, a Just Giving page has been set up, just follow this link https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/saferdyfedpowysdiogelach/tourdeforce2018