Steam and pedal power were used to good effect in the first ‘Race the Rails: Bike vs Train’ event to raise £875 for West Wales Prostrate Cancer Support Group.
A collaboration between Vale of Rheidol Railway and Afan Cycles bike shop, the May event challenged cyclists to race the steam train from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, with a choice of two testing routes.
The winning cyclist was Rich Pizzey, who completed the course in 38 minutes, while the steam train took 57 minutes and was crewed by driver Jac Smith, fireman Tom Curtis and guard Barney Rampton.
“We were astonished at the support we received,” said Mathew Milican of Afan Cycles. “It was the first event of its kind in Aberystwyth and it’s brilliant that local companies can work together to create such a fun, health-inspiring event in aid of a great local charity.
“We look forward to next year and hope to gain more traction and make ‘Race the Rails’ an annual event for all to enjoy.”
Phil Budd, Vale of Rheidol Railway event manager, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to help out. We are really pleased to support local charities in this way, as well as to collaborate with local businesses to raise money in the community around the railway.”
The money raised will be donated to the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group, a patient-led group of volunteers working West and South West Wales.
The group supports prostate cancer patients and their families and friends, as well as working with other agencies to improve awareness, education, diagnosis therapy and support for men with the disease.
Men over the age of 50 are encouraged to seek professional advice and request regular tests from their own GP to identify any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
Group chairman c said: “We owe a big thank you to the teams at both Afan Cycles and the Vale of Rheidol Railway for organising the event, as well as to the participants. The money raised will help us continue supporting patients with prostate cancer in the Hywel Dda area.”
The race day itself was a huge success, helped by warm sunshine throughout the day. Two Hoots Tea Room provided a welcoming BBQ for cyclists at Devil’s Bridge, whilst live music helped competitors and their families to relax after their efforts.
The event will return in 2025 in an enlarged format, with entries available via Afan Cycles in the new year.