Bike prize turns wheel of fortune (From Haringey Independent)

Bike prize turns wheel of fortune

8:20am Saturday 9th August 2008

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Since hopping onto her bike last year, 55-year-old Angela Simmoes, just can’t get enough of pushing those pedals.

Fresh from an epic 250-mile bike ride from London to Paris, the mother-of-three says cycling is now part of her daily life.

She has already signed up for another group ride at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on September 28 and the London Freewheel event on September 21, when the streets of central London will be traffic-free and filled with both amateur and professional cyclists.

Ms Simmoes, of Higham Road, Tottenham, took up cycling as a hobby in a bid to lose weight after winning a bike in a competition.

Now she is encouraging others to give the sport a go.

She said: “I don’t own a car anymore. If I can cycle somewhere instead of getting the bus I will. But there are so few decent cycle routes that you have to be careful.

“When faced with the credit-crunch and rising costs of fuel, choosing to cycle just makes sense. You get fit, you feel great and can enjoy feeling the wind going through your hair.”

On the London to Paris ride, the determined resident met her £1,000 target and donated the money to global charity Médecins du Monde to provide medical aid to conflict and disaster-stricken countries.

Ms Simmoes said: “A lot of my friends said they would only give me the money if I finished the job.

“It was hard but once I started, I couldn’t back out so I just had to keep going. I was one of the last to finish but me and a few French girls were laughing and joking to the end.

“We were greeted with a round of applause when we finally got there.”

Those who completed the journey were awarded a certificate and celebrated with a glass of champagne.

“I had the most fantastic time. And if I can do it anyone can,” Ms Simmoes added.

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