A “keen but amateur” cyclist is in the midst of a 650-mile European journey to visit Wallingford’s two twin towns.
Liam O'Brien is cycling almost 100 miles a day as he bids to reach Luxeuil-les-Bains in France and Bad-Wurzach in Germany in one week.
The 38-year-old is raising funds for Wallingford Radio, a community radio station he helped set up almost a year ago, through a JustGiving page.
READ MORE: Wallingford litter pickers collect tractor engine and street sign
When asked why he was taking on the challenge, he said: “It’s just going in and out of town every day and you notice the sign that says where we’re twinned with, but I don’t think a lot of people think where these places are.
“I looked at a map and realised that you could probably get to these places within a week.”
Mr O'Brien packed his clothes on his back and set off from Wallingford on Saturday, March 25. He first cycled to Newhaven to catch the ferry across the English Channel.
The following morning, he arrived off the boat in Dieppe in France and was greeted by sleet and cold weather. Nevertheless, he was able to cycle 60 miles that day, even battling a puncture.
The next day, he cycled 104 miles, and stayed overnight in the commune of Épernay, the so-called capital of Champagne. He overlooked the Hôtel Moët & Chandon, founded by famous wine merchant Claude Moët. On Tuesday, March 28, he cycled 110 miles.
Mr O'Brien, who runs an events company, said: “I’m a keen cyclist but amateur. I’m self employed so I have to find time around work.
“I’m 38 now, not 25, so it’s starting to ache. But I’m plodding on.”
Each morning, he phones into Wallingford Radio to discuss his progress. He has so far raised £353 of his £2,073 target for the community radio station, which interviews political figures, promotes town events, and has started to run podcast training services.
Mr O’Brien said: “It’s to raise funds so that we can continue to help around the town.
“We're based at Ayres Yard in Wallingford, and provide 24/7 live, local, radio for our community and surrounding villages. We hope to expand in the future, but won't be able to without your help.”
Mr O’Brien expects to reach Luxeuil-les-Bains on Wednesday, March 29, and Bad-Wurzach on Saturday, April 1, before he flies home later that day.
He has carried with him some tokens from home. This includes letters to the two towns from Wallingford Mayor Marcus Harris, a bottle of Rowse Honey, which manufactures in the town, and keyrings and flags from the Information Centre.
For more information, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wallingfordradio2?fbclid=IwAR2huVb-xqM3LNBLPECQp78StYWo9-e_ExoPira3xSLPx4IxXY1mC14xZvk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here