Inverness bike expert Leo the Lion saves day for charity cyclists
AN Inverness cycle shop came to the rescue of two fundraisers undertaking a 1000-mile charity cycle while dressed as World War II soldiers.
Richard Brown (26), from Prestwich in Manchester, and Jakeem Addman (23), from London, are riding replica 1940s bikes between John O’Groats and Land’s End – but will deviate from the cycling part of their end-to-end adventure to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge. This will see them climbing the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales.
The pair, who are raising money for Help for Heroes and mental health charity Mind, had a few detours because of bad weather and mechanical problems with brakes on one of the bikes.
They were able to dry out at a hostel in Inverness last Wednesday night and asked for help at a few cycle shops in the Highland capital on Thursday morning.
Eventually Ness Bikes put them in touch with a mechanic known as “Leo the Lion” – who not only was able to repair the brakes, but even gave the 1940s bike a full service to ensure it was fit for the rest of the journey.
Richard said: “The first bike shop we contacted was fully booked. We then rang Ness Bikes who were closed due to Covid, but when we explained we were doing this for charity, they said they would ring us back.
“They told us to go and meet Leo, who knew everything about bikes – he stripped it down, sorted the brakes and pretty much gave the bike a full service so we could continue our journey. Leo was a total lifesaver and we can’t thank him and Ness Bikes enough.”
Various supporters have cycled alongside the duo and many people are following their journey on social media. They hope to complete their trip on August 15.
n To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/5eh99ep4
