Cardiff Blues staff are racking up the miles as they prepare for the #StayStrongForOws bike ride to Amsterdam in support of Owen Williams.
Following the success of last year’s pedal to Paris, 40 cyclists will take part in the grueling four-day trip from BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park to the Netherlands’ capital.
It is hoped the ride which departs on June 5, will raise much-needed funds to help former Cardiff Blues and Wales star Williams, who continues to adjust to the life-changing spinal injuries he suffered almost two years ago.
Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland said: “The challenge we are facing pales into insignificance compared to the challenge Owen continues to face.
“All the money raised will go towards the house that’s being built in Aberdare, a purpose-built property that’s adapted for him.”
While several players have already pledged themselves to the challenge, so to have a number of novices from behind the scenes.
Bikes, bib-shorts and bottles have all been bought as they gear up for the arduous advance to Amsterdam.
Each member of the convoy has been asked to raise £2,000 in sponsorship and there will be a number of fundraising events in the build-up.
One of those sitting in the saddle from the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park office is operations coordinator Rhianon Loxton, who jumped at the opportunity despite not riding a bike since her childhood.
Rhianon, 31, said: “We waved them off last year but I was unable to do it because my brother (Cardiff RFC full-back James Loxton) was getting married. It will be a massive achievement.
“Before signing up I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid. I’ve bought my first bike since then and have done three training ride so far!
“Working in this industry it’s very hard to get out on weekends and the biggest ride I’ve done is 37 miles.
“But we’re all hoping to get out a lot more in the coming weeks… we have to!
“It’s such a brilliant cause. My brother played with Owen so it really hit home.
“We saw Ows at Judgement Day and it’s at times like that you realise how worthy this is and that all the pain will be worthwhile and make such a big difference.”
To donate towards the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/staystrongforows