‘Old farts’ get on their bikes  for charity

A bike ride for charity has been organised by Algarve resident and business owner, Chris Winstanley, along the Ecovia cycle route from the Spanish border at Vila Real de Santo António to the most south-westerly point in Europe, Cape St. Vincent.

In awe of the work Liliana Rodrigues performs in her role as President of Castelo de Sonhos (Castle of Dreams), Chris has chosen to support the Silves charity.

“Liliana is an absolute inspiration. Castelo de Sonhos does an amazing job supporting underprivileged people in the Algarve and beyond.” said Chris.

Together with her team of more than 40 volunteers, they target their efforts to support children and young mothers living under the poverty line in the Algarve area. They also support other initiatives such as providing occupational therapy within the Silves prison.

Castelo de Sonhos was founded by Liliana almost 13 years ago and exists solely from the support of donations and funds raised from their charity shop in Silves.

Chris and eight other intrepid cyclists will set off on the ride on April 16 and will be riding the 250 kilometre route over four days.

“Lycra is no friend of mine,” Chris said, who has also used this charitable event as an opportunity to lose weight and increase his overall level of fitness.

“All the guys doing the bike ride are not super fit cyclists, but just a group of old farts who had an idea over a few beers to give the Ecovia challenge a go about three years ago and, finally, we have all got round to it.”

The team has not set themselves a financial target but are aware that the charity is in need of a new computer to assist them in their work.

They aim to hopefully raise enough money to assist them in purchasing this.

For more information or to make a donation to the bike ride event, supporting a local charity, please see the group at www.facebook.com/OldFartsBikeRide2012