THE conflict in Afghanistan meant a sponsored cycle ride through India had to be changed at the last minute to Spain but the tough event still involved a good number of riders — including Morwellham resident Stella White.
Stella was taking part in the five-day ride to raise money for the children's charity, CLIC, and cycled 400 kilometres through the Spanish countryside.
'The first part was very mountainous but very beautiful with lovely views. Fortunately, the weather for the first three days was good,' said Stella. 'We started in Granada, where there were lots of olive trees in the area, and stopped at Cordoba for a half-day's sightseeing.
'The last part of the ride was flatter and very wet. It is true that "the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain"!' she said.
The journey ended in Seville, where the orange trees still had oranges on them.
The riders — who were aged between 17 and 72 and included Formula One boss Eddie Jordan — managed between 80 kilometres and 90 kilometres a day and Stella said her training in the Devon hills had stood her in good stead. The group was also very good at helping each other out: 'There was a good group spirit,' said Stella.
The original bikes had already been sent to India, so the group had to use locally-hired ones, which were not so good, but there was a lot of mechanical support.
The trip finished with a cabaret night with the participants each providing a turn — Stella won the prize for 'hidden talents' for her performance of the flamenco.
Stella has already sent off £3,500 for CLIC and expects the total to reach £4,000. 'I would like to thank all my supporters,' she said.