Tales of a “Lycra Clad Loony”
Paul Winder is not your average cyclist. He’s just an average guy who loves to challenge himself with epic rides across the Celtic lands. This year, he took on the Pan Celtic Race 2023, a self-supported, ultra-endurance bicycle adventure that starts in the port of St Malo, Brittany and ends in the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno.
Paul is no stranger to the Pan Celtic Race, having completed it in 2022 when he pedalled more than 1,600 miles and climbed nearly 66,000 feet along the coastal routes of Ireland. He raised over £1,100 for Gordon Moody, the UK’s only charity that provides dedicated support for people with gambling addiction issues.
The 2023 edition of the race covered 2,293 km (1,425 miles) and 22,223 m (72,900 feet) of elevation gain, passing through some of the most scenic and historic places in Brittany, England and Wales.
Paul started his journey in St Malo, France, enjoying some croissants and coffee before hitting the road. He then crossed the English Channel to Portsmouth, where he faced some hills and headwinds in the South Downs. He then followed the ancient King Offa's Dyke, a defensive wall built to keep the Welsh out of England, but apparently not to keep cyclists out of Wales. He reached Llandudno, the finish line of the race, after circling the Great Orme, a large limestone headland that offers spectacular views of the sea and the mountains. HIs official time was 9 Days, 9 Hours, 45 Minutes.
Along the way, Paul shared his experiences and photos on his Facebook page, where he received support and encouragement from his friends and family. He also raised money for My Black Dog, a charity that provides peer-to-peer support for people with mental health issues. Paul said he chose this charity because he wanted to raise awareness and help others who might be struggling with their mental health.
You can still donate to Paul’s JustGiving page here
Paul thanked everyone who supported him and donated to his cause. He said he was looking forward to resting and recovering from his epic adventure, after a cheeky Guinness at the finishing party. He also said he was already thinking about his next challenge, but he didn't reveal any details. He said he would keep us posted on his Facebook page. Stay tuned to Residential Estates for more of Paul’s lycra clad antics.
“The race was not easy though. I had to deal with bad weather, mechanical issues, navigation errors, fatigue, pain and loneliness. There were times when I wanted to quit or cry or both. But I kept going because I knew I had a goal and a cause bigger than myself. I also had the support of my family, friends and followers who sent me messages of encouragement and motivation.” - Paul Winder
We congratulate Paul on his remarkable feat, and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved rest. We also look forward to hearing all of the gritty details once he’s recovered, and back in the office.
