Scarlets greats Simon Easterby and Gareth Jenkins will be joining up with a group of keen cyclists from HSBC Bank in South Wales to complete a unique cycle trip across the rugby region in aid of the Ray Gravell & Friends Charitable Trust.
A team of nine cyclists will set off from Parc y Scarlets this Thursday (17th September), covering 180 miles and visiting 13 (Grav’s playing number) rugby clubs across West Wales before returning in time for the kick off for the Scarlets V Munster this Saturday (19th September) at Parc y Scarlets.
The group will be presenting a commemorative plaque to all 13 rugby clubs visited and will be joined by members of the rugby clubs as part of the trip. All those taking part will receive a Scarlets match ticket for the Munster game as a thank you from the region.
The Scarlets and HSBC cycling team will visit the following clubs: Pontyberem, Nantgaredig, Llandovery, Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn, Cardigan, Crymych, Narberth, Haverfordwest, Whitland, Carmarthen, Mynyddygarreg and Kidwelly.
Leading the HSBC cyclists will be Iwan Jones, HSBC’s Regional Commercial Director for Wales who is looking forward to the challenge.
Iwan said: “This should be a great event and we are really looking forward to raising funds for Ray Gravell’s charity as well as meeting plenty of Scarlets supporters along the way. To have the support of people like Rupert Moon, Gareth Jenkins and Simon Easterby as well means it will be a memorable occasion for all involved and we are hoping for lots of donations as we travel around.”
Gareth Jenkins, Scarlets Head of Regional Development and Recruitment said: “This is such a great charity which supports a variety of important causes linked to our communities in West Wales and we’re delighted and honoured to be supporting it with this unique bike ride.
“We are gearing up for a challenging few days of cycling – we’ll see some great places and people along the way and will return just in time for the Munster game on Saturday at 6.30pm – which will be a huge incentive to keep us going over the last few miles!”
The ‘West is Best’ bike ride will take the following routes:
1. Day 1 Start – Parc Y Scarlets head to Llandovery and finishing in Lampeter
2. Day 2 Start Lampeter via Cardigan and finishing Haverfordwest
3. Day 3 Start Haverfordwest and Finishing back at Parc Y Scarlets
Departure Times:
Thursday 17th September:
11.00am – Parc y Scarlets to Pontyberem RFC
12.15pm – Pontyberem RFC to Nantgaredig RFC
1.30pm – Nantgaredig RFC to Llandeillo RFC
2.45pm – Llandeillo RFC to Llandovery RFC
4.00pm – Llandovery RFC to Lampter RFC
Friday 18th September:
11.00am – Lampeter RFC to Newcastle Emlyn RFC
1.30pm – Newcastle Emlyn RFC to Cardigan RFC
3.00pm – Cardigan RFC to Crymych RFC
3.45pm – Crymych RFC to Haverfordwest RFC
Saturday 19th September:
9.30am – Haverfordwest RFC to Narberth RFC
10.45am – Narberth RFC to Whitland RFC
11.30am – Whitland RFC to Carmarthen RFC
1.00pm – Carmarthen RFC to Kidwelly RFC / Mynyddygareg RFC
3.00pm – Kidwelly RFC to Parc y Scarlets
4.15pm – Arrive Parc y Scarlets
For those wishing to take part or support the team along the route please see www.scarlets.co.uk for more details.
The Ray Gravell & Friends CharitableTrust was established in memory of one of Wales’ greatest ambassadors, Ray Gravell, to raise funds for causes in West Wales that signify his love of and commitment to family life, sport, music, the arts, the outdoors, media and the Welsh language. The aim of the Trust is to ensure that the passion, energy and spirit of this great man continues to make a positive impact by working with selected charities and projects that are helping build, develop and support the communities of West Wales. Donations can be made at Parc y Scarlets shop or by contacting the charity on (01554) 758171.
