Rex Nichamin (82) of Ilfracombe and his daughters have completed their cycle tour of the Canadian Kettle Valley rail track with tales to tell of the great outdoors.
Heads down, they cycled the stony and sandy trail that persisted the whole distance and diverted where a bridge was missing or an Indian Reservation blocked the trail. They cycled over 50 metre high trestle bridges and three pitch black tunnels.
Logging trucks were often a menace. Sometime the trail was devoid of human life for several days. Wildlife in the form of black bears, moose with foals, elk, chipmunks, osprey and a very close rattlesnake, plus turtle crossing sign was enjoyed.
At a height of 1200 metres, were extensive signs of a major forest fire in 2003 which damaged so many wooden trestles. Now restored, the magnificent Myra Canyon is slowly returning to its former glory.
They cycled 425 kms and to heights of 4,000ft. To date raising approx £4,500
(Follow us on http://kettlevalleyrailway.tumblr.com/ )
Rex Nichamin is planning a 2 week cycle tour in Canada on the 8th September in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT). This has been an ambition for Rex who underwent a double heart bypass 10 years ago. He was inspired to raise funds for the Devon Air Ambulance after they quickly assisted one of his friends who fell from her horse and was badly injured.
Rex has chosen this location as it is a unique converted former railway line, covering 560 kilometers and although a challenging route, a wonderful remote mountain region of SW Canada. The Kettle Valley Railway is possibly the longest cycle track in the world, with dozens of trestle bridges (typically around 220 metres long and 55 meters high) and several tunnels (up to 1000 meters long and pitch black). Due to some deterioration of the track the trip could be hazardous. The trip will be entirely self financed and Rex's daughters, Fiona, Cerina and Emma will accompany him to keep him fed and watered!
The Air Ambulance is not just for the people of Devon, but also for those visiting or passing through the County and it can reach the most remote locations. This means urgent medical treatment is administered quickly. Funding for the service is completely independent of central and local Government. It is upkept solely by voluntary donations and fundraising by local people.This means every single penny needed is raised by the community, businesses and friends of Devon. DAAT urgently need to buy a new helicopter to replace the current leased aircraft. So far the response has not been good, with only aproximately half the required £600,000 being raised.
Please donate to this fantastic charity and spur him on!
Use this page or send donations payable to Devon Air Ambulance Trust to: 50 Langleigh Park, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8RB. If you are a UK Tax Payer please sign with your address and mention The Gift Aid Scheme.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
