A Dundee man is taking part in a charity cycling challenge which has already taken him across the high seas.
Graham Letford, 61, is taking part in a Tri-Cyclathon which is raising money for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire local charities and good causes fund.
The first challenge took place on the back of a boat from Arbroath Harbour to the Bell Rock Lighthouse which is just over 11 miles off the Angus coast.
Mr Letford’s bike was strapped to the boat but he ended up black and blue after falling off in high winds which eventually forced the boat to turn back and abandon the challenge.
He tried again in calmer seas last week and finally managed to complete the first stage.
He will now attempt a rickshaw ride for the second leg.
Mr Letford will cycle a rickshaw from Dundee to Arbroath on Sunday, stopping at every lodge on the way to pick up passengers for a small donation.
The final challenge is the 26 mile Dundee cyclathon in September.
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Mr Letford said: “Thankfully there was a break in the weather with calmer seas after the first attempt to cycle on board Polar Swankie’s boat from Arbroath Harbour to the Bell Rock Lighthouse and return.
“There was brilliant sunshine which was par for the course and it was an unusual experience cycling on a boat.
“Thanks must go to the Barraclough brothers Keith and Bob who were the stabilisers and to Dave Reid the anchor man who kept me upright for the duration of the challenge.
“The added bonus was the seals and whales who popped up to show their support.
“The Bell Rock Lighthouse was a welcome and wonderful sight and rightly deserves its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World.
“Testament to this is the lighthouse, built over 200 years ago to such a high standard nothing has been adapted or replaced.
“To date over £2,500.00 has been pledged and donated to which all monies go to local charities and good causes.”
Sunday sees the second leg of the challenge where Graham will cycle from Dundee to Arbroath on a rickshaw kindly supplied by Jimmy Marr of City Cabs dressed as a Chinaman.
Graham will stop at every Masonic Lodge, 20 in total, to receive donations already pledged from the lodges.
Members friends and family have the opportunity to ride in the rickshaw on the way for a small donation.
He said: “This leg will be the toughest of the three legs – the last being the Dundee 26 mile Green cycle route, but the support given to the events will I’m sure spur me on.”
