08 May 2018
Wednesday saw Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn and a group of officers take on day three in the saddle for the 500 mile cycle ride challenge, #TourdeForce.
Having completed the first two days relatively unscathed, taking in every police station in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, it was on to tackling North Powys for the half way mark.
As difficult as it has been so far, there have been many highlights. Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I’m not going to lie and say it’s been easy so far – but along with the struggle there is a fantastic team spirit, camaraderie, and some breath taking scenery along the way. I count myself so fortunate to be the elected Police and Crime Commissioner of such a beautiful and outstanding area – and am experiencing first-hand what it is to be the biggest force area geographically on my bike!
“So far we found Saundersfoot hill on Monday really challenging. But cycling downhill from Crymych to Cardigan on Tuesday was one of my highlights – I really enjoyed that. And then we were into the hills of Powys today which are particularly challenging – not helped by the fact that the weather has gone downhill and hasn’t been very kind.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all those that have supported us along the way – it really helps spur us on and keep our spirits up. And the evening engagement events at the end of a long day cycling have been great – it’s been brilliant meeting members of the community in this way, and being able to talk to them about the charity Safer Dyfed-Powys Diogel, and the opportunities this new charity has to offer young people in our communities. Everyone is welcome to come along to these events, the more the merrier – on Thursday I’ll be in Brecon Rugby Club so I look forward to seeing you there.”
The tour has been very kindly supported by Cariad. They are a charity which raises funds to provide local schools and communities with defibrillators and lifesaving training, and is run by a group of volunteering emergency service personnel. They have supported many other sporting events similar to this charity cycle ride, and their presence for the whole tour is invaluable as they provide tailored medical cover with a team of specialist managers to assist in an ambulance.
It’s reassuring that the Commissioner and the cyclists, who are all giving up their free time this week, are in very safe hands during the tour. For more information about Cariad visit www.mycariad.org
We are also very grateful to the following sponsors for their support – Brecon Carreg have donated bottles of water to keep them hydrated throughout; and Enterprise Cycles in Neyland, Pembrokeshire have kindly donated energy gels and bars and spare inner tubes in case of punctures.
The next engagement event will be held on Thursday 3 May 2018 at Brecon Rugby Club at 7:30pm
The team is expected to finish in HQ on Friday 4 May at around 17:00. If you’re around, pop down to the main entrance to give them the warm welcome that they thoroughly deserve.
Follow the Commissioner and the tour on Twitter @DPOPCC or @DafyddLlywelyn
If anyone wants to donate, a Just Giving page has been set up, just follow this link https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/saferdyfedpowysdiogelach/tourdeforce2018
