23
Dec

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A Ripon cyclist has celebrated his 75th year by completing 75 long-distance bike rides.
Nigel Bower, of Ripon-based Moonglu Cycling Club, has completed 75 gran fondo rides this year.
A gran fondo is Italian for a big ride, which usually stretches for 60 miles or longer.
Starting in Ripon on Sunday (December 21), Nigel set off on his final ride of the year, alongside Moonglu members and son Nick, for a route covering around 66 miles.
Nigel has covered a total distance of 5,300 miles this year, with over 200,000 feet of climbing – over seven times the height of Mount Everest.
While most rides took place around Ripon, Nigel’s commitment knows no bounds, with the cyclist even doing over 60 miles while on holiday in Greece.
He said:
Thank you for the support from the members of Moonglu who have accompanied me on many of these rides.

Nigel Bower during his big Greek ride.
Moonglu club secretary Niel Dunkley said:
Nigel represents what Moonglu really stands for – cycling for fun, with friends and pushing ourselves to achieve more than we may believe.
Moonglu cycling club is open for new members. Potential new members can attend two trial rides before committing to join. More details can be found on the club website.
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