Peter Munt-Davies has cycled 800km to Santiago de Compostela to raise money for Commonwealth Countries League Education Fund.
"El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, northwest Spain. It was one of the most important pilgrimages during medieval times. To take part in an activity that has continued unbroken for well over a thousand years appeals to me as does meeting and overcoming the many challenges that long distance cycling can present.
The Way can take one of dozens of routes from all over Europe to Santiago. I will ride the Camino Frances which starts in St Jean Pied de Port in France. It crosses the Pyrenees and passes through Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Lugo. It is the route taken by most of the peregrinos who chose to walk.
The terrain is hilly and much of the way is off road. Therefore I will ride a mountain bike and, as I will have just celebrated my 66th birthday, will not rush. I will start my journey on April 1st 2015; yes, I know, April Fool's day.
Ever since my first visit to Santiago I have wanted to do the Camino. Now that I have the time and opportunity to do so I would like to use the experience to raise money for CCLEF. I was a teacher for some years in Jamaica and fully appreciate the vital importance and value of education, especially education for women and girls. Last year in Sri Lanka we met two of the girls receiving financial support from the fund and saw first-hand the tangible benefits of the work the fund strives to achieve.
If, by doing this bike ride, I can raise awareness of the vital work carried out by CCLEF as well as raising some money, then it will have been worth it. I will meet the full cost of travel, accommodation and board myself so every penny donated goes to CCLEF.
An inspirational quote from Mark Twain: Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live."
Peter has sucessfully completed his ride but you can still sponsor him at https://www.justgiving.com/Peter-Munt-Davies