Ex-Reigate Grammar School students team up for charity cycle across the USA (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Ex-Reigate Grammar School students team up for charity cycle across the USA

4:35pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

Three former Reigate Grammar School students are in training for a charity cycle ride across the USA.

For  Dom Constanti, Sebastian Lewis and Lewis Wing, all 19, are aiming to go from coast to coast Stateside on a pedal-powered push from May 1 through to July 18.

The journey will see them cross more than 4,000 miles of the USA.

The three friends will be carrying out their cycling adventure, dubbed  Cycle Across America – The Transamerica Trail, as part of a gap year to raise money for two causes close to their hearts, the Parkinson's Foundation and the Tadworth-based Children's Trust.

Dom, from Crawley, said: “We first discovered the cycle during our studies through upper sixth form at Reigate Grammar School, and since then have been researching, preparing and training to take on the challenge.”

Dom, Lewis from Redhill and Sebastian from Caterham are all avid sportsmen in the local area, playing for Reigate Heath golf club and Old Reigations rugby club.

Dom said: “We are all determined individuals, as well as the best of friends, and work together well as a team. “We are preparing now and training hard, and are currently working locally to fund our trip and plan to go to university next year.” Their cycling adventure will see them cycle 4,241 miles through ten states, from Yorktown, Virigina, to Florence, Oregon, over about 78 days. Dom said: “With roughly seven rest days taken into account, we will be averaging around 60 miles a day.

“That should take roughly five hours, so a lot of cycling!”

He said: “Reaching altitudes of up to 12,000 feet, it is going to be hugely physically and mentally draining, but with support and that hard training we put in, we can complete this challenge.”

Dom said: “Our flights are booked, we have a Twitter support page @acaTransAm2013, and a facebook page  - CycleAmerica2013.”

He said: “We have arrangements with Reigate Grammar School as former students to get involved with the charity committee, and may be eligible for a travel bursary as well as a 'warmshowers' account, which will aid us in meeting accommodation costs along the way.

“We are now in the process of training hard, sorting equipment and expanding our support in preparation for the three-month adventure. “As best of friends, we are excited to get out there, see some amazing places, meet new people and take on this challenge in aid of two great charities.”

The trio are now pushing to raise more than £2,000 in sponsorship and donations.

People wanting more details about the trio's adventure and to sponsor their effort can find out more at their twitter page @acaTransAm2013, and at their facebook page - CycleAmerica2013.

People can also make a donation online at: www.justgiving.com/teams/cycleamerica2013