A DORCHESTER police officer will set off on an epic cycle ride across Europe today.
And, as if an 800-mile journey isn’t challenge enough for PC Pete Lawrence, it’s merely preparation for the New York marathon later this year.
PC Lawrence, 37, who is based at Weymouth Police HQ but lives in Dorchester, will cycle through France and Spain over 10 days with seven friends.
They include former Dorset Police officer Simon Lee, now with Devon and Cornwall Police, and several Dorset prison officers.
PC Lawrence said: “I’ve always wanted to attempt a marathon, and I haven’t been to New York before so that’s why I chose to enter the November race.
“The ride was an idea to heighten my fitness for the marathon.”
The cyclists will ride from Weymouth to Portsmouth, catch a ferry to Bilbao in Spain, and return through Spain and France, sailing back into Weymouth from Saint Malo on May 13.
They expect to ride around 80 miles a day, carrying their tents, sleeping bags and belongings with them and camping down wherever they stop.
Father-of-two PC Lawrence said: “It is pretty much cycle, cycle, cycle. There’s no sightseeing built in.”
The expedition is all good training for the marathon, when PC Lawrence aims to raise at least £2,500 for the Police Dependents’ Trust.
To sponsor PC Lawrence for the marathon donate at www.justgiving.com/petelawrence
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