Two cycling friends will be reunited by bikes once more after 52 years since they last cycled together

THEY met through cycling when they were in their teens.

Now, after decades, a pair of life-long friends are getting back on their bikes together for their biggest challenge in nearly 50 years.

John Pankhurst and Paul Welsh will join dozens of other riders peddling across the South Downs National Park for Canine Partners’ Pedal for Paws cycling event – John hasn’t ridden that far in more than 45 years.

The challenge is set to raise thousands for the charity which trains assistance dogs that transform the lives of disabled people by helping them with everyday tasks including opening doors, picking up dropped items, dressing and undressing a person and even loading a washing machine. The dogs can also fetch help in an emergency.

The pair heard about the challenge through John and his partner Sandy Goodey’s voluntary work as a puppy parent for the charity.

John and Sandy are currently looking after and helping to train Zed, a five-month-old black Labrador.

Their role as a puppy parent involves teaching the pup some of the basic skills he will need as a fully-qualified canine partner and introducing him to lots of new environment, people and animals so that nothing fazes him when he is a working dog.

Retired architectural interior designer John, 65, and retired school bursar Paul, 69, have opted to take on the longer of the event’s two routes at 52 miles, one for each year they have known each other – taking in views across some of the country’s most spectacular countryside.

They have already reached their £200 fundraising target, which will go towards training more amazing puppies like Zed and are now striving for more.

The challenge should take the pair down memory lane as in their youth champion cyclists John and Paul cycled for The Gravesend Cycling Club in Kent and raced at a national junior level across the country from Scotland to Kent.

Dad-of-two Paul from Andover, who will be cheered on by his wife Jenny and cockapoo Janey said: “I love riding my bike and I love dogs so I couldn’t resist the chance to take part in the Pedal for Paws 52-mile ride with my great friend John, reliving our super cycling youth while raising funds for our noble four-footed friends.

“I’m intrigued to see how this ride compares with other types of cycling I have done over the years.

“I’m particularly looking forward to riding with John and lots of other like-minded riders while exploring a new area and meeting everyone that keeps Canine Partners so successful.

“I’m especially looking forward to sharing all our cycling memories, remembering how good we used to be and seeing what we’re like as cyclists now while dreaming of what other rides we might do together in the future.”

This year’s event will feature a 29-mile and 52-mile route and it will take place from 8am on October 1.

Advanced tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children under 16. Participants are also each asked to raise at least £100 for the charity.

For more information or to sign up call event coordinator, Helen Watkinson on 01530 225939, email helenw@caninepartners.org.uk or visit caninepartners.org.uk/pedal4paws.

To help John and Paul with their fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/two-old-biky-mates.