Epic charity ride complete: Los Alcázares duo make it home after 3,500km scooter adventure to the UK
Paul and Julie return elated to Los Alcázares after conquering the mammoth journey to Scotland on 51-year-old Lambretta
They did it! After weeks of anticipation and a gruelling 3,500 kilometre journey, Paul and Julie have successfully completed their epic charity ride from Los Alcázares to Scotland and back, arriving home on Sunday afternoon absolutely exhausted but elated.
The pair rolled into Los Alcázares at 3pm on July 6, having conquered the mammoth journey on their 51-year-old Lambretta scooter.
After a well-deserved shower and change of clothes, the couple's first priority was collecting their beloved dogs Hugo and Bentley from the kennels, where they had been "fabulously looked after" by Fran and Santi at Centro Canino los Árboles.
The journey, all in aid of charity, was nothing short of remarkable from a technical standpoint. Paul, still amazed by their 51-year-old scooter's performance, can barely believe what they've accomplished."I still can't get over how a 200cc engine can power 312kgs of weight up hill and down dale at the speeds that it has - without issue," he marvelled.
The total weight they were carrying was a hefty 312.5 kilos, broken down as 160kg for Paul and Julie themselves, 30kg for clothes, jackets, helmets and wet weather gear, 7.5kg of 2-stroke oil, 10kg of petrol and the 105kg scooter itself.
Paul has nothing but praise for ‘The Rat’, as they nicknamed their vintage Lambretta.
"Never missed a beat - amazing for a Breitling that is 51 years young, using 70-year-old technology," he said with obvious pride and perhaps a hint of disbelief.
The journey consumed 177 litres of fuel at around €1.50 per litre, costing €265 in total, plus €30 for 2-stroke oil and €1,800 for ferry crossings. But for Paul, these numbers pale in comparison to the reliability of their vintage machine.The duo is overwhelmed by the support they've received throughout their adventure but the journey isn’t over yet for their two chosen charities: Blind Veterans UK and Jigsaw, Cumbtia's Children's Hospice.
Their fundraising efforts have been impressive so far, with €5,340 raised through GiveWheel to date, plus an additional €650 through a separate donation page organised by supporter Dai.
Combined with the €12,000 they raised before Covid originally derailed their plans, they've reached a total of €17,990. Paul is hopeful they can push past the €18,000 barrier and maybe even reach €20,000.
Those who wish to support their final fundraising push can still donate through their Facebook page or GiveWheel page.
After all, with just a small push from supporters, they might just reach that €20,000 target and make this epic adventure even more meaningful for the charities they've chosen to support.
Images: Paul Baxter
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