A MAN has raced the train from Exeter to Barnstaple and won – using nothing but pedal power.
Graham Moir zoomed in to The Square in Barnstaple on his high-speed, lightweight bicycle at just before 10am today, five minutes before his vanquished competitors, wife Claire and cycling friend Neve Upton, arrived after taking the train.
Graham, 41, from Umberleigh, was met by a cheering crowd after completing the cycle ride in one hour and 27 minutes. He has already raised £1,500 for the Children's Hospice South West and a bucket collection at the finish was generously filled by the crowd.
Graham said: "That was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Don't anyone ask me to do it again!
"The adrenaline took over, and the people cheering me on along the way helped. Somehow I dug deep and found it from somewhere.
"I had to average 27mph to win, and I ended up averaging 27.2 mph. I am really pleased as I didn't think I could do it."
He added: "I have been given a gift to use, to do something some of the children at the hospice never will. The hospice is admirable, it is local, it cares for children and stands out from other causes."
The idea for the challenge arose on Graham's birthday, when he and friends travelled on the train , joking how slow it seemed.
They joked he could probably beat it, but he wasn't so sure when he realised no matter how slow it feels at times, it still only takes roughly one hour and 15 minutes to complete its journey.
But the idea escalated, and the clincher was when he spoke to the train company, First Great Western.
"The train company said that there was no way I could beat it. When people tell me I can't do it, I think 'right, that's it.'"
Inspired by TV show Top Gear, Graham and friends and family worked out that if the train averages 40mph, and the racers began at The imperial pub near Exeter St Davids train station, the walk to and from the train to the square would give him a rough target of one hour thirty, which he easily beat by three minutes today.
Emma Perry, community fundraiser for the Children's Hospice South West, said: "It is absolutely incredible; to be able to combine something like this with helping the charity is amazing.
"The support he has given to the hospice is wonderful, all the staff and the children are waiting to hear how he did. They will be so excited for him."
You can still donate to Graham's fundraising page, by clicking here
