Bon Voyage to The Grape Crusaders

All in a good cause: The Prince’s Trust. Laithwaites have cyclists who are riding all the way from Theale to Castillon and others are setting off from Gloucester to cycle round all our shops … starting today.

Mad young things, I hope they know how far Bordeaux is. Still, it’s all downhill.

I learned of all this in Croydon shop last week at one of my wine tasting fights … with Marein the big South African who runs the place. He beat me actually. But I don't hold a grudge for long. So I do hope he manages to stay on his bike all the way round.

And I'll happily sponsor. I hope lots of others do, too.

Over to Marein …

Hurricane Road, Gloucester

After the gales and rain of yesterday, the weather’s looking … well, better than yesterday. A good crowd’s gathering to see us off, including Glenn, our MD and Simon, our CEO.

Nine of us are setting off on Stage One of our Tour de Vin, cycling round all eleven of our UK shops. Over the next four days we’ll be joined by different members of the ‘Grape Crusaders’ fundraising team who aim to raise £5,000 for the Prince’s Trust.

Stage Two – Theale to Castillon – starts next week when a crowd of cyclists will join Anna and Phil as they cycle to the ferry in Portsmouth. One of the many things they’ll carry is a presentation cricket ball. It’s a gift to Château Giscours Cricket Team from Windsor Castle’s Royal Household Cricket Club – part of the build-up to a rematch to the game in July. (So it’s a cycle for the Prince’s Trust and Her Majesty’s household!)

You can follow our progress on Facebook where you’ll also find our itinerary. And if you’d like to help us along with a donation you’re welcome to do so here.

Best get on. We’ve a 51-mile hike to Solihull ahead of us. Keep an eye out for updates and if you’re in the area when we're passing through, we’d love to see you.

Marein

www.facebook.com/TourdeVin

www.justgiving.com/grape-crusaders-