Ollie Cooke & Charlie Griffin

This week we interviewed the RAG International Event Coordinators, Ollie Cooke and Charlie Griffin, on their epic cycle across Europe for Help for Heroes. Their team will be travelling from Westminster on 29th July through cities such as Leon, Monaco, Milan, Dubrovnik and Xanthi to arrive at their destination of Istanbul around the 12th September.
 
 
Tell us more about your cycle…

Ollie: Well we’re literally just cycling through the middle of Europe over 40 days, camping along the way and stopping off in a few of the cities. We initially wanted to go to Iraq but obviously due to the current situation we decided on Istanbul.

Charlie: We’re actually taking a longer and less obvious route to make it more scenic, challenging and exciting for the team. It’s a long time to be sitting on a bike.
 
 
What made you decide to apply for the RAG position?

O: Well Griff actually asked someone else before me but he said no! So I got roped in instead I guess…

C: (Laughing) No not at all… I’m glad it’s the two of us, we work well together and there’s plenty of banter. When I first began to plan I envisaged a sailing trip.

O: Sailing trip? We never planned a sailing trip!

C: I always imagined a sailing trip… But anyhow we definitely wanted something on a grand scale and original.
O: We got out a map and thought hey why not Europe plus bikes? And there we had it.

 
 
How many people are accompanying you?

C: At the moment we have 12 with 2 support drivers. We’re a really strong team physically all with fingers in pies to aid with the fundraising.

O: They’re all great fun, self-motivating individuals.

C: Some great chat… Ollie and I included.
 
 
Are there any issues you could potentially face?

O: Keeping Charlie on track. Making him not take 2-day detours because something looks ‘cool.’ We will consider detours though. It’s important we enjoy the cycle and make the most of the places we’re travelling through.

C: My concern is saddle sores. Apparently it’s like being punched repeatedly in the gooch- everyday for a month?! Not great for my personal life when I get back. That’s why we’re already starting some hardcore training for preparation.

O: Giving up alcohol might be an uphill struggle too…
 
 
 Why Help for Heroes?

O: Well we’re both aiming for army careers, so we felt we had a personal association with the charity and it compliments some of our team members who have grown up alongside the forces.

C: We’ve both raised for HFH before and it definitely mixes well with the arduous nature of the cycle. Also the recent death of Exeter alumni, Lt David Boyce, did affect us on a personal level and we truly feel it’s a brilliant cause.
 
 
What have you got planned with regards to fundraising?

O: We’ve already embarked on small ventures such as bag packing but there’s definitely going to be some big nights out, raids in Exeter and other UK cities. It’s all about getting as many people to show their support across the university and beyond!

C: We’ve also got vague plans for a potential military obstacle course challenge where teams in the AU can compete for a title. There’s so much more along the lines of getting people to come out and have a laugh with us. It’s all so exciting- get involved people!
 
 
So watch this space! Her Campus will be following the boys and their team in the build up to the cycle ride and are keen to get involved with fundraising. They are always looking for support- their enthusiastic, charismatic personalities mean their events are definitely worth getting involved in.

On a last note there is still a position available for a support driver to travel alongside the team. A brief description of the role is to encourage and aid the cyclists, cook meals and organise sleeping arrangements. The added bonus is they are able to explore the local areas during the day.

If you are interested in applying or want to know more contact Ollie by email: ojc208@exeter.ac.uk.