Travellers' Tales: A six year old rides 50km

In September, Samuel became the youngest rider to complete the New Forest Autumn 50km Challenge.

He spent months training for the event in his own way: riding his Islabike through the woods and back roads of Hampshire, running around with water pistols and sticks, and going out with his dad on a childback tandem.

Samuel’s presence caused a stir at the start in Lymington, but he had no problem keeping up with the group for the first few miles. Then he settled down to his own pace.

After a pit stop in Buckler’s Hard, it was back on the road. Samuel dealt confidently with the traffic in Beaulieu, and by Lepe it was time for lunch. That had to include an ice cream; it was a hot day and Samuel needed the energy for the return journey.

Father and son crossed the line with big, proud smiles on their faces."

Jo Whitehead

There was a short, sharp hill to get back to Buckler’s Hard, but Samuel got out of the saddle and danced his way on the pedals to the top.

The last few miles flew by. Paul and Samuel dropped down the final hill into Lymington, clocking 24mph. Father and son crossed the line with big, proud smiles on their faces.

As well as successfully completing the event, Samuel raised £500 towards cochlear implants for Widja Deysel, a two-year-old profoundly deaf girl from South Africa.