Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans began a five-day cycling challenge for BBC Children in Need from Glasgow this morning (November 9), receiving a distinctly Scottish send-off at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay headquarters.
Setting off shortly after 8am, Owain is covering almost 400 miles across all four nations of the UK in what is the longest fundraising challenge ever attempted by BBC Radio 2. The route takes him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and his home country of Wales.
Bagpipes, comedy and drumming at the departure
A local bagpiper played Scotland the Brave as Owain prepared to leave, while Scottish comedian Susan Calman delivered a motivational speech. Drummers from Glasgow's Samba Ya Bamba Band also gathered to mark the occasion, celebrating Owain's love of drumming and his BBC Children in Need Drumathon challenge from 2021.
Speaking live to BBC Breakfast before setting off, Owain admitted he was feeling nervous. He said: "I am very nervous for what the next couple of days have in store for me." He also explained the personal importance of the cause, adding: "I feel very passionately about the importance of BBC Children in Need because no child should feel like they're alone and don't have support."
A bike named Shania Chain
Owain, who hosts Radio 2's Early Breakfast Show, has spent months training for the event despite not being a cyclist beforehand. His specially decorated bike, featuring BBC Children in Need colours and yellow spots inspired by Pudsey Bear, has been named Shania Chain following suggestions from Radio 2 listeners. Other contenders included Áine Bike, Britney Gears and Kylie Spinogue.
The name drew a message from Shania Twain, who said: "Hi Owain, Shania Twain here! You're about to take on an incredible challenge for BBC Children in Need, cycling 400 miles through all four nations. As you set off in Glasgow, I just want to say 'Let's Go, Owain!' We'll be cheering you on all the way. Good luck!"
Route and how to follow
The first leg sees Owain cycle 84 miles south from Glasgow along Scotland's west coast to Cairnryan, where he will catch a ferry to Northern Ireland. The five-day mission includes three particularly difficult climbs and ends in central Cardiff on Friday, November 13.
The challenge has been billed as five days, four nations, three killer climbs, two wheels and one man. A live tracker is available on the official Children in Need website, with Radio 2 providing regular updates on air and through BBC Sounds and social media. A BBC television crew will follow Owain throughout to capture footage for a special appeal film.
