A Largs cyclist can’t wait to get on his bike for the ride of a lifetime from Vietnam to Cambodia to raise funds for an important charity which is close to his heart.
Barry McMichael, who works for Cal Mac on the Wemyss Bay-Rothesay ferry, contacted the ‘News’ to tell us about the exciting epic later this year to raise funds for Calum’s Cabin in Rothesay. He will be joined on his cycling mission by another Largs man Gary Ferguson, who also works for the ferry company at Largs Pier.
Barry said: “I am going to Vietnam through an organisation called Global Adventures and that is one of the many destinations it covers. I am going over with a well kent chap who works on the pier - Gary is doing it for his own charity also.
“I picked Calum’s cabin because when I came to work with Cal Mac in 2005 a young Calum was going to Glasgow to get treatment for an aggressive cancer that he had sadly he didn’t make it and it was his wish to have Calum’s cabin made available for other terminally ill children.”
“It is my intention to cycle from the frenzy of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and finish in the rather tranquil place of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Starting out on the 11th November and finishing on the 21st November. Calum’s Cabin offers a beautiful place for families who are dealing with a child with cancer to go and get away from everything.”
Calum’s Cabin was the idea of young Calum Speirs who sadly passed away on the February 2007 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. 
Barry added: “I am inspired to do this challenge in the memory of a fantastic young man who touched many lives in his short life. I would appreciate any donation no matter how big or small to what is a very worthwhile charity.”
To donate, and find out more about the amazing charity cycle trip, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barrymcmichael 
You can keep track of Barry’s progress as he trains in preparation for the cycle. He recently posted: “I managed a couple of long cycles last week 22 miles and 25 miles, I intend to up my mileage each week to get in the best shape I can for the challenge.”.