A Haverfordwest vicar has described how outings with his wife on a tandem bicycle have given him the opportunity to act as God’s spokes-man.

Rev John Welsby and his wife Cherrie, both in their 50s, took up tandem cycling seven years ago after trying it while on holiday in Jersey.

But as well as the fresh air and exercise, it also gives Rev Welsby a chance to reach out to a new congregation.

While cycling through the countryside, Rev Welsby and Cherrie will often stop and meet fellow cyclists and take the opportunity to chat with them about Christianity.

Rev Welsby said he is often surprised by the kindness of people they meet along the way and their openness to God.

“I don’t think I’ve actually had anyone say to me that they don’t want to read a leaflet,” he said.

The vicar, who preaches at Emmanuel Christian Centre and Church in Merlins Bridge, believes the element of trust involved in tandem cycling is similar to the relationship between Christians and God.

“You’ve really got to trust the person in front,” said John.

“Whoever’s in front is called the captain and has control of steering, brakes and gears while the ‘stoker’ is free only to pedal.

“In the Bible, Christ is called the Captain of Salvation — he leads and steers us in the right way,” he added.

Before buying their first tandem, the couple received some words of wisdom from a bike shop manager.

“He said it will either make your marriage stronger or you’ll be divorced within a week,” said John.

“As you can see, we didn’t get divorced.”

In 2003, John and Cherrie embarked on a 250-mile journey to Cherrie’s home in Northern Ireland. They arrived in Richhill to be greeted by children singing ‘Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do’ in a fitting tribute to the bicycle made for two.

The pair are full of praise for the National Cycle Network and the work of sustainable transport charity Sustrans. Their recent challenges include cycling from Newcastle to Edinburgh on the Coast and Castles route and a tour of the Lochs and Glens from Carlisle to Inverness.

Rev Welsby and his wife are now gearing up for Walk Saint David next September — a Christian mission walk across three counties with hundreds of people expected to take part.