1/10/2024 0 Comments Tapedeck hereos![]() I also nearly wiped out on the cobbles as we entered Ypres. Unfortunately, Dave came a cropper due to the somewhat alarming 45 degree level crossings! Luckily he was able to continue and the bike was ok. ![]() Clearly, this was not going to be a chance to lose weight! The cross over into Belgium was unremarkable and the onward journey flat and smooth. ![]() The highlight of the ride was the lunch stop where we had our first taste of the superb food laid on by Ashley. The ride was very flat and easy riding across beautiful countryside interrupted by the odd very quiet village (all of which seemed to be closed, a recurring theme for the ride). In Calais we regrouped and set off for Ypres. Unfortunately, the ferry was delayed by an hour which challenged some of the timings for the first leg. Boarding was uneventful and we made our way to the deck for the short trip to France. The weather was perfect for the 17 km dash to the ferry in Dover but the group was split up by the slight hill en route to the ferry (a 1km beast, hitting 12% just 5 km into the ride). We left Folkestone early on the 4th August, mostly having been awoken by the seabirds and noise of the preparation for Harry’s visit. A few of us met up over a couple of drinks (and a mediocre) meal and friendships started to form.ĭay 1: Emotional! – Folkestone to Ypres 110 km The first evening was a genteel affair, getting our admin packs and getting to know one another. Folkestone was gearing up for a big centenary parade on the 4th, with Prince Harry in attendance and there were bands rehearsing and police cordoning the front off, so I just had a gentle cycle around whilst waiting for the rest to arrive. The trip to Folkestone by train was unremarkable, as were my first impressions of the town when I arrived. However, I had not appreciated just how emotional the trip would be and what a superb end to the years fund raising.Īnd so it began – Stratford Intl to Folkestone – High speed train I have had wonderful support and met many inspirational folk, so was very excited as we approached this ‘final’ event in August. I have had a superb year and have achieved a number of firsts (for me) with several highs (and a couple of hiccoughs) and have made many new friends along the way. I also decided to dedicate the year to raising funds and awareness for Blind Veterans UK and you can read more about their work and my motivations elsewhere in this blog. I had also recently been bitten by the cycling bug so it was a perfect fit. A large number of my friends and colleagues have been impacted by loss in conflict and I have lost several friends and this seemed a fitting tribute to their memories. As you will know, if you have followed my blog, I was fortunate enough to serve with the Royal Engineers for a number of years until being medically discharged in 1997. Just under a year ago, I decided to enter this event to commemorate the Centenary of the start of the Great War.
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