Our heroes on wheels cycle 240km to the Menin Gate in Ypres

PEDAL POWER

DESPITE A LONG AND DIFFICULT CHALLENGE IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER, OUR ‘RIDE WITH A VETERAN’ CYCLING HEROES COMPLETED THEIR GOAL TO RIDE 150 MILES TO LAY WREATHS AT THE MENIN GATE MEMORIAL.

Almost 40 cyclists - including ten military veterans - rode to mainland Europe in July as RBLI’s annual ‘Ride with a Veteran’ fundraiser returned to the iconic Menin Gate Memorial.

The group, which set off from RBLI’s village in Aylesford, on Friday 15 July, cycled more than 150 miles to the moving war memorial in Ypres, Belgium. The site of the Menin Gate was chosen because of the hundreds of thousands of men who passed through it on their way to the WW1 battlefields. It commemorates casualties from the forces of Australia, Canada, India, South Africa and United Kingdom.

Arriving in the early evening, the group participated in the poignant Last Post ceremony – which happens daily at 8pm. 18 riders laid wreaths at the historic memorial with Tommy Club Founding Patron, Steve Hammond, reading an Exhortation. Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive, said:

“To travel more than 240km together through what was an incredibly hot weekend is a testament to the dedication of the team who took part. It would have been gruelling, but they worked as a team to make sure they completed it whilst raising vital funds for our activities.”

No one left behind: With temperatures soaring, riders supported each other throughout the ride.

I am a close supporter of RBLI. They provide genuinely life-changing support to those who need it most. They have created a community here in Aylesford. This community has touched us all in some way. In fact my son Freddie was one of the first to play on the playground on the village. But most importantly, this community touches the lives of those who need some support. That’s why events like Ride with a Veteran are so important - they raise vital funds for the great work that goes on here.

TRACEY CROUCH MP

CHATHAM AND AYLESFORD

A proud moment: Ride with a Veteran representatives laid wreaths at the Menin Gate Memorial in a poignant ceremony to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On behalf of our brave fundraising cyclists, professional ride captains, support vehicles, motorcycle outriders, medics, mechanics and everyone at Tommy Club, we would like to say a huge thank you for all your generous donations and support, as well as a big thank you to all of our ‘Ride with a Veteran’ sponsors; Arden BMW Maidstone, Aylesford Parish Council, Balfe’s Bikes, Barratt Homes, Centor Insurance & Risk Management, Cobtree Charity Trust, Kent County Council, Manchett Facilities, Martin Arnold, Pillory Barn and Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel.

The funds raised by this fantastic event are in excess of £35,000