North East Lincolnshire Poppy Ride

11/08/2024

Another £20 + £5 gift aid has just been donated by someone I met in Leicestershire during my Ten Counties, One County bike ride at which I cycled over 400 miles.
The amount raised for Cancer Research UK now stands at £3,495.25, this includes Gift Aid.
Donations can still be made at,

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

29/07/2024

Thanks to those who donated to my fundraising ride today, this brings total amount raised so far to £1971, just £29 short of the target of £2000.
Would you like to help get it over the line?
If so, you can make a donation here, as little or as much as you wish,
Thanks
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/10-counties-one-border-cycle-ride
Thanks
Roy

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

28/07/2024

Just £69 short of reaching the target of £2000 for my Cancer Research UK 390 mile Ten Counties One Border ride.
Would you like to offer your support and help to reach my target?
If so please go to;

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

27/07/2024

Day 7 of the Ten Counties One Border ride..
(Just £164 short of the £2000 Cancer Research UK fundraising target)
Today, the final day of my fundraising ride was a Simon and Garfunkle AND a Bob Dylan day.
Setting off from Dogdyke and waving REME Vet Bob and his wife Jackie goodbye the final leg was in lovely sunshine.
Passing through the not so Big Apple, New York and enjoyed the views and a couple of windmills in a private garden and onward to New Bollingbrook where the old railway station had been turned into and antiques and reclamation yard. Shame it was closed on this day as it would have been interesting to 'explore'the premises. Andy, would love it.
From here it was on to East Kirkby the home of RAF East Kirkby 1943 - 1945, and now the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre where an enforced stop was made to visit the Naafi for a tea and one of the best sausage rolls I can remember eating.
Whilst there, a provisional booking for REME Day 2025 was made, this year we are at Batemans for breakfast and a brewery tour. Anyway, I digress.
From here it was onwards and upwards (and downwards) as the Lincolnshire Wolds beckoned, groan, more hills.
Fortunately entry to Spilsby wasn't that far away, and from here it was onwards to Sutton on Sea where I was greeted by Graham, who provided me with a nice cool beer and an extremely tasty BLT.
At this point it was only about 26 miles or so back to the start/ finish line, but first, a meeting up at the Crown and Anchor at Tetney Lock where a welcome group consisting of my son Nigel and other riders greeted me. At this place a beer was enjoyed before completing the final 6 miles back home.
On approaching the very last section of the ride I was greeted by another three cyclists who joined the group as we cycled the final few miles along side the coast to the finish at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre where two granddaughters and daughter in law waited for our arrival.
And so ends an epic cycle ride.
Would I do something like it again? You bet I would.
Thanks to everyone who has supported and followed me throughout the ride.
Although the ride has now been completed, my fundraising page remains open when, hopefully, the £2000. target will be achieved.
Click on the link to learn more.
Thanks
Roy

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

23/07/2024

The start of a new day, day 4 of the Ten Counties One Border ride.
Day three from Alan and Ann up in the heights of Bracebridge Heath, who made me so welcome at their house, to Tom and Janet in Barkston via my final trip into Nottinghamshire where I went through Spalford, the birthplace of my ancestors.
From here I rode through 'Saxby County' as this is where many of my ancestors were born, worked, married, and died.
Passing through some loverly villages, but I must say, I was disappointed to find the White Hart in North Scarle was closed, so no carbo loading stops on this day.
I made my way to Thurlby and sat on the bench dedicated to Alice Wallhead nee Saxby, another ancestor. It was here for lunch, provided by Queen Ann of Bracebridge.
Then it was through Swinderby where, many years ago, I competed in the Army Marathon, very badly as I recall.
A very sheltered cycle track up to and through Carlton le Moorland (another ancestral village) where I came across a massive shire horse. Then towards a village called Hough on the Hill which turned out to be a bit of a stiff climb. The village should really be called Hough Half Way Up A Hill as the climb continued into the clouds. At the summit the view was probably stunning, but because of the sweat in my eyes I saw nothing. At least I know my lungs work.
Going down the hill at 33mph plus was rather fun, especially seeing the looks on the faces of oncoming drivers who were approaching on the uphill.
A couple of miles later I entered the delightful village of Barkstone where a warm welcome from Tom and Janet greeted me where a meal provided by Janet from produce grown in here own garden, absolutely wonderfully tasting .
So five Counties visited and in the bag, three days completed but not half way with the mileage.
Tomorrow its off to Leicestershire, then to Bourne, and then down to Ryall for my next stop.
Mileage, about 50 or so.

21/07/2024

Today, day 2, I rode from Gainsborough into Nottinghamshire, back into Lincolnshire again into Nottinghamshire, then into South Yorkshire for about 3/4 of a Mile, back into Nottinghamshire, then again into the county I was born in, once more into Notts, and finally, once again into God's county, Lincolnshire. Which just shows how the border fluctuates.
I left Stewart and Leslie's just after 10 am having enjoyed a full English breakfast, yummee, and an evening of congeniality before heading towards Brough in South Yorkshire.
Of course true to form got on the wrong road, the A631 dual carriage way, which caused my exhaust port to be fluttering.
So pleased I brought plenty of spare underpants.
I managed to make it safely South Yorks on some very poorly maintained cycle paths (see my legs) then got onto the much quieter and perceived safety Old North Road, in places called the London Road, single lane and quite narrow with very little traffic.
At the Laynham village junction I saw a sign promoting the Laynham Olympics, so I went off route to see what it was all about. At the venue it was still being set up, so had a sandwich or two and decided to go for a carbohydrate fix and went to the Bees Knees for a pint of Blacksheep ale, loverly.
Chatting to a group of people I discovered that the parents of one on the ladies lives just across the road from me. WOW, small world.
I went back to the Olympics and had a go on the bottle stall where you could win a bottle of water or a bottle of wine for just a quid, and behold, I won a bottle of wine, 770mile rose which we demolished at Alan and Ann's BBQ this evening.
From the village I headed, or so I thought, towards Lincoln, of course, as per, I went the wrong way. After stopping some other cyclist for directions I had to go back to the junction to return to the correct route.
I then went over the Dunham Toll Bridge over the river Trent, crossing the border of Notts into (The bridge is privately owned. Check it out on Google)
Into Lincolnshire then to North Clifton's St George the Martyr church in North Clifton Nottinghamshire where my ancestors were married.
Following the visit it was on to route 64, the dismantled railway line into Lincoln.
For some reason (my not scrutinising my route properly) I was directed to an off road, around the edge of a farmers field that, despite being in the highest gear and greatest assist, I failed to get up a very steep incline, so had to push a very heavy bike up a rough Incline with made my legs severely ache, my lungs almost burst through my chest and my heart doing excessive overtime. My sweat glands watered the local flowers and fauna and my eyes blurred.
Fortunately I managed to eventually reach the top, where I managed a full recovery and managed to get to my final destination in about 10 mins where I was warmly greeted by my hosts Alan, Ann and Richard and a few beers, wine and brandy were imbibed, ending up with a disorientated brain.
Today's ride, 50.7 miles in 4:06:24 hours.
Average speed: 12.35 mph
Max Soeed: 28.18 mph
Calories: 2333
Ascent: 1968.1 feet.
Tomorrow's ride is to Barkston near Grantham is just a short on of about 36 miles, so I intend to visit some of my ancestors villages on the way.

20/07/2024

Well that's day one completed, 68 mile in the bag.
Today, I was 5 min late at the start lane because I overslept.
I was amazed when arriving at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre to see so many who turned out to see me off, and some to ride with me for a short distance.
I was extremely touched to see so many it was very much appreciated.
Due to the slow start and chatting caused me to be late to meet up with the riders at the Humber Bridge.
One of the cyclist, Steve turned out despite having a pretty bad accident the day before, which showed his level of commitment to support the ride. Despite his injuries he rode for a short distance before heading back home.
I was accompanied to Gunness by the two from Hull, Yvonne and Ken, stopping for a puncture, and later an ice cream, as well as some other interesting sites.
From Gunness it was south following the River Trent with a head wind all the way.Two miles from my destination the heavens opened.
Despite being considerably late through out the day, I actually arrived at Stewart and Leslie's house just one minute after my predicted arrival time.

Tomorrow, Sunday 21st will be a ride to Lincoln via Bawtry in South Yorkshire, then through Retford in Nottinghamshire to Lincolnshire.
Here I will visit the church at North Clifton where many of my ancestors were christened, married, and where their funerals were held.
From here it's along the old railway track to Lincoln, up really big hill to Bracebridge Heath.

19/07/2024

Tonight will be the last night in my own bed as tomorrow morning, 20th July will be day one of six of my CRUK Ten Counties One Border ride.
This will take me from Cleethorpes Leisure Centre along the coast before riding through the industrial area to Immingham. From here it will be delightful country roads, passing Thornton Abbey on the way to Barton upon Humber where I will cross the magnificent Humber Bridge into East Yorkshire.
From here after a snack stop it will be back across the bridge into North Lincolnshire and onto Keedby Bridge via Winterton. Riding in rural Lincolnshire alongside the River Trent down into Gainsborough where my first overnight stop will be.
By then a distance of about 70 miles will be behind me.
My most sincere and grateful thanks to those who have donated to my cause, it makes all the preparation worth while.
Now I've set myself the challenge I will do my utmost to see it through.
So far £1400 of the target of £1500 has been donated.
It would be fantastic if that extra £100 could be donated. If you would like to donate, please visit my Cancer Research UK page, read my story, then if you feel it is a worthy cause then feel free to make a donation.
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/10-counties-one-border-cycle-ride
Thank you.

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

16/07/2024

Apl 1884 - J. Shaw of Grimsby rode a tricycle to Lincoln and back across the Wolds. His average speed was 8 miles per hour. He completed the double journey of 80 miles in 13 hours including a 3 hour rest in Lincoln.He rode a 'Coventry' rotary machine which was described as a first rate hill climber.
Don't forget that the roads were nothing like today's highways.
On Saturday I will be commencing the CRUK Ten Counties One Border 380 mile cycle ride which will be over six days.
Day one will be from Cleethorpes to Gainsborough via the Humber Bridge into East Yorkshire a distance of 67 miles as a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.
I would really appreciate it if you could make a donation, no matter how small.
Please visit to read my story;

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

09/07/2024

I am please, and grateful to everyone who has helped to achieve the £1000 target for my Cancer Research UK bike ride.
Today, at the REME Lincs Veterans Club H was presented with two cheques which boosted donations to the 1000 pounds.
The 380 mile Ten Counties One Border ride starts on Saturday 20July at 9 30 from the Cleethorpes Leisure Centre.
If there are any bike riders/cyclists who would like to accompany me for a few miles please feel free to do so.
My CRUK fund raising page remains open should anyone wish to donate.
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/10-counties-one-border-cycle-ride

20/06/2024

It's going to be a lovely day today, predicted to be sunny with no wind or rain, so I have decided to take a bike ride to Lincoln riding on National Cycle Route One as part of my preparation for the Ten Counties One Border Ride in July, and return by riding along the Water Railway to Bardney, then to Wragby and Louth.
The Ten Counties will be a fund raising ride for Cancer Research UK and will be roundabout 350 miles.
Should you wish to make a donation please feel free to click on the link, and read my story.

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....

26/05/2024

I rode 83 miles the other day, The Three Minsters ride which I devised a number of years ago as a fund raising ride for Help For Hero's.
The other day was a training ride in preparation for my forthcoming 10 Counties One Border ride, which is 350 miles plus, as a fund raising ride for Cancer Research UK . The ride goes into the 10 counties that share a border with Lincolnshire.
On the Three Minsters I visited Hull Minster, Beverley Minster, and Grimsby Minster.
If you wish to donate to my cause, as little or as much as you like, please click on the link below.
Thank you.

I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's.....