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"Saturday 31st January 2009 was the worst day
of my life. I had received news that my son Joseph had been
killed in a freak accident at his local park. He was just 15
years old. At the time, Joe had been training for the London to Brighton bike ride in the hope of raising enough money to work in an orphanage in Borneo for one month. A few weeks after the accident, I received a phone call from a friend who suggested I attempt the London to Brighton bike ride in memory of Joseph; it was a challenge I could hardly refuse. The first few weeks of training were very tough, but gradually I became more confident on the bike and realised that cycling was a good way to clear my head following the tragedy. Very soon, many friends were offering to join me on the ride, so I entered a team called Let's Go For Joe. On 21st June last year we set off on the 52-mile ride to Brighton. The whole day was a truly unforgettable experience with dozens of friends and family gathering at the finishing line to greet us. I knew then that the Let's go For Joe team ride to Brighton would become an annual event and so it proved, with 18 other riders joining me for this year’s event. Since the accident, the team have raised almost £9,000 for various charities. Pedal to Paris 2010... Thursday 2nd September We arrived at Greenwich Park at 6.30am in my taxi driven by my dad (ex-E46). At 8am all 276 riders set off for Dover. The weather was beautiful and the atmosphere was electric as a police escort accompanied us all the way to the British Legion town of Aylesford in Kent (30 miles) where we stopped for brunch. Everyone seemed in remarkably good spirits and we were soon back on the bikes heading for our next destination - the town of Sellindge in Kent (65 miles) where we would enjoy a well earned lunch. So far the ride had been quite tough, but I knew the real test was waiting just a few miles further on - the dreaded Capel-le Ferrie hill in Folkestone. On our arrival in the seaside town, the atmosphere became slightly subdued knowing what lay in wait until suddenly, there in front of us was the dreaded hill! I’ve attempted many hills over the past 18 months, but Capel-le-Ferrie was as tough as it gets. Somehow I managed to reach the |
On 2nd
September, DaC driver John Biddle (D73) set off on a 300-mile
bike ride from London to Paris. This is his story of an
unforgettable 4 days and events leading up to it... MY RIDE FOR JOE... |
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  John
and friends arrive at the Arc de Triomphe
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top where I was rewarded with
the most welcoming pint I've ever drunk in my life! Following
the hill, we had the luxury of an 8-mile flat ride into Dover
(80 miles), boarded the ferry to Calais where we checked into
our hotel and enjoyed dinner and a few drinks before retiring to
bed in preparation for day two. Friday 3rd September - Calais to Abbeville (80 miles) The Pedal to Paris bike ride is now in it's 15th year. Each day begins with a service and the laying of wreaths at the town’s War Memorial by the British Legion president, Sir John Kiszley together with the local mayor. It is always a very moving occasion. Cycling in France was something I was really looking forward to because for the whole duration we were to be accompanied by police outriders and told that we needn’t stop at any junctions or red lights - a bit like London cyclists do anyway! Day 2 proved to be the hardest one of all with temperatures in the 80s and anyone who tells you that France is relatively flat should try the Calais to Abbeville experience! It was the most physically demanding day of my life and after 78 miles I was totally exhausted. Paris still seemed an awfully long way away. Saturday 4th September - Abbeville to Beauvais (75 miles) Day 3 began with the laying of wreaths at the town’s War Memorial. Again we were blessed with fine weather. Greg thought that we’d ridden well so far and suggested we join the faster group category and reluctantly I agreed, but soon realised that the pace of that group was much faster, although I did feel quite comfortable at this level. Today was a very special part of the ride as we stopped at the small town of Auchy la Montagne, where we were given the most fantastic welcome by villagers who still remember that their town was liberated by the British in |
WW2 and remain eternally
grateful. They laid on the most splendid banquet and a good time
was had by all. We then cycled into Beauvais and attended a very
moving memorial remembering those who had fallen during the war. Sunday 5th September - Beauvais to Paris (65 miles) The big day was finally with us! We had cycled 235 miles with just 65 to go. The atmosphere was amazing, but I was made aware that the last day was always a very testing ride and so it proved. With temperatures soaring, the hills didn't seem to be getting any easier but there was no way that I wasn't going to get to the Arc de Triomphe. One hour from Paris all the riders regrouped so that we could all ride into Paris together. The Royal British Legion Pedal to Paris event is held in such high regard, that it's the only cycle ride apart from Le Tour de France where roads are closed leading to the Arc de Triomphe. The final mile leading up to the Arc is a memory that will stay with me forever. The emotion I felt was indescribable and I know that looking down on me - feeling very proud of his old dad - was another great friend...my Joe." John Biddle (D73) The Royal British Legion is hoping to raise £500,000 from the ride. This will help fund their Battle Back scheme - a sports rehabilitation centre that helps the long road to recovery of all our seriously wounded service personnel. If anyone would like to make a donation, please leave it at the Dial-a-Cab Driver Reception office c/o of Alan Fisher or Call Sign. Cheques should be made to The Royal British Legion and if you prefer, can be posted to: Mr Dan Solley, The Royal British Legion, 199 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1AA Write Pedal To Paris / John Biddle on back of the cheque and thank you for your generosity. |
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