Riding the Old Front Line logo
A stalwart band of battlefield guides from Anglia Tours Limited and their friends and supporters have recently travelled the entire length of the WW1 Western Front from the Belgian coast to Switzerland raising funds for two charities. The main team cycled what they had planned as about 475 miles ( but which turned out to be nearer 550) in nine days with a rest day on day five which meant an exhausting schedule but I bet they had no trouble in getting to sleep at night. Their journey took in many of the major war cemetaries where they paused for reflection and a brief rest.
Day 6 – French forces war cemetary at Champenoux
You can follow their entire journey on Twitter @OldFrontLine. The two charities they are still supporting were Gardening Leave, which seeks to heal the psychological wounds of warfare through horticulture, and our very own Kitcheners in Lowestoft, which provides subsidised seaside holidays for ex-service personnel and where one member of the cycling team, Dr. John Greenacre, is chairman of the management committee.
Day 2 – The Somme in the rain
Day 7 – Col de Bonhomme in the Vosges
The aim was to raise £10,000 for each and so far nearly £3,500 has been raised for Kitcheners. There is still time for them to reach their target as the ‘MyDonate’ page will stay open until 11th November this year. Please give what you can, even if it’s just to show your gratitude for not having to do that ride yourself!