I became a passionate cyclist in my mid20s, not having a bike or learning as a child.  45yrs on and the passion has only grown leading me to ride from Poole2Paris this June with my daughter+tent.  420kms in 4days on a well laden pedal-only powered bike isnt bad going at age70 and I continue to be amazed at the body's ability and capacity if one cares for it as best one can.   If you are as impressed as I was then please read on.    I became chief fund raiser for St Andrew's Church in north Dorset village Okeford Fitzpaine  in our efforts to install running water, toilet and servery facilities, repair rotting floors and restore the building for the whole community to use every day of the week.  Our project ANDREW NEEDS A LOO  asks your help financially so Im planning another ride for friends and those yet to be  this Sun10 Sept starting in our county town of Dorchester, visiting unusual places of history with poems and readings to inspire on route which means a leisurely pace with lots of refreshment stops.  Please join me and make a donation as big as your enjoyment of the day and/or ask your friends to encourage by sponsoring your participation - ANDREW NEEDS A LOO

Ride+Stride is an annual event when we raise money to maintain our old church buildings - contrary to popular belief, they are not funded by anyone but local folk who value them.  We cycle, walk or horseride visiting the area's history.  Dorset Historic Churches Trustees use half the money raised (£87,000 in 2022) to fund vital roof and other repairs with half returned to participating churches to help with their own maintenance.  DHCT give money grants for installing toilets and servery facilities so that our churches are flexible enough for use throughout the week for community activities.