Twelve months ago, on June 2nd 2020, Graeme Rooney died in a tragic accident whilst out riding his bike with his club Formby Velo. Graeme was many things to many people - not least a loving dad, son and husband - and to us he was simply a top bloke and one of the lads. Its hard to put in to words how we feel but the poem below, written by one our riders Joe, is probably the best way to sum it up.

Rode so many miles together

Me, the lads and Grae

Tommy Godwin's nuts 200

In just one single day.

Cafe stops, sprints and slogs

A washed out, wet TT

Those pints and drinks to end the ride

The laughs thrown in for free.

A proper bloke

A man... a gent

A mate - hard not to like

Even on those hard, tough rides

Kids... playing on our bikes.

Oh that shiny bike

That glossy blue

A heart badge on the frame

A fitting little symbol

Forever linked now with his name.

We'll miss you mate

Your razor wit

The Strava work commutes

A gap within our peloton

No-one can fill those boots.

The 24 Hour Challenge

Graeme loved his long endurance rides and in his day had ridden solo to Paris as well as completing the Tommy Godwin challenge of over 200 miles in a single day. We wanted to celebrate Graeme and his riding by taking on our own endurance challenge as a club - Collectively Ride As Many Miles As We Can In 24 Hours. This is not just about a few doing a lot, it's about everyone in the club and the wider cycling community riding as many miles as they want in memory of Graeme. We expect some riders to go over the 100 mile mark and there is even the possibility of a few exceeding 300 miles in the 24 hour period!!!. Its not a race, its about everyone riding as many miles as they wish in memory of a great bloke and fellow cyclist.

-We plan to start at 12pm on Saturday 29th May and finish at 12pm on Sunday 30th May. We will ride a loop of 30 miles at approximately 2 hour intervals and would encourage any cyclists who want to join us to feel free to do so.

-The final lap will begin at 10am on Sunday 30th. It will be steadily paced and we would love as many people as possible to join us on that final lap. Those who have done the 22 hours before will need all the encouragement they can get!!!

-The meeting point and start Point for each lap and for the 10am Sunday 30th May final lap is Formby MOT, 107 Altcar Road, Formby, L37 8DL

The Charity

Graeme was a long serving police officer and part of the community liaison with both Everton and Liverpool football clubs. He was a big blue though!! We are therefore raising money for Everton in the Community a wonderful charity that leads the way in the community and was close to Graemes heart.