Our cycling team first came together in 1971 when they met at Rivington & Blackrod Grammar (now High) School. In recent years they have all retired in relatively good health and decided to set themselves the challenge of cycling the Western Front Way (WFW) in 2025. The WFW nominally traces the line of ‘No Mans Land’ from the First World War. Over 630 miles from the Swiss/French border to the Belgium coast. During the ride they visited the major WW1 memorials and the graves of the former Rivington pupils who are buried along the route. It was a physically demanding and thought-provoking trip but also great fun for four lads who have known each other for over 50 years. We raised over £7000 for various charities including the Royal British Legion and St Mary’s Hospice.

So, what shall we do this year? Another year older but none the wiser. “Let’s Cycle from Lands’ End to John O’Groats” was the suggestion “Its only 940 miles!”. Having accepted the challenge we are starting to peddle from Lands End on 2nd June and hopefully will finish on 16th June; weather, legs, lungs and other parts of our anatomy permitting.

Last year we were very generously supported by Dawsons Van Hire who gave us the loan of a brand-new crew van to carry our equipment during our epic ride. This year we are being loaned the unique City Sprint EV from the Electric Van Company (EVC). These vans are designed for urban deliveries, ‘the last mile delivery’, but we will be testing their durability over this extended trial. The City Sprint should have no problem with the difficulty of this journey as just like the riders its built in Lancashire!

In recent years we have lost friends to the dreadful disease of MND and we have friends who continue to suffer with this debilitating prognosis. The riders are all rugby fans who have been inspired by the work of Doddie Weir, Rob Wainwright, Rob Burrows and his friend Kevin Sinfield, and now Lewis Moody, in raising awareness and significant funds to increase the level of research to fight this disease. So, during this years ride we hope to do our bit in the fight against MND by raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. We hope our friends and family can support us.