Michael Herbert
GERMANY AND BACH !
Fundraising for The Candlelighters Trust
Story
- Thanks for looking at our JustGiving page.
Andy and myself have just finished our ride from Bradford to Hamm (in Germany) and back, we set a target of 700 miles in 7 days. It was on our cycling bucket-list.
On the first day we rode to Selby for lunch then on to the Ferry at Hull Docks - decent weather day, straightforward and 85 miles on the clock.
On day two, Holland - the land of the cyclist. We rode from Europort (Rotterdam) to Arnhem, we got a bit lost round 'The Hill' near Rhoon (not paying attention!). Along the Rijn we placed Remembrances at three Memorials on the south bank of the Rijn, including one to the American 101st Airborne Division. Rode into Arnhem centre and succeeded in braking a pannier rack. Great, that cost an hour - six miles from the hotel. Windy and rainy day, 195 miles on the clock.
On day three, on to Germany, we rode into Hamm (Bradford's Twin Town) - a very nice city, great character and friendly people. We also got a free upgrade to an apartment, excellent family run hotel! Later we placed a small bouquet with a Card from BCFC in commemoration of the 56 people who died in the 1985 disaster. Very windy and rainy day, 305 miles on the clock. We then had two days in Hamm for two very specific 'day rides'.
On day four we rode north of Hamm on a simple country ride out to Munster, this turned into an 80 mile dogleg due to road closures and getting off track, not for the first or last time! Found the old town,great Cathedral, Munster centre filled with manic cyclists, NOT like Holland. Decent weather day, 385 miles on the clock.
On day five, our biggest and hardest ride, was south east to the Mohne Dam (of 617 Sqd fame) and then on to the Wewelsburg Castle and back to Hamm. The Mohne Dam wall is spectacular in design, size and construction with its curved wall and two towers. The flight line taken by the Lanc's is awe inspiring and a scarcely credible feat of flying and bravery, especially given the hills and hidden location of the Dam wall. There is a memorial to ALL those killed on that night, including the RAF crews and it is respected and well patronised by all, including British visitors and RBL Wreaths. The ride then continued out of the valley's, north east towards Paderborn and the Wewelsburg Castle, very hard ride but worth it. Very late night back into Hamm - many road changes/closures and map reading clangers - just about all in. High winds, some rain, coldish day. 490 miles on the clock.
On day six, back to Holland , we rode back to the west side of Arnhem from Hamm, detouring under the Arnhem Bridges, along the Rijn we placed RBL Crosses and Poppy Badges and a Plaque Dedication from II Para at 'The Bridge Memorial' at the foot of the Para's Pegasus Flag by the John Frost Bridge. Hard trip against the wind, but no rain. 600 miles on the clock.
On day seven, back to Europort, not raining today and the wind has dropped a lot. Very early start, didn't want to miss the Ferry, which was excellent by the way, on board, great food and cabin. 705 miles on the clock and therefore no need for any 'extra' top up miles to get to the "700in7" mark, we were not unhappy about that!
Our final day, day eight from Hull Docks, detouring through Selby to drop off our pannier bags. Great weather all day and ended up at Mountain above Bradford - big climb on tired legs but a panoramic view of West Yorkshire and up the Dales. Then down to Thornton for a quick pitstop at the Branwell, learned of the 6-1 England win before calling it a day. Thanks for the drinks, street race and another £5 x 3 for Candlelighters. Final miles; 785. We will be closing our JustGiving page at close of play on Monday 9th July. We are very grateful for the donations to Candlelighters which are in excess of £2000. Thank you for your support and best wishes. Mike & Andy