Why would anyone decide to take up cycling in 2021 to 6 months later share a rather physically painful trip from Lands End to John o’Groats and then decide that crossing North America would be a good idea?

Because of those we are humbled by.

It started with a talk at school.  Leon McCarron had cycled across America and reflected his journey to my then 17 year old son, Joshua. It was inspirational.  For me, it would be emotional.

Joshua then set the vision; cross the USA from East to West with his dad.  What choice did I have?  The next question was who to help. For me, simple.  Having seen how someone can lose limbs, recover and then compete internationally at the Paralympics (and more), and knowing the incredible work the Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre achieves, it was a “no brainer”.

So, Joshua and I set a plan to cycle across America, through rolling hills, vast open plains beset with tornados, across the Rockies into deserts with the odd rattlesnake and scorpion, finally ending in San Francisco saddle sore and probably a bit tired (and, given my age, grumpy).  A journey of 3 months starting in April 2022, cycling over 4,000 miles with circa 60,000 metres ascent.

And for those we seek to help, some background:

The Royal British Legion established the Battle Back Centre Lilleshall in 2011 to support wounded and injured service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  At the time I served at the associated Regional Headquarters.

The Centre's aim is to help ensure the best possible recovery for the Armed Forces community, whether it’s returning to duty or successfully transitioning to civilian life.

Focused around adaptive sport and adventurous training activities, such as wheelchair basketball, archery, mountain biking, climbing and caving, Battle Back helps build camaraderie as well as the chance to connect through shared experiences.

As well as continuing to support wounded, injured and sick service personnel, more recently the RBL have expanded the service with the introduction of wellbeing courses for veterans.

We therefore do this to help those who have given so much more than we could imagine.

Please dig deep!

George and Joshua

Follow our tracks, going live from 3rd April 2022:  https://share.garmin.com/Biking4BattleBack