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Starting on 1st August 2011 at 9.00 a.m from St Peter's Church, Claydon, Suffolk, I will be setting off on a cycle ride to visit all of the Trusts' Churches within an area bordered by The North Sea in the East, The Wash in the North, The A1 in the West and the South Essex border. I am hoping to sleep in the churches I stop at at the end of each day and I am doing this ride unsupported, carrying everything I think I will need with me on my bike (no panniers, just a rucksack).  I am hoping to arrange 11 night stops on my route which is roughly north from Claydon with a clockwise loop around Thetford, then heading straight to the east coast, then an anti-clockwise route around the east of England. The total number of churches I intend to visit is 72, my total mileage is unknown but I estimate it to be well above 500 miles.

My personal reason for doing this ride is that getting involved with the Trust Church in Claydon helped me overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of my service in the RAF during the 1st Gulf War (Desert Storm) and I would like to try and repay them in my own way.

Whilst I am a keen cyclist I have never attempted anything of this magnitude before and, to be honest, I am not really sure what to expect, my cycling took a bit of a hit during last year as I underwent a double hip replacement (not both at the same time!!!) which saw me out of action from June 2010 to February 2011 when I was able to get back on my bike on a static trainer.  I've been back on the road since the end of March and things seem to be going well.

 

 

 

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If anyone would like any more information regarding my route and where I will be on certain days or, if you fancy cycling along with me on a particular day for part of the route, please contact me on one of the following:-

Home Tel: 01473 830135

Mobile: 07854876722

e mail: wmargaret383@aol.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Latest update (22.7.11), things are going really well, all my night stops are sorted and everybody has been very kind and supportive.  Am tailing off the training a bit and have a few small jobs to do on the bike so should be 'hot to trot' on 1st August.

Margaret will be updating this page so anybody interested can follow my progress.

 Latest Update 1.8.11 - Cycled today from Claydon to Icklingha, via Little Stonham, Rickinghall, Redgrave, Sapiston, Wordwell and then onto Icklingham.  Very hot and sunny, think I have been affected by the heat as I feel very tired.  Jopefully I will get a good night's sleep, then off again in the morning.  Had a good send off from Claydon this morning.

Update 4.8.11 - All is going well, had 2 punctures so far so not too bad.  Have visited some beautiful churches and met some wonderful people. Finding the hot weather a challenge so taking on board lots of fluids and stopping for break and something to eat.  The hospitality I have been shown is incredible, people have been more than helpful.  Today it is raining so reprieve from the heat.  Have just visited Gunton Church and it is amazing, well worth cycling all this way to see!!  Still several more churches to visit before my night stop.

Update 8.8.11 - Having a great time, really enjoying the cycling and visiting the churches and meeting people.  Disappointed that several churches I have visited since the last update have been closed. Today I am cycling between Cambridge and having night stop at Chickney.  Have just cycled to the highest point in Cambridgeshire and having a rest at Buckland Church which is closed.  The keyholders who have provided me with help and support for my night stops are brilliant, such wonderful people.  Have been cycling for a week now - haven't seen any television or read any papers so don't know what is going on in the world.  Meeting Claire from The Trust and Margaret in Colchester on Wednesday - hopefully Margaret will have some fresh clothing for me!  All being well will be back at St Peter's late Friday afternoon.

Update 10.8.11- Met Claire and Margaret in Colchester this afternoon and also met Sam, a young girl who is doing a run to support the Trust.  Rucksack alot lighter now I have got rid of all my dirty washing and have clean clothes for the next 2 days!  Had a lovely evening with the people at Willingale, stayed in a cottage last night.  Have reached West Bergholt for the night, will be heading for Halstead, Sudbury and Chilton tomorrow and then onto Newton Green, back home on Friday.  Really enjoying it.

17.8.11 - Arrived back at St Peter's, Claydon, at just before 2pm on Friday, 12th August to a 'Welcome Home' reception.  Brian Clark from The Churches Conservation Trust, cycled from Claydon to meet me at Little Wenham Church and cycled the last part with me back to Claydon.  Total mileage 687 miles.  Felt very good when I got back, no ill effects, serviced the bike over the week-end then went out for a bike ride on Monday.  Still can't believe I have done it, spent a year preparing and planning it and it was over so quickly!  Saw some wonderful churches and met such lovely people who I intend to keep in touch with. 

Please continue to donate as I am anxious to raise as much money as possible for The Churches Conservation Trust.

Many Thanks

Cheers

Andy White