Barry to Bewdley by Bike!

Fifty years ago this summer, the GWR heavy freight loco 2857 was undertaking a momentous journey from a scrapyard in Barry, South Wales, to her new home at Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway in rural Shropshire. Once there, volunteers spent 10 years bringing her back to life and the loco was returned to steam in 1985. She spent the subsequent decades taking passengers up and down the glorious Severn Valley, but in 2023 she was taken out of service and is currently patiently waiting for her next major overhaul.

To mark the 50th anniversary of 2857’s escape from the scrapyard and to raise money for her next overhaul, four supporters will be cycling from Barry to Bewdley - a distance of around 120 miles.

The riding group will consist of two existing double acts - firstly Dai Price and Simon Brooks, both Drivers and Inspectors on the SVR. This pair have been invaluable supporters of / workers on 2857 through every decade of her life in preservation. Dai and Si have also had many great cycling adventures together, doing long distance tours both in this country and abroad. Also riding are Adam Kyte and Meg Gregory, the son and daughter of Bob Kyte (Chairman of The 2857 Society from 1979-1999). Adam and Meg have enjoyed (or endured?) many hours on a tandem together and are looking forward to what Dai has confidently stated will be “a hoot”.

The B2B (Barry To Bewdley) riders hope to highlight the Golden Anniversary of 2857’s arrival at the SVR and, through sponsorship of the ride, raise more of the essential funds needed to get her through the next overhaul and Back On Track before the decade is out! They will be setting off from the site of Woodham’s Scrapyard in Barry, South Wales at 9am on Tuesday 19th August 2025 and aim to arrive at Bewdley Station by 6pm Wednesday 20th August, where they hope to raise a toast to the old girl and to all those who will cherish her for the next fifty years.

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