Craft North East vs. 250 Miles of History 🚴‍♂️

This year, Craft North East are swapping pub visits and trading cost calculations for padded shorts and a very long bike ride — all in support of the incredible work done by Help for Heroes.

We’re taking on a 250+ mile, four-day cycling challenge to mark the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. It’s a journey through history… and probably through several stages of leg pain, snack stops, and questionable saddle choices.

Day 1: Ypres – Where it all begins

We kick things off in Ypres with a circular route visiting significant WW1 sites and cemeteries. There’s also the honour of attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial — a moment of reflection before we remember we still have 200+ miles to go…

Through the Somme – Powered by snacks and determination

We’ll ride through Lille, Cambrai and Amiens, stopping at powerful memorials and historic villages. There will be reflection, camaraderie… and absolutely no arguments about who forgot to pack extra energy bars (probably).

The Finish: Thiepval – Emotional, proud, and slightly wobbly

Our challenge ends with a moving tribute at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme — the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world — followed by a well-earned celebratory meal in Amiens (where we will mostly be celebrating sitting down).

Why We’re Doing It

We may joke about sore legs and early mornings, but the reason is serious: raising funds to support veterans and their families. Every mile we pedal helps make a real difference.

So if you see us training, please wave… or better yet, donate — it’s much easier than cycling 250 miles