I'm fundraising for the Guide Dogs Puppy Appeal to help turn pups into life-changing guide dog partnerships.

I've decided to do another sponsored cycle ride (on my static bike) this time it's 60 miles, equal to the distance from the Welwyn Garden City Guide Dogs Centre to the South East Regional Guide Dogs Centre in Reading.

Every day, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight – that’s one person every six minutes. Without the right support, people can be left feeling alone and isolated. From their friends and family, careers and communities, from the world they knew and the lives they planned.

But Guide Dogs transform the lives of people with vision impairments; being partnered with a guide dog reduces loneliness and enables people with sight loss to get out and live the life they choose.

Even a small donation can make a big difference. Together, we can help raise the next generation of guide.

I shall update you with a daily blog for the 6 day ride, with info on the "route" and "interesting items" I come across during each day.

Updates

Day 1 (6th October 2025)

Today's equivalent 10 mile route started from home in Potters Bar, via A1000, A1 and A41 roads and ended outside Canons Park. The only point of interest today was the Mosquito Museum at London Colney - worth visiting, but I couldn't stop!! The weather was dry, cool but breezy.

Day 2

Continuing on from yesterday, a couple of miles from the start, there is an interesting shop for new parents, just off the Weston Drive, called Little Fingers, Tiny Toes& 3D Baby Casting _good reviews. Went past Kenton Tube station and then, half way through today's ride, on my right I passed the Harrow School and Northwick Park Hospital sites. About a mile later i saw the Titan's Football Academy buildings at Stanmore. According to reviews it is a good unit for young persons to learn the sport. I ended my day at the Grand Union Canal junction, just past the Goddard Veterinary Group building, the advert on the front of the building states "Best UK Vet in 2016".The weather was similar to yesterday but with a light shower early on.

NOTE:

I must apologise to you all, although I have been carrying on the ride, due to personal circumstances I have been unable to write down all the items of interest on the route. But I now give you a synopsis of the route covered.

Day 3

Started at Harrow road went past Sudbury town Tube station. then the long trek around the side of Heathrow Airport, went finished at the Stanmore Reservoirs to end the day.

Day 4

Continued along the side of the Stanmore Reservoirs, towards Staines.

At Staines, crossed over the River Thames on Staines Bridge (kept me feet dry !) ending the day at Ascot Racecourse.

Day 5

Went past Chaney Down, continued onto through the outskirts of Bracknell finishing the day at Wokingham.

Day 6 (11th October 2025)

Last day's ride !!!

Leaving Wokingham behind, coming up towards Reading, I went over the little noticed River Lodden.

Past the Palmer Park Leisure Centre off Wokingham Lane and ended the day going over the M4 to finish at The Reading Guide Dog's Centre just off the Reading Road.

During the whole 66.7 mile trip the weather has been quite reasonable, a little cold with the occasional shower.

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I must give all my supporters a big hand for helping me on the way, all the money raised will now be paid into The Guide Dogs 2025 Puppy Appeal. Many, Many Thanks to you all.

Ray Forster.

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