700 miles in 7 days for cyclist Ady
20th July 2012
A RAF Association Liaison Officer from RAF High Wycombe has completed a 700-mile cycle challenge around the South East of England.
The aim was to raise funds for the RAF Association and awareness of the charity’s work by travelling to as many of the branches in the area as possible.
Sqn Ldr Ady Morris stopped at 42 RAF Association branches en-route and was a lone cyclist for the seven day, 700-mile journey, with his wife Tracy as back-up.
His daily distances ranged from 87-116 miles as he tackled several challenges such as poor weather, diversion and punctures.
His seven-day route through coast and country began at the AFCO in Oxford and included a stop at a Spitfire Memorial at the top of Herne Bay. Ady then met one of his newest RAF Association Liaison Officers, SAC Ash Berry, at Manston, who cycled along to Ramsgate to introduce Ady to his branch.
Sandwich and Dover were quickly followed by a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial, at Capel le Ferne, meeting a large contingent of Air Gunners at Eastbourne, more RAF Association branches and a C-17 flypast before returning to Oxford.
“It makes us immensely proud to be a part of the RAF Association and the key elements that it stands for – Friendship, Help, Support.”
Points that stood out for Ady were; breaking 30mph on a flat road to Royston, the members in Faversham, the beautiful guest house in Dover, the climb out of Eastbourne and the ‘roller coaster’ hills across to Brighton, Betty’s cake, the horses of the New Forest, fish supper at Alresford, the Tribute Bikes, breaking 40mph to Wantage, the last climb to Stokenchurch and turning the corner to the High Wycombe branch!
At the end of the week, he said: “I suppose it was never in doubt that the RAF Association family would rally round and support the ride, however we were absolutely staggered at the level of generosity and support.
“It makes us immensely proud to be a part of the RAF Association and the key elements that it stands for – Friendship, Help, Support.”
The ride raised over £4,500 – and Ady is now planning his next challenge!