They’re going to cut my legs off, so I want one last ride with them before they do.

The plan, briefly:

Sunday 27th April, meet at Exeter Quay at 10am.

Very very easy pan-flat cycle along cycle path (children, elderly, unfit, welcome) to Double Locks pub, or Turf Locks pub. Numerous opportunities to buy coffee/cake for yourself there or back at the Quay.

No costs/fees/charges. It's just a fun friendly goodbye ride for my legs. But any donations are very welcome - with all monies going to 4 important charities.

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The full story:

They will be amputating my Right leg on 30 April. It may be postponed if an emergency patient comes in, but that’s the plan. Amputating the Left will follow some weeks later. I’m not sure exactly when, as it depends on healing rates, how the first op goes, etc. But I am sure that giving up a leg merits some sort of send-off. You only really get to amputate limbs once, after all. Cycling has been a big part of my life, for a big part of my life, so it seems appropriate to try to squeeze in one last ride with my own legs. Fancy coming?

Jens Voigt is a famous ex-pro cyclist notorious for his self-admonishing catchphrase “Shut Up Legs” to get the most from his pedalling performances. I’m going one better and shutting my legs up permanently. (We’ll overlook the potential for phantom limb pain for now). As such, allow me to introduce the Goodbye Legs Ride. (cue fanfare).

So here’s the deal… on Sunday 27th April 2025 I will be sitting on a bench in Piazza Terracina, Exeter Quayside at 10am. Soon after, I am going to have the gentlest of snail-pace sociable pootles on the bike path down to the Double Locks pub . Potentially continuing on to the Turf Locks , if the weather is good (It’s UK Winter/Spring remember). Whereupon I will feast upon caffeinated beverages and an assortment of indulgent pastries/cakes. Then I’ll probably meander back. Possibly for additional coffee and cake, or even ‘real food’ on the Quay. (I take refuelling v seriously). That’s about 3 miles in total if we go to DL, or 10 if we go to Turf. It is pan flat. Wrap up warm.

All are welcome. However faint, tenuous, or fabricated your relationship or connection to me, or my legs. This is deliberately a barely-above walking pace social ride, on a bike path off the road, to enable people to come with their littlest and most unbalanced offspring, or their most wizened and apprehensive elderly relations. There is no ‘route map’ or plan, as there is no insurance. This is not an organised ride. I am just very reasonably indicating my possible movements as a free citizen that day and if we should happen to bump into each other, well how lovely that would be.

There is no obligation whatsoever, but if you felt emotionally overcome by sentiment, or wanted to contribute in some way other than attendance, please consider donating to this page. 100% of any money at all goes to the 4 charities below, split equally 4 ways 25%.

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust

June 1st 2025 will be the 20th Anniversary of when I was airlifted to the RD&E by the Devon Air Ambulance following a, you guessed it, bike crash. I died twice in the helicopter, en route, and wouldn’t be here today without them. Needless to say, we only have the option of amputating legs because they kept me alive in the first place. They receive no Government funding despite being a key part of the region's emergency response.

Wheels for Wellbeing

Everybody deserves to experience the joy of cycling (and its associated mental and physical benefits). Sadly, many people with disabilities never get to. WfW have a fleet of non-standard cycles to enable everybody to wheel, whatever issues they may have. Alongside the sessions they offer, they are an established and growing authority on #ActiveTravel, #InclusiveCycling, and planning/infrastructure/access issues nationally. (Full Disclaimer: I am now MarComms Manager for this charity)

Exeter UNESCO City of Literature

I am a lifelong bookworm and feel reading and education are fundamental Human Rights. Exeter UNESCO City of Literature offers a jam-packed programme of events to promote reading, literature, and the arts to people of all ages within Exeter and the region. (Full Disclaimer: I am also a Trustee for this charity)

The Devon and Exeter Institution

A hidden gem within the city, this historic library and educational charity preserves so much of the region’s cultural, and historical impacts while also encouraging a love of literature amongst people of all ages. They offer tours, research spaces, and wide variety of social and cultural events right on the Cathedral Green. (Full Disclaimer: I am also a Trustee for this charity)

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Thank you for your interest in this event, and your donation if you have done so.

I’m really looking forward to seeing you all and making this last ride with my own legs memorable. Please share this page so we can raise as much as possible for charity.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via one of the many options at https://linktr.ee/tomstaniford Similarly, if you are a brand/company and want to get involved and have any clever ideas for raising additional coverage or sponsorship for these charities, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

T