We are a team of guys who spend a week every year cycling around WW1 and WW2 sites of historical interest. Our ages range from our 50's up to mid-60's. For 2021 we had planned on going back to France with the intention of visiting several sites of interest. 

However, due to the continued uncertainty caused by the Pandemic, especially over the channel, we have decided to change our route with a tour of ancient battlefields in the North of England.

We will be travelling a total of nearly 350 miles over a period of 7 days, taking in some hugely significant historical sites, some epic climbs and possibly a pint of Yorkshire's finest. The date set for our departure point of Grantham is the 26th June.

In previous years we have raised over £3,350.00 for Combat Stress and Cancer Research. All the services are represented by our group, so this year we have chosen SSAFA as our nominated charity. They support both regulars and reserves and their families from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, and they include anyone who has completed National Service. They are all entitled to life long support from SSAFA, no matter how long they have served. Recent research shows that service leavers aged 25-64 need more specialised support. The challenges they face are complex – from low income to life-changing injuries or hidden wounds, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. 

This year, the team is made up of Matt Bray, Dave Williams, Glenn Allison, Ian Beresford, Fred Orchard, Chris Stone, Connor Campbell, and Colin Dunn. 

I have taken this opportunity to ask my friends to join me in dedicating this ride to an extraordinary person who I was lucky enough to know from my early years. Capt. Gavin John Hamilton MC gave his life serving his country in the SAS during the Falklands campaign, cutting short his remarkable career. Please take a few minutes to read how he displayed extraordinary bravery and courage, sacrificing his life to save his fellow soldiers. His citation reads:

Between 19th April and 10th June, when he was killed in action, Captain Hamilton and his SAS Troop were responsible for some of the most successful SAS operations carried out in the campaign in the South Atlantic. Continue reading here: HAMILTON G. J. – South Atlantic Medal Association (82) (sama82.org.uk)

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Fred Orchard