Story
So our team formed after meeting on the 2022 ride across the Battlefields of the Somme. We met each other on the first day of the ride and instantly clicked.
Whilst riding and enjoying the whole experience, we were all moved by the whole week and by the third day we had all agreed to complete 2023 as a team and dedicate time and resources to continue to ride and raise funds to help this incredible charity.
Our team is made up of 4 veterans and 2 amazing guys who understand the importance and challenges involved. These 2 non military guys still work for a living and so this makes their sacrifice even more significant.
The team consists of the following individuals :
Stephen Pickering
Former Royal Navy and Business Entrepreneur,Stephen has enjoyed a hugely diverse business career working all over the world but is now retired and lives with his wife in Perthshire
Tim Fleming MBE
Former Parachute Regiment and key forces liaison with families suffering loss and trauma, Tim was heavily involved in the support of Lee Rigbys family following his murder.
Steven Bedford
Steven is a highly respected businessman in Cambridgeshire and devotes much of his time to helping charities when not working, Steven underwent major open heart surgery 2 years ago and still strives to help all our veterans.
Vince Manning
Former combat engineer for 11 years and has since served 16 years as a Policeman supporting trauma based families with PTSD in Scotland, Vince lives with his wife (also a Veteran) in Boness
Paul Ede
Paul has close family who have served in Special Forces and as such Paul is an extremely dedicated businessman who never stops organising events to raise funds for the Charity, Paul still works full time and lives with his partner near Uttoxeter.
Simon Cairns
Former Combat Engineer, Simon has also held senior positions within the special IT and Cybersecurity sectors and was diagnosed with complex PTSD in 2011, Simon is retired and lives with his wife in Suffolk and is currently training hard following 2 knee replacements.
Our iconic five-day bike ride will mark the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and remember the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women. Starting Sainte-Mere-Eglise we’ll cycle through Normandy, visiting the D-Day beaches, including Omaha, Gold and Juno. We’ll also visit other key historical areas including Bayeux, Lisieux, Bernay and many more before ending in Paris.The Big Battlefield Bike Ride is now in its 16th year, and thanks to the dedication of our experienced team you won’t find a better camaraderie filled cycling challenge. Our support team is on hand from when you register to when you arrive home. Every detail of the ride is covered, including the ferry over to France, so you just have to focus on pedaling.