Hiya Sunshine People!

Back on the road again, on my trusty old bike, trying to raise money for the RSPB, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, whilst cycling along the route taken by Laurie Lee back in 1934.

Laurie Lee walked from Slad in Gloucestershire to Malaga in Spain, as detailed in the beautiful book, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning.

I will take around three months to do the cycle ride and hope you will enjoy following my adventures via my Biking Birder blog.

https://bikingbirder2016.blogspot.com/

In the past I have cycled around the UK for four whole years, 2010, 2015 & 2016 and finally in 2022.

This adventure is different in that both literature and birding are involved. To learn more about the work of Laurie Lee, his novels and poems, whilst cycling, birding and enjoying the experience, especially the meeting of new and interesting Sunshine People.

One such person met many decades ago was Gordon Barnes. Gordon was a Brummie, as I am also. Gordon loved Aston Villa, as also do I. Gordon loved Warwickshire Cricket Club, as also do I.

The main thing about Gordon was his love of nature, particularly birds!

Being a friend to Gordon was a privilege. Gordon had been a sheep crofter on magical Fair Isle back in the 60s & 70s. This started after Gordon had been an assistant warden at the world famous Fair Isle Bird Observatory.

Gordon was one of the best friends I had ever had, an amazingly gentle, humble man with a heart of both steel and gold.

Sadly Gordon died after a holiday to Luxor, Egypt. To me dearest of friends I dedicate my Biking Birder -Laurie Lee adventure.

In many ways Gordon reminds me of Laurie Lee and I know that Gordon will have been thrilled to hear about my tour of England and Spain.

The RSPB are passionate about nature, dedicated to saving it. Since they started on their mission back in 1889, the threats to nature have continued to grow, but the RSPB has grown to meet them too.

They are now the largest nature conservation charity in the country, consistently delivering successful conservation, forging powerful new partnerships with other organisations and inspiring others to stand up and give nature the home it deserves.

With your fundraising support and donations to conservation you can help us to give nature a home.

So, please do so and for any kind donation you will receive my sincere thanks.

All the very best to you and thanks,

Gary aka The Biking Birder