Charity Cycle

Waiting to cross the channel at Calais, I met a group from Vodafone doing a ride from Dusseldorf to Newbury to raise money for youth at risk and street kids in Germany. After an invitation to join, I thought....why not! It turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip so far.

My "team", Stephen, Ed and Hadrian (from l-r), always seemed to find the more 'novel' routes to take compared to the other teams, which usually included stairs, stiles and stinging nettle. My thanks to all the cyclists from Vodafone, particularly Hadrian (for talking me into it), Michael (for doing such a great job as organiser) and my team (for the fantastic company).

Route of Remembrance

Armed with the Idiot's guide to World War I and a collection of trench maps, I cycled through some of the key battle sights on the Western Front starting at Amiens and ending at Passendale in Belgium.

The soft, green, rolling hills and woods hide the horror that happened here. Even a vivid imagination can't touch on the monstrosity that swept through this region and destroyed millions of young lives and hopes.

After one day, I was thoroughly depressed. After 2, I despaired and cried for the needless waste. By day 3 I could take no more death as I travelled through a region which is nothing short of an extended cemetery. Even after 90 years, bodies are still being recovered from where they disappeared into anonymity in the mud.

All I hope is that we have learnt.......................

.................though I am afraid we haven't.