Last week, I had the privilege of taking part in the Memorial Cycle Ride, a six-day journey that stretched nearly 600 kilometres from Ermenonville, France, to Bury St Edmunds, UK. Alongside my fellow rider, Jonathan Mathers, we embarked on this meaningful adventure to honour the memory of the rugby players who tragically lost their lives in the 1974 plane crash at Ermenonville. This was more than just a physical challenge; it was a heartfelt tribute to the players and a significant fundraiser for the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club and St Nicholas Hospice.
Fundraising Success
The community’s generosity was overwhelming. While the total continues to climb, we’ve already raised over £200,000. A substantial 60% of the funds are directed to the charitable arm of Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, with the remaining 40% benefiting St Nicholas Hospice. I’m proud to share that Jonathan and I contributed just shy of £5,000. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated and supported this cause!
The Ride Itself
This epic ride saw 60 cyclists of all backgrounds and fitness levels successfully complete the challenge. We were supported by Pie Events, who managed the complex logistics, from transporting luggage and securing accommodations to providing technical support and experienced chaperone riders. Their expertise made all the difference, allowing us to focus on the ride and the cause.
Day 1 – Ermenonville to Compiegne (41 km)
The journey began at the very site of the 1974 plane crash. The memorial service in the forest was deeply moving, surrounded by a silent tribute to those who lost their lives. As we stood by the memorial, with the crater from the crash still visible behind it, the weight of the event was palpable. After the service, we set off with a tailwind, a gentle start to what would be an intense journey.
Day 2 – Compiegne to Cambrai (123 km)
This was a tough and windy day, taking us through the rolling hills of the Somme, where war cemeteries dotted the landscape, a constant reminder of the area’s tragic history. The distance and conditions challenged us, but the beauty of the countryside and the camaraderie among riders kept our spirits high.
Day 3 – Cambrai to Ghent (151 km)
The longest day of the ride saw us crossing into Belgium and experiencing the infamous cobbled streets. Ghent, a city known for its cycling culture, was our destination, but not before we tackled some daunting climbs, including one with a 15% gradient. By the time we arrived, tired but elated, we were ready for a night of celebration, with a fancy-dress party that brought a bit of joy to the end of a gruelling day.
Day 4 – Ghent to Burgh-Haamstede (100 km)
Leaving Belgium behind, we ventured into the Netherlands. While the terrain was flat, the headwinds made this one of the hardest days. Cycling into a 20-mph headwind sapped our energy, and by the end of the day, we were completely spent. Thankfully, our best hotel stay awaited us, and for the first time, we had a chance to truly rest and reflect on how far we’d come. Spirits were high as we realized we had broken the back of the ride.
Day 5 – Burgh-Haamstede to Hook of Holland (68 km)
This was, without a doubt, the best day of cycling. The sun was shining, the Dutch cycle lanes were impeccable, and we had the wind on our backs. It felt like we were flying, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We finished at the Hook of Holland Rugby Club, where we joined in their 50th anniversary celebrations with a couple of well-deserved pints. That evening, we boarded the ferry for an overnight journey to Harwich.
Day 6 – Harwich to Bury St Edmunds (75 km)
Our final day began with some confusion around timing, but we soon set off, picking up a few extra riders at Harwich Rugby Club for the last leg of the journey. The ride took us through Manningtree and Hadleigh, with a final group meet-up at Nowton Park. From there, we cycled together to Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, arriving at 2 pm to an incredible welcome.
The crowd that greeted us was beyond anything I could have imagined. It was emotional to reunite with family and friends after such an intense week. Austin Cornish, who led the event with unwavering dedication, gave a moving speech, reminding us of the 18 fathers lost in the crash and celebrating the incredible funds raised in their memory.
A Personal Reflection
Participating in the Memorial Cycle Ride was an unforgettable experience. The sense of achievement was immense, and the opportunity to contribute to such worthy causes was profoundly rewarding. I owe a huge thank you to Greene & Greene for their support and to the fantastic organizers of the event.
As a fun side note, we ran an internal competition to guess Jonathan’s total ride time over the distance. Emma Alfieri‘s guess of 27 hours and 22 minutes was only 90 seconds off the actual time! Jonathan averaged just over 14 mph – an impressive feat. Chapeau to Jonathan for his dedication, training, and humour throughout the ride. He was a fantastic companion, and the camaraderie we shared is something I’ll cherish.
This ride wasn’t just about cycling; it was about honouring the past, forging new friendships, and making a real difference. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of it.
There’s still time to donate if you wish to do so use the links below.
Link to website Cycle Ride 2024 – Memorial Cycle Ride
Sponsorship links: Jonathan Mathers is fundraising for St Nicholas Hospice (justgiving.com)
Hugo Greer-Walker is fundraising for St Nicholas Hospice (justgiving.com)
