An intrepid group of bike-nuts, including members of the Great Dunmow Round Table, recently rode from Dunmow to the Belgian town of Ypres to raise money for forces charity BLESMA in this Frist World War Centenary year.

If ever something showed the power of pedalling, this was it!

The cycling challenge and associated fund-raising events have so far raised an unbelievable £56,000 for the British Limbless Ex Service Mens Association – a terrific achievement and one that all Dunmow residents should be especially proud of.

34 riders in total attempted the arduous 160-mile voyage, 

completed in just 2 days, including 3 members currently serving at Carver Barracks in Wimbish, keen to show their support for servicemen past and present.

The peloton arrived at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres time to lay a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony, with rider Paul Kemkaran-Thompson given special permission to lay an additional wreath representing the village of Great Easton.

We gave the guys just enough time for their sore bits to recover before catching up with Dunmow-based physiotherapist and Round Table member Jon Shepherd to find out more.

“We all trained really hard for this event and were confident of getting to the Menin Gate on time. The weather was challenging in places and resulted in a few minor crashes – enough to make this a real adventure!”

“We are extremely humbled by the support and donations we have received towards this worthy cause and doing the Dunmow –Ypres challenge has really spurred us on to do more charity events in the future”.

Watch this space then! And it’s not too late to do your part – you can donate via Jon’s MyDonate Page or Paul’s MyDonate Page until December 31st 2014.

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