My journey started from the little cottage in rural Shropshire from where my Grandfather, Henry Evans, left his wife and two little daughters to go off to serve and pay the ultimate sacrifice as so many did (see pics below).
The highly polished brass plaque in Wistanstow Church bears my Grandfather’s name alongside those of the other brave souls who fell.
Cycling through driving rain in the morning, the sun came out when passing through historic Ludlow where there was a Food Festival in full swing. Church bells were ringing and a wonderful array of Herefordshire’s finest on show: Ledbury and The Malverns in the fine autumn sunshine felt good.
Stage 2 began with a climb out of Cheltenham up through The Cotswolds, through Cirencester and finishing at The First World War Memorial in Royal Wotton Bassett. This was very moving being a town that has witnessed so many fallen from War.
Stats so far:-Day 1 – Wistanstow (Craven Arms) to Ashleworth – 96kms / 6hrs-20mins/ 585metres climbed.Day 2 – Ashleworth to Royal Wotton Bassett – 68.6kms / 4hrs-45mins / 654 metres climbed.
Total to end of Day 2 = 164.6kms / 11hrs 5mins / 1239 metres.
My next stage is from Royal Wotton Bassett through the Chalk Hills of Wiltshire. Thereafter onto Newhaven, Cross Channel Ferry to Dieppe and then press on to The Somme.
Your fantastic sponsorship support for Help for Heroes is hugely appreciated and really powers those pedals! Donations are always welcome by clicking here: www.justgiving.com/Remembrance100HenryEvans
