Join RAFA Rides 2021, kindly supported by Lockheed Martin, as we cycle around the world.
Entries are coming in from all four corners of the globe from keen cyclists wanting a challenge.
RAFA Rides 2021 is going global. As well as a COVID safe event in Leicestershire, riders are invited to join us virtually as we go around the world. The challenge? Cycle 24,901 miles in 24 hours. Easy!
Here we speak to two cyclists currently serving in the US about why they are taking part.
Air Commodore Jez Attridge, UK Air and Space Attaché to the United States, starts:
“I took part in RAFA Rides 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed the event. This is a great, healthy and visible way to support the wider RAF family, particularly given the challenging economic times that charities are currently facing. The RAF Association has had tangible success, investing sponsorship money directly to areas that need it, with great results.
“As to why I chose this way to ‘do my bit’, I like cycling! And it has universal appeal. Roads are easy to find; we all have memories of riding a bike as a kid – so grab a bike and join in. It’s easy. The response from the RAF personnel in the USA has been phenomenal. I think it reflects the overwhelming desire of our people to get involved and help others.
“I think the pandemic has had a positive effect in reminding us that enjoying the great outdoors should never be taken for granted. Virtual riding has now gone mainstream because of the pandemic and as we demonstrated last summer, an enjoyable and effective way to contribute.”
Wing Commander John Gorman, Aerosystems Engineer working for the DE&S Lightning Delivery Team, is also taking part. He said:
“The coronavirus pandemic has presented unique challenges; not least that we have been completely separated from our families back in UK. The knowledge that the RAF Association exists as an organisation who ‘get it’ and can offer us support, is a huge comfort. I know that this is equally appreciated by military families at home.
“Like many others, March 2020 saw home working becoming the norm, so I took the opportunity to switch my 26-mile daily cycle commute into Washington DC to working out on my indoor trainer. Moreover, I’ve recognised, particularly during the last year, that cycling is a great vehicle to give back by raising money for those in need, while boosting morale with others through virtual meet-ups.
“I have a passion for endurance events, which has been emboldened during my US assignment through gravel cycling, so when the RAF Association announced their ride was going global virtually, I saw this as my next big goal. My target is to ride for 24 hours straight on Zwift, joining with others around the world as we all meet our own goals through this challenge. I hope to see many of you on the virtual ride as we cycle round the world raising awareness and money for the RAF Association!”
