The power of sport is never more evident than through RAFA Rides as a combined love of aviation and cycling helps to connect thousands of riders across the world through a shared purpose and passion.
RAFA Rides helps many members of the RAF community to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing as they challenge themselves by becoming part of a sporting event like no other.
Stephen Poulton, a 77-year-old RAF veteran who took part in the Brize Norton event in 2024, said: “During my time in the RAF, I was stationed at RAF Brize Norton for two years, so taking part in the RAFA Rides event there felt natural to me. It was a chance to challenge my fitness and support an organisation I’m familiar with. It was a very enjoyable event.”
Conor Surman-Burke took part in the 2023 season of RAFA Rides Your Way at the age of nine, joining his mum, Wing Commander Kim Surman, on Ascension Island for an independent ride.
Conor can still remember the feeling it gave him once he had completed the challenge and how his achievement can potentially help other youngsters.
He said: “It was great fun doing RAFA Rides with my mum but it was so hard and I felt a great sense of achievement when I finally reached the finish line. I really enjoyed raising the money for RAFA because I know how it feels for children like me to have their mums and dads away from home for a long time, as my mum has been doing most of my life and I always feel sad, lonely and I hate her being away.”
Following the loss of his father, Stevie Joy was searching for a purpose to improve his mental health and get his fitness work back on track and RAFA Rides helped to him to hit both of his targets.
“My mental wellbeing really suffered in 2020, despite the amazing support of my family,” he said
I was spiralling, full of self-pity, withdrawing from others and not looking after my health. I was mindlessly scrolling through Facebook in the New Year of 2021, when an advert for RAFA Rides caught my eye.
I realised I needed to take control again and this was the perfect way to get that process started. I signed up there and then. The first time out on my bike felt like flicking a switch – I instantly felt better. As the weeks and months went on, I lost the weight I’d put on, I started connecting with friends again and I had a focus.”
Money raised through RAFA Rides is used to fund the RAF Association’s vital work providing much-needed help and support to thousands in the RAF community. In 2024, the event raised an incredible £150,000.
Find out more about Welcome to RAFA Rides 2025 including how to support or sign up by visiting rides.rafa.org.uk.
