Every year for the past 20 years a group of cyclists have raised money for Street Action charity (supporting street children in Burundi). My brother in law (who has done most of the rides) I was envious of, because every year he went off somewhere fun to ride while I was starting the autumn term at Shiplake.

However that changed last year as I finally joined them for a ride round Norfolk and Suffolk.

This year we rode an epic route from Lille to Paris. Friday 4th September was a ride of 60 miles across the WW1 Somme battlefields to Albert, taking in Thiepval and other memorials along the way. 

The next day was no less poignant as we rode 72 miles south east to Soissons, on the river Marne, visiting the famous railway coach in the forest at Compiegne, where the WW1 Armistice was signed, and then the French surrender in 1940.

On day 3 - a mere 65 miles - we headed south to Fere-en-Tardenoise, then west to Meaux, via the pretty town of Chateau Thierry, on the Aisne river, then past many champagne vineyards (sadly no tasting!). It was a warm day, with one of the team desperate to get to the hotel in time to watch Arsenal.

On the Monday we bimbled gently the final 38 miles into Paris, using a canal towpath virtually to the centre. Many of us were quite saddle sore by this time and I certainly had heavy legs after 4 days and over 200 miles. The obligatory group photos were taken at the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

The chaps I rode with are an eclectic, diverse bunch, but all committed to the Street Action cause. 

Chris Alcock

Head of English, Orchard Housemaster and Lay Chaplain (1997 - 2024)

If you would like to read about the charity, and/or make a donation, please click the below image: