We’ve received this lovely story from Michael Greeves. Unfortunately, the email was hidden in Junk mail, but we think it’s worth publishing, even this late. Apologies to Michael.
If you were planning a 1000 mile cycle ride to raise money to help protect the Swans in London’s Richmond Park, few would include ‘The Strawberry Line’ in Congresbury.
But, that’s exactly what Jamie Gould did. He works in Richmond Park as a gardener where a Cygnet died earlier this year. The swan was killed by a vandal who horrified and disgusted the ‘Friends’ of Richmond Park. To raise funds to help prevent this happening again, Jamie 21 and his friend Alex decided to undertake a mammoth 1000 mile sponsored cycle ride. They originally hoped for £1,000 but it looks like exceeding £1,500.
Starting from London they cycled to Margate and followed the south coast to Lands End in Cornwall. They then rode along the North Devon coast and spent Friday 3rd July 2020 camping at Porlock in Somerset.
Where does the Strawberry Line fit in ?
I was riding my bike from Congresbury to Sandford, a modest 2 miles along the Strawberry Line on Saturday evening 4thJuly. Having stopped to watch a Buzzard soaring over Thatchers apple orchards, Jamie rode along and asked if there was anything interesting.
In a very brief conversation he said that his companion ‘Alex’s’ bike had a puncture in Bridgwater and needed a new tyre. The nearest open bike shop being in Bristol so he went by train to get it repaired leaving Jamie on his own following the agreed route. They were due to stay overnight near Bristol and complete their ride back to London on Sunday 5th July. Completing the 1000 miles in time for work on Monday morning.
For anyone wishing to learn more about the fund raising cause and their journey click on the link; https://www.gofundme.com/f/jamie-and-alex-1000-mile-cycle-ride
At a time when there is so much bad and depressing news it cheered me up to hear Jamie’s story. I always enjoy seeing the wildlife and the fresh air on The Strawberry Line and will now add meeting Jamie the cyclist raising money for the Swans in Richmond Park to my memory bank.
Michael Greaves
4th July 2020