This will part of the blurb to go into the BMW Journal but hopefully will give you a little bit of background knowledge why i am doing it
Blind Veterans UK
Ride for life beyond sight loss
How did get involved with Blind Veterans UK, well I had known about it as a child in the local sea cadets when the charity was known as St Dunstans, then as the chairman of the Seaford Branch of the Royal Naval Association we had to close down the branch and had to find somewhere to lay up our standard, Blind Veterans UK was the choice, after the service we were given a guided tour of the center, I left with a greater respect of what happens there and the training that they are given a real eye opener.
I started this idea of a ride by putting my foot in my mouth as the saying goes, being a keen cyclist and a supporter of military charities I had a email saying that there was going to be a cycle ride to france with blind veterans to celebrate the 100 years since the beginning of WW1, after looking on BV UK site and reading the blurb I asked head office why were they going from folkstone and not brighton as I believed that would have been a good starting point for a ride the BV training center at Ovingdean formally known to us locals as St Dunstans. I then got put in touch with the local fundraiser Rachel who said pop over we will have a coffee and discuss, during the discussion I asked why Folkstone and not Brighton and apparently folkstone was where most of the troops left from, I then pointed out that cyclist would prefer cycle tops to t shirts as it looks more professional (Forces training kicking in). Then mouth opens words come out and she says what a good idea lets do it and I think what did I say.
So the idea was born to have a motorcycle ride from Llandudno to Brighton (coast to coast), Rachel not being into bikes asked what sort of things like this are done, I then told her about Ride to the Wall, Ride of Respect and a few others, how many riders will we get, good question well phrased was the answer could be 50 could be 1000 who knows.
As ex forces (Royal Navy) I know personally people that have been helped by Blind Veterans UK and know what they have achieved with all the help that they have been given.
A lot of people are probably not aware that although the title says Blind Veterans UK they also look after Police, Fire Service and Ambulance personnel that are blinded while in service it is only Ex Armed forces personnel that they look after when you get old.
Back to the ride I am hoping to start about 0800 in the morning being waved off by Billy Baxter who is the solo world land speed record holder for a blind person and arrive in Brighton about 1600 although dependant on the amount of riders we may start earlier at 0700 this will be sent to the riders nearer the time when we know the total number of riders taking part . If you don’t want or think that you can do the whole ride (or your bike) there are meeting places on route that you can join us, the first is at Café Express, Crossgates, Llandrindod Wells then
Sainsburys Service & Truck Stop, Swindon and the last stop will be at Petersfield Services, the distance between each stop is about 100 miles with the total according to google about 350, commemorative badges will be sent out when you register and to do this go to this link
https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/other-fundraising-events/bikeride/.
On arrival at Brighton there will be a hog roast,/ veggie option available, bike stands dealers and a band/singer. For those hardy souls there is camping available both ends.
So if you are at a loose end on the weekend of the 26th July come along and join us for the inaugural ride and support our Blind Veterans.
If you could let me know a date as soon as bud, need to book time off work etc etc 
