RBL Poppy Ride around the island of Cyprus

[The OddMajor]

A new initiative has been planned in order to raise funds for the 2016 Poppy Appeal which involves a group of volunteers cycling around the complete island of Cyprus, a total distance of around 700kms, over 7 days throughout the third week of September. Currently there are 11 or 12 people who have shown an interest in taking part in the ‘Poppy Ride ‘organised by the branch communications officer Martin Derbyshire, himself a keen cyclist. He said: “I have been keen to get this project off the ground for a year or two now and I am delighted that so many riders have shown an interest at this early stage. It is a challenging yet hopefully enjoyable ride all the way around the island and we now have 7 months to get fit for the event. The group has a variety of riding experience from novice to expert level and we currently meet every Sunday morning for an hour or so to get a few miles into the legs. We intend to start the ride at the Olive Press Bowling Club in Lapta on Sunday 18 September and finish at the same spot round about 1pm the following Saturday, 24 September when hopefully a big party will be arranged. We will be looking for sponsorship closer to the event for a very worthy cause in the poppy appeal.” If you are interested or wish to receive further information on the route, dates etc. then please email Martin at: rblkyreniabranch@gmail.com and he will be in touch.

[PapaBravo]

Sounds good. What sort of back-up do you plan to have?

[Belfast Belle]

Have the new RBL Membership cards arrived yet please.

[The OddMajor]

Hi Papabravo - we intend to have family members in cars as our back up team both for safety and to carry all our gear so that we don't require panniers etc.

Hi Belfast Belle - The new cards are arriving at private addresses but the bulk issue for PO Box 20 have not yet arrived. But do not worry as your 2015 card is valid until the end of March

[Belfast Belle]

Thank you for the info on the cards.