One of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s flagship events, Wheels on the Western Front 2022: Ride to Arnhem, has raised over £118,000 for Army families and veterans in need.
The cycle challenge took place on 4 to 9 September, with 45 riders cycling the 331-mile route from Folkestone, through France, Belgium and The Netherlands to Arnhem, where they commemorated the Second World War Battle for the Bridges, which took place in September 1944 (Operation Market Garden). The route covered the battlefields of the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Division landings at Eindhoven and Nijmegen, and the British 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem.
This was a tough challenge for our cyclists, averaging 65 miles a day through hills and hot weather, though everyone completed the trip in good time. On the final day, in cooler weather, our team laid wreaths around the Arnhem battlefield, including at the Oosterbeek Commonwealth War Grave and the Polish Memorial in Driel, and paid their respects to all Allied soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the campaign.
Cycle riders praised the “fantastic team spirit” and especially the military history expertise of battlefield guide Brian Shaw. Brigadier (Ret’d) Robbie Scott-Bowden, a former Director of Regions at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, took part in the challenge for a third time and summed up for the team:
“What a tremendous ride we enjoyed. All the hard work in fundraising was rewarded. The organising team did us proud. As always, the riders, with their enthusiasm, drive comradeship and cracking banter made the ride so special. I feel lucky to have taken part. A huge thanks to you all.”
The charity is grateful to all of their supporters for their magnificent fundraising efforts. We also thank our partners: Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd; our battlefield guide Brian Shaw; and Akuma, Trek-Segafredo and Madison Cycling for their support.
