Jason Cook
Jason Cook
Tolpuddle ride
In the early hours of 15th July 2016 Pedal4Progress left the comfort of the overnight hotel and took the short drive to the Morning Star head quarters in East London to begin the last stage of the 4th edition.
The solo effort by Les Doherty to ride over 230Km to the Tolpuddle Festival and personally deliver solidarity greetings from the Morning Star to all those attending the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom eve of festival fringe meeting.
Text messages from veteran rider Mark David-Gray and constant support on twitter from Peter Middleman (himself a vet of all four editions) and the Halton Unison Local Government Branch was a welcome cure for the screaming lungs and legs.
Big thanks to all those who have supported and sponsored us across all four challenges and to this years team of riders; Richard Aubery, Anna Burton, Paul Collins, Jason Cook, Les Doherty, Matt Jenkinson, Mike McKrell, Peter Middleman and Matthew Tollitt Logistics and support driver Kevan Nelson and our P4P graphic designer Hazel Roberts.[1]
Sam Watts Brigade confirmed
The 3rd edition challenge team signed up to the Sam Watts Brigade was confirmed April 2015 only 24 hours after announcing details of this years cycle challenge to raise funds for the Morning Star.
The team of 10 riders and 4 logistics core has a familiar ring to it with a mix of new and returning members.
The ever present John O'Brien, Les Doherty, Peter Middleman and Regi Thomas help form the spine of riders along with Head of Logistics Kevan Nelson. Mark David-Gray, Steve Lyons and Bernie Wentworth all make a return to the team for a second time following their exploits to Paris.
Helping to keep riders on the road and refreshed along the way will once again be Paul Vogt and David Owen who bring with them their European driving and map reading skills. And new to the team this year are Mike McKrell and Jason Cook both experienced riders and seasoned Morning Star campaigners.
Finally there is a welcome return to Bob Kelly with the Logistics core and to Richard Aubery, veteran of the original Coast2Coast edition who was unable to take part last year due to his recovery from a serious cycling accident.[2]