Mark David-Gray
Mark David-Gray
Morning Star
From Pedal4Progress.
"I’m riding to help ensure that my children will be able to read a newspaper that provides a progressive view of the world in which they live. A newspaper who’s reporting isn’t shaped by the values of corporations, financial markets and capitalists. The values, integrity and politics of the Morning Star are essential in exposing the inherent contradictions and unfairness of the current economic system. We will all be the poorer for a world where the Morning Star ceases to exist. So I’ll be pedalling 4 progress on September 9th to ensure our fight for a fairer and more just society won’t be made that much harder for those who come after us." [1]
Pedal4Progress comrades
Steve Lyons, Mike McKnight, Les Doherty, Bob Kelly, Mark David-Gray, Kevan Nelson, Regi Thomas, Bernie Wentworth, Paul Vogt, Peter Middleman.
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.[2]
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.[3]
Fete l’Humanite
In 2014 Pedal4Progress sent a team to Fete l’Humanite in Paris.
Kevan Nelson, Paul Vogt, David Owen, Hazel Roberts, Cad Jones, Bob Kelly, Nick Wright, Mark David-Gray, Steve Lyons, Peter Middleman, John O'Brien, Dan Smith, Regi Thomas, Matthew Tollitt, Calvin Tucker and Bernie Wentworth.[4]