As part of the events commemorating World War 1, a series of bike rides have been planned around South Derbyshire.
The original idea for the rides came via a request from the Tourist Information Centre in Swadlincote and is based on a project done by the local Air Training Corps - 1211 Squadron (Swadlincote).
Operation Fallen Hero was a project in which the ATC traced all of the War Memorials in South Derbyshire and compiled details of each one in a document which was then presented to South Derbyshire District Council.
The document took a lot of dedication to complete due to the vast area and number of memorials covered.
The aim of the rides is to encourage people of all ages to visit the war memorials and also to enjoy the cycling aspect, though walking is also encouraged. Where possible, the rides use off road cycle links or quiet roads to encourage families to participate. The rides are broken down into 6 rides which total very nearly 100 miles which cover the vast majority of war memorials in South Derbyshire.
The rides vary in length and can be done as whole rides or split into sections depending on ability.
This blog will provide information on the memorials and places covered within the routes and some of the stories behind them. The aim is to produce leaflets with more basic information on to support this.
These rides are part of a number of events to take place over the next 4 years to commemorate the sacrifice made by those who fell during WW1. Several different bodies have combined to organise events including The Royal British Legion, South Derbyshire District Council, 1211 Squadron, Sustrans, Churches United and TIC.
Another aim is to have led ride events on each route throughout the commemoration period and these will be advertised on an events /news page.
As the activity develops, the blog will update with more information, including pictures. Feedback is very much welcome and encouraged. If you have any further information relating to any aspect that could be of benefit, please give feedback. Where possible, if there are planned road closures, I will endeavour to include these.
There will be several pages set up, with one for each ride and some information on those memorials not included in the rides due to logisitics. There will also be a page about some of the people and organisations that have contributed to the rides and the activities for war commemoration events.
The ride pages will be set up in a similar format with basic information regarding the length of each ride. A link to RidewithGPS of each ride is included for viewing.
A brief outline of the ride is followed by a more detailed description about the place where the memorial is and information about churches where appropriate. This information will include links where appropriate for further reading including contact information. Several of the war memorials are inside and access may need to be arranged in advance. Between each point will be some detailed directions and notes.
There will also be information on where to eat and drink or shops on route. Some locations are rural and some of the rides are long so it is important to note the facilities on route.
Where routes use the National Cycle Network, a summary will be noted.
