Hello dear supporters and I must first humbly apologise for the lateness of this article about the annual Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride. Time seems to have run away from me this year, and the date looms for the event, which is on Sunday the 10th of July. I'm girding my loins, what's left of them and trusting that my ageing metal steed will do the job asked of her. There's probably more concern about the ageing rider than the steed to be honest, but we'll give it our best shot! This will be my 27th consecutive event, the vast majority of which have been in aid of Three Owls, and I hope that you will see fit to sponsor me again this year. Your valuable support in previous years has been astounding, and continues to amaze both Nigel and myself.

The weather is of course a totally unpredictable element.

In the equation, as is the state of the road (not an inconsiderable hazard nowadays with potholes resembling a warthog burrow in places!) Three Owls continues to do amazing work, both in terms of referrals to hospital facilities and the work on the Reserves, and we should all feel proud of what we've accomplished. With your help we can do so much more, and I hope you will support me on the 10th.
(For once no 'support' jokes!)

John Thorpe.