MANCHESTER TO BLACKPOOL BIKE RIDE 2022

         It is that time of year again dear readers, and I must first apologise for the late write up before the event. Time seems to have gone nowhere, and I realised the other day that I hadn't checked the date for the event this year. It is actually next Sunday the 10th of July, and therefore I thought I had better be quick and do a piece for the website so that Nigel could get it in, in advance.

         This time will be my 33rd consecutive event, which says a great deal about my mental state or, if you're being extremely charitable, my intestinal fortitude and dedication! Last year's event was disappointing from the sponsorship perspective, and I do not intend to dwell on the reasons for the lack of support. As always I do the ride for my sake, to test myself for another year, and of course to raise funds for Three Owls, which I'm proud to have been associated with for so long.

         It is not my business to tell anyone whether they should or should not support my efforts, that is entirely for them to decide, and that is as it should be, of course. My motivation is exactly the same as it has always been, and any support of my efforts is of course fully appreciated and never taken for granted, either by myself or Nigel and the other Trustees. Likewise, as I always have said, the opinions in my write ups are entirely my own, and in previous years people seem to have appreciated them all the more for the humour I try to inject, and the honesty of my comments. For those who do not, I can only say, to quote an old saying "He who tries to please everyone, ends up pleasing no one".

            Regardless of the level of support, I will be pitting myself against the road and the uncertainties of the ride, but it would be all the more satisfying if readers showed their support in the customary manner.

            At the end of the day we all care about the work of Three Owls, and  I do what I can within my means and abilities, I would respectfully ask that supporters do the same.

Best wishes to you all, and I will hopefully survive to write up an account of the day in due course. 

John Thorpe