A determined cyclist who completed a gruelling 1,250-mile ride through six countries admitted being stunned and humbled after raising more than £3,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Ipswich’s John Curtis has just completed his ‘Ride Home From Riga’ adventure – leaving Riga, in Latvia, on 3rd August – a day after the Latvian Speedway Grand Prix.
He then pedalled through Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands before returning to the UK and finishing at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, in time for Ipswich Witches’ meeting against the Belle Vue Aces last Thursday (14th August).
“It feels surreal that the challenge is now over,” said former speedway rider John.
“The planning, preparation and training has been a big part of my life for several months and is going to leave a bit of a hole, but I’m aiming to try and keep my level of fitness up and have a long list of jobs to do at home that have been put on hold because of the ride.
“It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m so glad I managed to accomplish what I set out to achieve.
“People have been so kind and generous in terms of their support.
“A number of friends and colleagues made donations before I’d even started the ride, which I guess demonstrated their faith I’d complete the challenge.
“It really helped build my confidence, but it was also amazing and truly humbling that people I’ve never met felt compelled to put their hands in their pockets and donate, appreciating the challenge I’d set myself for the charity.
“To raise what I have feels amazing, and I feel proud and honoured to have supported a truly amazing cause.
“I don’t have a personal connection but feel so thankful we have something like EACH here in our community for the children and families that need its support. That’s why I wanted to do something to help.”
John had overnight stays in Šiauliai (Lithuania), Marijampolė (Lithuania), Bartoszyce (Poland), Gdańsk (Poland), Krąg (Poland), Szczecin (Poland), Waren (Müritz) (Germany), Lüneburg (Germany), Barnstorf (Germany), Rijssen (the Netherlands) and the Hook of Holland.
His longest ride was on day three, when he travelled from Marijampolė to Bartoszyce – covering an eye-watering 131 miles.
The 57-year-old is no stranger to extraordinary challenges.
In 2022, he walked from Foxhall Stadium, in Ipswich, to the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff.
Then, last year, he cycled from the British Speedway Grand Prix, in Cardiff, to Wroclaw, in Poland, in time for the Polish Grand Prix.
On both occasions, he was raising funds and awareness for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund.
This time, he wanted to do something for a local charity and saw it as a great opportunity to support EACH, particularly having read about the proposed expansion plans at The Treehouse.
“I feel great and so pleased my training paid off, allowing me to fully experience every moment of the ride,” said John, who works as a Project Manager for M Group, is married to Alison and has a 19-year-old daughter, Jess.
“Of course, I felt sore and tired, which was to be expected, but surprised myself in terms of how well I performed on the bike and handled every challenge put in front of me.
“Each day threw up a challenge of some sort, and the first few days were a baptism of fire while being alone and so far away from home.
“However, I never expected things to go entirely to plan.
“I’d have been disappointed had that been the case because part of the enjoyment and fulfilment came from finding solutions to whatever the ride threw at me.
“I’m so glad I did it unsupported because it heightened the challenge and sense of adventure, as well as the risk.
“Riding solo and carrying the extra weight on the bike added a sense of jeopardy and I relished that – knowing I had to overcome whatever challenge was put in front of me.
“I wanted to push myself to the limit, both mentally and physically, and anything less would have felt like I hadn’t achieved what I set out to do.”
John is a former speedway rider and mechanic who remains closely linked with the Witches.
“I’m so grateful to (promoter) Chris Louis and the whole Ipswich Witches Speedway Club, including the riders and supporters for their support and encouragement,” said John.
“Allowing me to finish my ride at Foxhall Stadium in front of everyone and for the fantastic reception I received was truly special.
“I must also thank M Group, Rackhams Auto Body Centre, SIRIS Environmental and George Baker Transport, who helped me fund some of the associated costs of the ride.
“It has always been so important for me that whatever is donated goes to the charity. An adventure like this is never cheap and without their help I wouldn’t have been able to fund it all myself.”
To show your support and sponsor John, head here.
