A determined cyclist is gearing up for his toughest charity challenge yet – pedalling 1,200 miles through six countries in just 12 days.
Ipswich’s John Curtis is taking on the ‘Ride Home From Riga’ mission for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and lives just a stone’s throw from The Treehouse.
He will be cycling in the region of 100 miles a day, leaving Riga on 3rd August – a day after the Latvian Speedway Grand Prix.
He then plans to travel 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 on 14th August.
“I’ll be riding solo and unsupported, and this is my biggest and toughest challenge yet,” said former speedway rider John.
“I’m excited and nervous in equal measure and sure there will be some hard times, both physically and mentally.
“However, as odd as it sounds, part of the enjoyment is the pain and suffering which make the challenge more rewarding, knowing it hasn’t been easy.
“It’s about coming through those periods, and, if I need any extra motivation, I’ll just think about the amazing charity I’m supporting.
“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. The more I research what the charity does, the more impressed I am by the work it does and that’s why I wanted to do something to help.”
John, 57, 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, I wanted to do something for a local charity and saw this as a great opportunity to support EACH, particularly as I know all about the proposed expansion plans at The Treehouse,” said John.
“I walk our dog or drive past most days, so this has been in my thoughts for a while.
“Hopefully I can raise as much as possible. Being saddle sore or having tired legs is nothing compared to what families being supported by the charity have to deal with every day, which will help me keep things in perspective when things get tough.
“I’m going to see parts of the world I’ve never seen before or maybe will ever see again and get so much out of these challenges – physically but also mentally.
“Like most people, I lead a busy life and it’s a welcome change to only have one thing to focus on each day – getting to my next destination.
“When I then get there, it’s so rewarding and a real sense of achievement, but the next day’s ride begins at the end of the last one so there’s no time to celebrate – it’s all about preparing for the next day.
“I’m also realistic and mindful of the fact anything could happen. Something might go wrong that’s beyond my control.
“There aren’t any guarantees I’ll complete the distance, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. A challenge of this magnitude shouldn’t be easy or straightforward, and I want some risk and jeopardy.
“Even in the tough times, it’s about weathering the storm and taking each day, segment or even mile one at a time. The most important thing is me trying my best and doing everything possible to achieve my goal. If I’m unsuccessful, it won’t be through a lack of trying.”
John has daily targets in mind and has already booked overnight accommodation 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 will be on day three, when he travels from Marijampolė to Bartoszyce – covering an eye-watering 131 miles.
John is a former speedway rider and mechanic who remains closely linked with the Witches. He says the club are always supportive of his fundraising endeavours.
“I’m so grateful to (promoter) Chris Louis ,” said John, who works as a Project Manager for M Group, is married to Alison and has a 19-year-old daughter, Jess.
“Chris is keen for the club to support me as much as possible, which is fantastic and much appreciated.
“I already have so many people to thank, including M Group, Rackhams Auto Body Centre, SIRIS Environmental and George Baker Transport, who have helped me fund some of the associated costs of the ride. I’m also thankful to my family, for giving me the support and encouragement I need.”
To show your support and sponsor John, head here.
