Dean Williams, a community fundraising manager for Help for Heroes, turned heads this summer by completing a remarkable charity cycling challenge on a Penny Farthing. The 200-mile ride, part of the charity's Big Battlefield Bike Ride (BBBR), took place in June and saw around 120 cyclists travel from Ypres to Amiens to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
The four-day route passed through Lille, Cambrai, and the Somme region, with riders visiting numerous First World War battlefields, memorials, and places of remembrance along the way. The Big Battlefield Bike Ride is Help for Heroes' flagship fundraising challenge, bringing together history, camaraderie, and fundraising in support of veterans and their families.
A Test of Endurance in Extreme Heat
This was Dean's seventh BBBR and his fourth on a Penny Farthing. The challenge was made tougher by soaring temperatures, with parts of the route experiencing heat in the mid-30s to low-40s degrees Celsius. In some areas, local authorities advised against physical activity altogether, so organisers reduced the daily mileage slightly (originally planned to cover 250 miles) and the group set off early, often at around 6.30am, to cover as much ground as possible before the hottest part of the day.
There were lighter moments, too. To avoid waiting around in the midday sun, riders carried baguettes in their back pockets so they could eat lunch on the move—an image Dean says must have made the group look quite a sight as they cycled through northern France.
Fancy Dress and Camaraderie
One day of the ride was dedicated to fancy dress, with this year's theme being 'cops and robbers'. Dean and a friend used their imaginations and dressed as CHiPs, the Californian motorcycle police officers from the classic television series, but with a difference, prompting plenty of laughter and more than a few confused looks along the route.
For Dean, the most powerful moments came when the cyclists paused to reflect on the history beneath their wheels. Along the route, historians brought the stories of the First World War to life, including the truths and facts behind the Christmas Truce of 1914. Riders also heard from veterans supported by Help for Heroes, adding a deeply personal reminder of why the charity's work matters today.
Moments of Reflection and Remembrance
The group also took part in moments of reflection led by a pedalling padre and ceremonies team, with a piper and bugler marking poignant ceremonies at war memorials along the way. Dean said: "Taking part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride on a Penny Farthing was an unforgettable experience. It was physically tough, especially in the heat, but every mile had meaning.
"Cycling from place to place, hearing the history of the battlefields and sharing moments of reflection with veterans and fellow riders made it incredibly moving. There were plenty of funny moments too, from baguettes in our back pockets to fancy dress, but at the heart of it all was the chance to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families."
Next Year's Ride Open for Applications
Next year's ride applications are now open. To find out more and to join Dean and many others commemorating D-Day and riding through the historic Normandy Beaches, visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support/fundraising-events/big-battlefield-bike-ride.
