Page 24 - WMPF Federation JUNE-JULY 2019-flip_Neat

Pedal power

Clocking up the

miles ahead of

charity challenge

ith his wife expecting a baby in
September, two children to help
Wlook after, a dog to exercise and a
full-time job, it’s no great surprise that West
Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke
is struggling to fit in enough training ahead
of a 195-mile charity cycle at the end of July.
Rich is a member of the West Midlands
Chapter of the Police Unity Tour (PUT), an
annual sponsored cycle ride in aid of Care of
Police Survivors (COPS) supported by officers
and supporters from many police forces.
The various chapters of the PUT will set
off from points around England and Wales
on Friday 26 July coming together in
Staffordshire to then ride into the National
Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas for the COPS
memorial service on Sunday 28 July.
Rich is looking forward to the challenge
of taking part but admits he has his work cut
out in building up his biking miles.
“I feel I’m progressing, certainly my
average speeds are increasing but this
challenge is all about endurance and I’m
struggling to get longer, say 50-mile plus,
rides under my belt which I see as the key
area in the run-up to the tour,” he explains.
“At present I don’t feel like I am ready
because, while I’m optimistic I can do this,
it’s just a question of making the time for
more training - maybe doing a few early
starts. It can be difficult, as many members
will know, with a wife expecting a baby in
September, two children to feed and
entertain, a dog to be walked and a full-time Rich Cooke in training.
job to hold down. At least I don’t have shifts
to contend with currently unlike most (morning stop) before heading to Ludlow. (lunch stop).
colleagues.” Ludlow to Bishops Castle (lunch stop). Rugeley to Tamworth Snow Dome and then
While the exact route has not been Then to Shrewsbury (park for ceremony and Drayton Manor to meet other PUT Chapters.
confirmed, as roadworks will have to be then to a hotel). Around 75 miles.
assessed, the provisional schedule is as Around 100 miles, with one major climb. Day 3
follows: Day 2 Combined chapters ride to the arboretum.
Day 1 Shrewsbury to Newport (morning stop). Around 20 miles.
Hindlip to Leominster Police Station Newport to Cannock Chase and Rugeley Chief Constable Dave Thompson will join

24 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids