Extra! Mike almost joins the Red Arrows

Actually, the nearest Mike Rainton got to joining them was by taking part as a guest in the last leg of the coast-to-coast charity ride by RAF personnel in aid of the Jon Egging Trust and two other charities.   They included Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight display pilots.

See also Red Arrows and other RAF display cyclists arrive in Lowestoft – a set on Flickr

Mike joined the ride in Cambridge and rode with the fliers (including Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging’s widow, Emma, riding in his place) back to Lowestoft, where the riders arrived some time after 5.20pm, apparently delayed in part by too many bacon butties in Beccles and a wrong turn before Lowestoft bridge.

College lecturer and Velo Club Baracchi member Mike rode with the good wishes of his Foundation students at Lowestoft College and his club-mates.  With their fundraising efforts (including turbo-training stints by the students) his wizard plans and pleas to friends for help added a tidy pile of loot to the success of the ride and Mike was warmly thanked by the RAF ride organiser.

Mike enjoyed himself into the bargain, including the special buzz of riding through red lights behind a police escort.