After 37 years stuck behind the steering wheel of a lorry, John Fielding wants an altogether more stimulating experience of the English countryside.

The 63-year-old, from Heywood East, recently retired from driving the length and breadth of the country and now plans to tackle a 1,000 mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats starting on April 21.

He is combining his passion for Britain and cycling with another cause close to his heart. He hopes to raise money from his journey for Heywood Cricket Club, who are using their status as a Natwest Cricketforce Showcase club for 2012 as a bid to improve facilities with the focus mainly on Heywood’s young people.

John, who is doing the ride unsupported and is camping all the way, was inspired by a letter in the Cycling Touring Club magazine from an 80-year-old, who had decided to undertake the ride as a birthday present.

He’ll be driven down to Land’s End “as a favour” and will fly back from Wick six weeks later.

He said: “There are lots of routes you can choose and this is one of the longer ones.

“I’m not out to break any records or anything – after 37 years behind the wheel of a lorry I want to see and appreciate Britain slowly, take my time and if I want to do more miles in a day or less then I can because I don’t need to book in advance.

“I want to go to areas I have not seen, I am going through lots of lovely country roads and want to appreciate the beautiful country we live in.

“I’m also a keen photographer and this will give me the time to really take the pictures of things I want.”
John, who will use a Specialized Tri-Cross Sport bike, is carrying all his equipment – lightweight tent, sleeping bag and all – on paniers.

He’s getting fit for the ride by walking five or six miles a day “because every pound I lose will make it easier for me”.

And he explained why he wants to combine this long-held ambition with raising funds for Heywood Cricket Club.

He continued: “I was a former junior cricketer at Heywood and have been a member for years.

“What I love most about the club is what it does for young people. There are some great coaches and some great volunteers down there who provide something that wouldn’t be there otherwise.

“Everyone at Crimble should be applauded for the work they do. Even if a young person doesn’t make it as a cricketer they go away a better person for the experience down there which can only enhance their life.

“The banter is great, there is fantastic support both home and away. It’s a lovely atmosphere.

“This is my way of doing what I can do for the club. Some volunteers do the ground, which is a credit to them.

“The club really serves the community and the people of Heywood should be proud of what that club stands for and what it does.

“It’s just a shame more people don’t come down and give it a try. They’ll have a great day out.”

If you want to sponsor John, contact first team captain Bobby Cross by emailing [email protected] or by ringing him on 01706 623513.

John is keen to stress that all costs are already covered by him and all funds raised will go to Heywood Cricket Club.

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