Elaine Burbidge and her family have taken part in the event since the 1980s. Elaine no longer cycles and would not be able to get round many churches on foot, so she ‘goes green’ and uses her bus pass to do her ‘bike ride’ on public transport.
This year she once again got out her bus pass and travelled around Norfolk taking in churches along the way. Below is the story of her day.
Having issues with back pain over the last few days, I left home at 8:35am to walk slowly to Fakenham Parish Church to check in there before catching the 9:05 X29 bus towards Norwich. Alighting at Guist, I signed in at St. Andrew’s at 9:30.
Back at the bus stop I chatted with another couple as we waited for the next X29 which I rode to Bawdeswell. There, I signed in at All Saints at 10:15 and enjoyed listening to a group rehearsing songs from “The Sound of Music“. Another X29 brought me to Lenwade at 10:28. The small chapel there was locked and looked uncared for, maybe even unused. Taking a photo, I added it to my list. Then it was quite a long wait until 11:16 for an X29 to Drayton. St. Margaret’s there felt welcoming, not least because they have a toilet! Although it was now 11:40 there had only been two other people sign in there. I enjoyed a drink, appreciating the biodegradable “envirocup” made from plant materials.
12:05 and one bus stop further on was Drayton & Horsford Methodist chapel – locked. I took a photo then appreciated a seat outside until a #28 bus came along. I rode this to Wensum Park and walked up to St Luke’s which, at 12:43 I was disappointed to find shut. I photographed the locked door and headed back to the bus stop just in time for another X29. Feeling tired by now I omitted one more planned stop and continued to Norwich Cathedral. Here I met my first fellow rider, and we exchanged stories. After checking in at the Cathedral – and Norwich School Chapel at the same desk – I sat outside in the sun to enjoy my sandwiches. Walking round I met Paddington Bear who kindly allowed me to take a photo of him sporting a “Sponsored Bike Ride & Walk” sticker! From the Cathedral a 21 bus took me to Castle Meadow from where I walked through to St Peter Mancroft, 2:00pm, then St Stephen’s at 2:05 where I stopped for another drink, chatting to a very pleasant man who was greeting riders and walkers.
Finally, 2:35 saw me getting onto an X29 which brought me back to Fakenham and home at 3:55pm. Exhausted! I’m very grateful to all who have supported me in the past and hope for your continued sponsorship this year. Thank you.
Here at the Norfolk Churches Trust, we are very grateful to those such as Elaine who after so many years still find a way to take part in the Bike Ride & Walk.
Below is a photo from a previous year, showing Elaine making full use of that bus pass!
Do you have a story about your day, please let us know at media@norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk
