Double Downs Walking with the Wounded Ride
On Saturday 1st September Sigma Sports staff members will be joining inspirational veteran and GB Para-Cyclist Jaco van Gass to take on the challenging 64-mile Double Downs Gravel Ride along the famous chalk hills of the South Downs Way. Starting in Winchester, the off-road route takes in 7000ft of climbing as it follows a loop out to Queen Elizabeth II Country Park near Waterlooville.
Riders taking on the Double Downs Ride are asked to help raise funds for veterans charity Walking With The Wounded, who support the UK’s most at-risk veterans suffering from physical, mental and social challenges. Their goal is to reintegrate these individuals into society and to help them lead productive and fulfilling lives.
The Double Downs ride has also been named in memory of Danny Johnston, a UK veteran who sadly took his own life following a battle with mental illness after leaving the Armed Forces. This is especially poignant for Sigma Sports staff member Chris who served in the Army with Danny;
“I served alongside Danny in the Army for nearly 12 years. He was one of my closest friends and a soldier I looked up to and admired greatly; he personified the Infantry soldier and this was encapsulated best by his service within UK Special Forces. I was heavily involved in the extensive search for Danny along with numerous other veterans, family and friends along the South Downs Way and it is fitting that a challenging ride such as the Double Downs be used to raise awareness of mental health issues within our servicemen and women as well as serving to celebrate Danny’s life”
Please join us on September 1st for what promises to be a tough, but fun, day out on the bike in the wonderful surroundings of the South Downs National Park.
Can't make the ride? Why not help staff member, Chris, raise money for this fantastic charity? Click here to make a donation.
