The 4th annual Pilgrims Sportive took place on Sunday 21th April 2024. It was a beautiful morning and Putney Embankment was abuzz with boating activity. After some enthusiastic leg stretching we set off at 8am. 

Ed Thomas (CY 2009-14) made his debut this year but was unlucky in suffering 3 punctures within the first 40 kilometres. He had to abandon. Simon Wright (LN 1989-94) peeled off early to meet with family.

We stopped at Chevening and were joined by Tom Jackson (GL1990-95) and friend, Gavin. The bells of St Botolph’s rang whilst we enjoyed tea, Florentines & sloe gin. For our second stop, we had a lovely warm welcome at the Allison family home near Charing. We shared tea & Tim Tams. With the end in sight it was full gas all the way from Charing to Canterbury. 

We finished with a Snickers bar & photos on the Norman Staircase. Brigadier Peter Baines (LN 1991-96) was well warmed up now and set his sights on the return journey. He rode an astonishing 268 km!

These words guided him on:

"We are the Pilgrims, master: we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond the last mountain barred with snow, across that angry or that glimmering sea"

We look forward to our next merry meeting.

Pictured: Pilgrims before the start; from left: Ed Thomas (CY 2009-14), Simon Wright (LN 1989-94), Ben Loxton-Edwards (MR 1990-95), Peter Baines (LN 1991-96) and Charles Foinette (MR 1991-96)