Meet the team
Current Events Co-Organiser, I have participated in all trips, some by bicycle, but mostly sat in a van giving instruction on how to drive, I am now an advanced driver. My hobbies include bird preservation, freefall parachuting, collecting points on my driving licence, cleaning my motor bike, cleaning my car, cleaning my other motor bike, cleaning my cleaning kit, cleaning my car, cleaning my motor bike……………oh and I am a bit OCDish
Mr Reliable. Never lets us down unless its Tracy’s birthday or their wedding anniversary!!! The only person on our trips to have fallen foul of any overseas law enforcement officers, ever!
Bob now cycles purely for pleasure, because according to him is now “very old and unfit”, or at least he thinks its pleasure. He no longer resides in or around Hinckley but still makes the effort to participate with the rest of the Gravity Fundraisers. He and Harry have fallen off their bikes far more than most other riders. Take care to steer clear when cycling near either of these!
Bob was an avid supporter of the fundraisers, he would always us use his facilities at The Red Lion in Burbage whenever we wanted. He always pulled a great pint.
We all miss Bob.
Cathy has helped out with the fundraising for a number of years now. A true Burbage girl, her support has been invaluable.
As you can see, he loves dining out, he claims to enjoy travelling but judging by his pasty legs he’s not been much further than Watford Gap. He has qualified as a Rugby Union and has coached for the last 7 years which makes him the most highly qualified coach within Englad. Good luck working with the England team!
Finno, is a true Hinckley and Burbage boy. Having represented GB at Judo, is now a carpenter in and around the area. He joined us on the first few rides and hope fully will be back in the saddle soon.
Sadly Passed
!Dave was a valued member of the support team before sadly passing away December 2006. Sadly, missed by all. His wife Vanessa has continued to support throughout.
Dean started riding at 17st 8lbs and is now 21st!!! The cycle fast diet doesn’t seem to be working. Played rugby to schoolboy level and a little after, coached a couple of small sides and is now unemployable!
Joined the support team 2011 and made up for all Gaylords deficiencies. Introduced the rolling BBQ this year. Top bloke and reliable!
Backdoor’s favourite film is Snow White. He’s been a great supporter of the team for several years and was sorely missed in 2011. Hopefully, the blocks will arrive for next year.
‘The Bouncing Bok’, ‘H’, ‘Harold’, ‘Brian Moores’ Best mate’,………..he’s been there and done the lot. For a guy who’s living in a desert, he keeps himself in amazing shape. He almost won King of the Mountains in the Alpes, and had there been a handicap system in place, he’d have won it by a country mile. A true Bok, er Scot, er Mick, er Englishman…….whatever you are H you’re top bloke!
Jim and Pete are our resident ‘Roofers’. Reknowned as being perhaps the best in the business, they also have a wicked sense of humour. Their efforts in fundraising has been exceptional and not gone unnoticed. This year as part of the fundraising, Jim and Backdoor will be appearing this Xmas at the Concordia Theatre Christmas Pantomine.
Joined us late in the day aged 61 years, but didn’t let age hinder him! He rode like a 20 year old and put us all (well at least Fletch) to shame. Nicknamed ‘Queenie’ as was voted by all riders second best athlete to Friendy overall!
Joined the support team 2011 and made up for all Gaylords deficiencies. Introduced the rolling BBQ this year. Top bloke and reliable!
Wheato, has been an ever-present and one of our founding member. Considering his age and slightly greying hair, he rides well! Best known for being left behind at a Turkish Restaurant in the middle of nowhere, somewhere in France, wearing only a pair of Union jack shorts and a waistcoat. When the boys realised twenty minutes later that they were one man down, they returned to pick him up. He was heard to say ‘Boys I never thought I’d say it, but I love you, even you Gaylord’!!!
‘Smiler’ joined us for the first time to Brussels and was lambasted by all for leaving his closest, long suffering friend ‘Fungus’ Livesey on Sandgatte beach whilst he completed the channel crossing on jet-ski. When asked whether we should go back for ‘Fungus’, he replied ‘Who? It’s everyman for himself!’
Former Rugby player for Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks. The largest member of the group by far weighing in at a tad over xxxl! Did very well to get to the top of Mt Ventoux (as did the van with him in it!). Finished the next three days off in style. Great fun and great moonie!
Hobbies include fishing, shooting, cycling, snail racing and motor racing.
Currently residing in Leicestershire Paul has completed many events as part of the Gravity Fundraisers including Bolivia, London to Paris, London to Brussels, Hinckley to Skegness and has jet skied across the channel. He has also participated in a charity raft race down the river Wye and completed the Kilworth challenge twice. Pauls next big challenge is to trek the Grand Canyon. Hobbies include skiing, walking, sewing, weight training, rugby and jigsaw puzzles.
A partner in crime with one of Snow Whites dwarves! With Jim his partner in their roofing business, they are as thick as thieves. A big sailor in his spare time and has often said the only reason he took sailing up is because he loves the colour blue!
Can talk the hind legs off 20 donkeys. Broke his arm on the Parliament to Parliament trip but it didn’t stop him from enjoying the trip. Sings in a band. Can stay up until the early hours and still get on his bike and ride like the wind!
I’m a slightly dysfunctional character and my riding style is to latch on to the rear of anyone foreign, especially from Australia, and follow them for the entire length of the trip. I claim to be exceptionally quick, but rely mainly on the ‘Drag’ factor other riders give me, a little like my dress style!
Steve joined us on our trip to Bolivia and supports us when he can. He's often seen sailing the Seven Seas, teasing Somalian Pirates, he has his own yacht.
‘Fungus’ was sensationally left behind on Sangatte Beach by the jets skiers and vans when they were coming back from Brussels. A likeable member of the team, he also joined us on our trip to Bolivia where his fundraising contribution didn’t go unnoticed..