Welcome to the Coast-to-Coast, Operation LONG ROAD team. They are Warrant Officer Nick Style RAF (cyclist), Mr Roy Hunte (team physio), Mr Peter Taylor Met Police Force (support staff), Andrew Jones (mechanic), and myself Sergeant Jason Lewis MBE RAF (cyclist).

I have served in the RAF Regiment for 18 years, joining up in 1989. After a short stint on Rapier ground to air missiles I moved to spend the last 13 years on Field Sqns. During this time I have served on 15 operational tours in all theatres of war from the Balkans to Africa and of course the Middle East, with 3 tours of Basrah and 1 of Afghanistan. Like all professional soldiers I am proud to have done so. Unfortunately during my last tour, in Afghanistan, I developed a condition that causes me to have seizures that meant I had to be medically evacuated back to the UK.

During my time in the RAF Regiment I have tried to do my part in raising money for various charities and have competed in a number of endurance charity events including running the Great Glen way, 72 miles through the Scottish Highlands in 2 days, and a 24 hour rowing machine marathon, (which was nice!). For obvious reasons the rehabilitation of our squaddies is still an emotional topic for me so it was only natural for my next charity epic to be in support of our brave lads and lasses. The Help for Heroes Charity are raising money for the Defence Rehabilitation Medical Centre Hedley Court. Ground Zero is a strong symbol as the starting point for the fight against global terrorism and to be able to finish our event here would send a powerful message. Cycling as an endurance event is something I have no experience of and was therefore an obvious event to choose. So it was that the concept to cycle across the USA, Santa Monica to Ground Zero was born.

What lies ahead? Between now and May 09 Nick and I need to train! Build up the miles in our legs and build up the endurance required for 36 days of 90 – 120 miles a day. We as a team need to fine tune our administration and techniques in support of the ride and most importantly we need to raise lots of money. We want to get the nation behind us and raise as much money as we can.

Finally I would just like to say a heart felt thank you to all who are supporting us in our efforts. With out the support of the RAF, in particular RAF Lossiemouth, our sponsors, (who can be viewed on the partners page), and of course you the patriotic public who have donated in order support of our brave squaddies, none of this would be possible.