King's Rochester pupil to cycle from Kent to West Midlands with RBLI

Archie Caithness, a Sixth Form student at King’s Rochester is eagerly preparing to join cyclists from across the UK for the RBLI Ride with a Veteran 2021.

Archie, 18, from Rochester will be cycling 150 miles from Aylesford, Kent to the Cyclists Memorial in Meridian, West Midlands in July. A journey that will take nearly two days to complete and raise much needed funds for the RBLI. On volunteering for the challenge, Archie said: “I am a keen supporter of the Royal British Legion. At King’s, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities provided to me as Sergeant for the Army section of the School’s Combined Cadet Force and am always keen to give back and support the RBLI.”

At the moment, Archie will be the youngest rider undertaking the challenge and the organisers have arranged for part of his journey to be alongside the oldest rider at 80 years old. Archie commented: “I haven’t really thought about being the youngest rider. Age is just number! I’m sure that all the people I meet will be friendly and we will support each other to complete the challenge. I already have great respect for the other riders and look forward to hearing their stories”.

On arrival in the West Midlands and to mark the end of the challenge, Archie, a skilled trumpet player and Music Scholar at King’s has been asked to play The Last Post. On performing at the finish, Archie said: “I have played The Last Post for the school community many times, and consider this is a real honour. During the first Lockdown, I played from my garden for the local community on VE Day, and the 2020 Remembrance Day service was broadcast live from the School to the local community – so I have experienced playing in the open air. Every sounding of this trumpet call holds great significance to many people and there is huge pressure to play well, especially in front of a group of veterans.”

Cycling is a passion of Archie’s who is no stranger to undertaking such challenges: “At King’s, I led the very successful fundraising challenge earlier this year to virtually travel around 1987km to visit all the tutors’ home towns. This, combined with recent Chapel address on the merits of cycling, means that I am known as both being a trumpet player and a keen cyclist.”

Fitting in training around his school commitments, music rehearsals and sports fixtures hasn’t been easy, but Archie is approaching it with great resolve: “Besides my usual cycling and rowing training, I haven’t had much time to specifically train for this adventure yet. A-levels are taking priority at the moment. Starting at half term, I have a few longer distance routes planned, where I want to try out my kit.”

Ben Charles, Principal of King’s Rochester said: “I wish Archie all the best for his journey with the RBLI, his selflessness, community spirit and determination showcase everything that makes our Sixth Formers so special here at King’s.”

You can support and donate to Archie’s RBLI Ride at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Archie-Caithness