‘Amazing’ re-union for Land’s End to John O’Groats cyclists

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Bob, Mel, and Chris at the iconic signpost

When Skegness Freemason Bob Craig and his wife Mel cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats the last person they expected to meet at journey’s end was someone they hadn’t seen since New Year’s Day.

Bob and Mel had been to the Skegness Masonic centre to see off fellow Freemason Chris Jones as he embarked on his round-Britain walk to raise £100,000 for the Freemasons’ charity the MCF.

Said Chris: “Bob and Mel started their bike ride earlier this month. It was pure fluke that I was at John O’Groats when they arrived, but I was chuffed to bits to see them!”

Bob, a member of St Clement Lodge, said: “We set our itinerary in August last year, so it’s amazing that we hit John O’Groats within 12 hours of Chris without planning it. Mel and I pedalled for 112 hours, did 1,065 miles, and climbed 53,041 feet.”

Bob and Chris met during lockdown, when Freemasons were supplying hand sanitiser where it was needed. Distribution was by motorcycling members of the Free Wheelers Lodge, including Chris, who delivered to Bob as the Skegness contact.

“We stayed in touch, and Bob introduced me to another couple who’d lived in Skegness but retired to Stirling in Scotland, and were kind enough to put me up for a couple of nights during the walk.

“Bob, Mel, and I had a few coffees before they had to cycle another 17 miles down to Wick to start their journey home…”