Riding ahead of the pack: Meet Joseph

Meet Joseph, taking on our Tour de Moor a week early

When 13-year-old Joseph realised that he wouldn’t be able to make it to our Tour de Moor ride on Sunday, he didn’t let disappointment slow him down. Instead, he took on the challenge a week early, determined not to miss out on the event he had been looking forward to all year.

Avid bike lover, Joseph Florey, from Sherford, took part in our Tour de Moor with his dad for the first time last year. He loved it so much that he couldn’t wait to do it all over again this year and so signed up as soon as possible.

However unfortunately, he is due to undergo an operation just before the big day, meaning he would miss this year’s event. But Joseph was not going to let that stop him from completing the challenge. He got out on his bike at the weekend and battled the weather to ride the 11km route and has raised more than £100 in the process.

Joseph’s dad Graham, describes how his determination pushed him through the ride. ”I’ll never forget our first year – about a quarter of a mile in, Joe asked me, “Have we finished yet?” This year was a completely different story. He didn’t ask once – he just wanted to keep going further and faster! Even the rain couldn’t dampen his spirits.

“It was fine to begin with, but as we approached the tunnel the heavens opened! Joe even laughed, remembering from last year that it somehow rains inside the tunnel too.

“From the turnaround point, the real test began with the long climb back up to Yelverton. Joe did incredibly well – he never stopped once, just kept pedalling through the rain, smiling and determined. Even on the final steep hill, he pushed on without stopping and made it all the way to the top.”