Weds 2 June – To Guildford & Chichester

UPDATE: From Sutton via the M3/A3 to Guildford & Chichester

Revd John Kime left the daunting traffic laden south London roads around Sutton this morning for Guildford Cathedral on the next stage of 42 venue cycle ride, highlighting the need for Climate change and Climate Justice.

As a cyclist sometimes getting from one place to another can be tricky and frightening. At a pivotal junction at the M3 and A3 interchange there is evidence of an overgrown path at the side of the 3-4-5 lane dual carriageway and an old mile marker showing 50 miles to Portsmouth. To the left is mature woodland, making a silent partner to the roaring roads on the right.

A few miles later, leaving the busy roads it was an enjoyable ride through leafy countryside. "What a contrast to London and its overspill of noise, energy and pollution".

Arriving at Guildford Cathedral on Stag Hill it was time for John to sit and let it be, in the almost silent Neo-Gothic/Art Deco building, which was consecrated in 1961.Then it was back in the saddle and on to Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex. Founded in 1075 when the seat of the Bishop was moved from Selsey, the building was consecrated in 1108.

Cycling around 70 miles today, this brings John's total bike miles around England's Cathedrals to more than 1500 miles.

Revd John Kime is taking part in the Cathedrals Cycle Route Challenge, cycling 2000 miles around across England bearing a letter from the Methodist Church's Bristol District Chair, the Revd Dr Jonathan Pye, highlighting the urgent issue of climate change and climate justice.

The letter calls to support actions which will care for creation in a proactive way, lobby the Government which is hosting the COP 26 talks in Glasgow for lasting commitments to care for our planet, and for individuals to take steps 'to tread more lightly upon this earth'.