“Cycle to the Sky” in Support of Vulcan XH558

WarbirdsNews believes in doing what it can to help promote events and objectives which support the continued preservation or celebration of vintage aircraft and stories of the people surrounding them. As such we will try to cover even small events which we believe will help in this aim. And to that end we felt compelled to share this news item….

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which maintains and operates Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558, is holding a sponsored cycle rideover the weekend of May 14th/15th. “Cycle to the Sky”, as it’s called, will cover over 150 miles. The ride will start at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, in Leicestershire and progress to Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport via Newark Aviation Museum, RAF Coningsby, The Sentry Post (Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure), and RAF Scampton. They hope to raise at least £5580 through the event in support of the Trust, which may not sound a lot considering the requirements of a magnificent beast like the Vulcan, but every bit helps. 

The waypoints on the ride have some significance to XH558, as Bruntingthorpe is where she underwent her restoration to flying condition, and Robin Hood Doncaster/Sheffield Airport is where the V-bomber now resides (in Hangar 3). Vulcans were once based at the other locations on the route, with the exception of Winthorpe (Newark Air Museum) currently the home for Vulcan B.2 XM594.

Five riders, all of whom are Vulcan to the Sky Club members, will be taking part in the event. They are still seeking sponsorships for the ride, and WarbirdsNews urges any of our readers who feel they can contribute to do so.  Vulcan XH558 is the last flying example of her breed, and is such an inspiration to see in the air. Her continued flight is not just a testament to the countless people who once worked on Vulcans, or a perfect platform for Cold War history education, but also aims to inspire a future generation of engineers and technicians.

Sponsorship can be made through the Cycle to the Sky web-page www.justgiving.com/cycletothesky

The Cycle to the Sky event is organized by the Vulcan to the Sky Club on behalf of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. The Club forms the primary channel for the public’s affection for XH558, and has been a vital component in 558’s life since the club formed in 1997. The Club offers financial, logistical and vital volunteer support to the Trust and is one of the UK’s biggest aviation supporters groups with around 5000 memberships. XH558 is almost entirely funded by public donations, a testament to the love the Great British public have for Avro Vulcan XH558.

For further information about the Trust and XH558, please go to www.vulcantothesky.org  or visit the Facebook page  www.facebook.com/vulcantXH558 or www.vulcantothesky.org/club