Micropubs are a recent phenomenon. The Micropub Association website describes a micropub as "a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks". If you like good beer and good cheer then you'll love micropubs! Shortly before the end of 2014, the Micropub Association announced that the 100th Micropub had opened. At that point I resolved to visit them all - by bike.
Although I have not yet finalised my route, I expect the total cycling distance to be around 1800 miles (update: looking more like 2000!), the equivalent of Lands End to John o Groats and back! Micropubs are everywhere, from Kent to Devon, to Wales to Berwick upon Tweed, and everywhere in between! I have a job and a family life, so I will be undertaking the journey in stages, throughout the year. Doing it this way will also make it more practical for friends and family to join me for sections of the ride. I will be raising money for the Alzheimers Society in memory of my father who, like many others, suffered from this cruel condition in his later years. I truly believe that the causes of dementia can and will be cracked. In the meantime, the Alzheimers Society are fighting on two fronts: Supporting research into identifying the causes of the condition and potential cures, and providing care and support for those suffering from the condition and, equally importantly, their families and carers.
Thanks for reading! Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations. Last but not least, big thanks to my lovely wife and daughters for being very understanding about the significance of this epic journey that lesser mortals might have frowned upon as a mega pub crawl :-)
Richard