The 220 mile bike ride began yesterday with representatives from forces across the UK cycling in remembrance of those who have died in the line of duty.

The annual bike ride sees hundred of participants each year raising money for families of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty - with each cyclist taking part in memory of an individual officer who has passed. 

All the cyclists will converge on Sunday at the UK Police Memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. 

Familiar faces will be spotted, including Hampshire’s DCC Ben Snuggs who is taking part for the first time. 

“I am proud to ride in honour of PC Jeffrey Whitecombe, who died on duty on 25 February 1987," he said. 

“There are so many families left behind by tragedies like this, which is why I’m honour to be taking on this challenge with my colleagues.” 

Meanwhile, Northamptonshire Chief Nick Adderley, although not completing the whole thing, added on a 90 mile leg on Friday starting from the force HQ, accompanied by nine others from his force. 

Beds PCC Festus Akinbusoye has also been peddling this weekend, when Police Oracle last checked he was on mile 75. 

“We have some truly incredible lead riders,” he tweeted. 

“Hearing some inspiring yet sobering stories too.”

The Unity Tour started in the US in 1997 and was taken up in the UK in 2013 with 25 riders taking part. This had risen to 420 cyclists in 2019 before the pandemic.

Last year the tour returned and managed to raise over £100,000.

The event has grown to such an extent that there will be 12 regional chapters riding from all over the UK this year.