Meet Jonathan:

Hi, I’m Jonathan Roskell, I am the Retail Change Manager and I’ve worked for Booths for over 40 years.

Tell us why you’re riding London 2 Paris in 2026?

This will be my 3rd time participating because its such an amazing event for those new to cycling and seasoned professionals. The organisation is amazing , the routes through France are beautiful and most important of course is that we are raising money for such a worthwhile charity.

On a scale of 1–10, how brave are you feeling right now and why?

8, I’m lucky as I know what is in store and what preparation I need to do to be ready for Greenwich on Thursday 4th June.

Hills, weather, or sore legs—which are you least excited about and why?

The weather – last year was not great as we had both rain and wind which not only is extremely uncomfortable , it causes lots of punctures (I had 2 myself).

If your bike had feelings, would it be excited or nervous and why?

Excited – she’s been cooped up all winter so is desperate to get her wheels turning.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you reach Paris?

Have a beer and then order another!

Meet David:
David, nearly 29 years with Booths, a butcher supervisor working at Fresh Food Production. I am married with 2 adult sons and got back into sport aged 50 after completing a couch to 5km.

Tell us why you’re riding London 2 Paris in 2026?
I need a new challenge each year, it clashed with Bolton Ironman in 2025 but this year I kept my calendar free. I am keen to ride with fellow employees to support the Charity. My wife has a colleague who was treated and supported through Leukaemia.

On a scale of 1–10, how brave are you feeling right now and why?
7, it’s a very long way , I’ve never travelled abroad without my wife and whilst I’ve driven 000s of miles through France over the years, the though of 2 wheels and Lycra is very daunting.

Hills, weather, or sore legs—which are you least excited about and why?
Hills, up and down, the pain and effort getting up them, the downhill can be scary, I’ve experienced some French hairpin bends in my car, hope my brakes don’t let me down.

If your bike had feelings, would it be excited or nervous and why?
Nervous, my last organised event ended abruptly, my poor bike still carries the scars and scuffs.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you reach Paris?
Take a selfie to send home.