ON JANUARY 1 1930 the first edition of the the Morning Star’s forerunner, the Daily Worker, rolled off the printing presses and into the hands of working-class men and women.

Our enemies said the paper would never last and who knows what doubts existed among the original group of eight revolutionaries who produced the world’s only English-language socialist daily?

And yet, against all the odds but with the support of our readers, the paper survived and prospered as a champion of the millions of people who believe a better world is possible.

On Sunday July 26, readers from London and south-east England will celebrate the Star’s birthday by taking to the streets on two wheels. Unlike Fidel Castro’s Movimiento 26 de Julio which stormed the Moncada barracks on this day in 1953, we can’t promise you a revolution.

But if you come along for the ride we can guarantee great company, beautiful Hertfordshire countryside and the challenge of cycling one kilometre for each of the Star’s 85 years of life!

Suitable for all cyclists from lycra-wearing roadies to recreational riders in jeans and T-shirts, all you need to take part is a road-worthy bike and plenty of enthusiasm.

We will ride at the pace of the slowest rider and an experienced ride leader will always be on hand to offer advice or assist with any mechanical problems. We will stop for a cafe lunch and other breaks as needed.

The ride is open to everyone and costs just £10 to enter. You do not have to be sponsored, but for those who raise £85 or more we will waive the entry fee.

If you are interested in taking part, please email calvintucker@peoples-press.com and we will send you full ride information and route details. Alternatively, just turn up at 10am on the day (postcode EN2 6LT) and introduce yourself.

• To sponsor the ride, please call (020) 8510-0815 or send a cheque marked “cycling” and payable to PPFF to 52 Beachy Road, London E3 2NS. 

On the Road with Calvin Tucker

The starting point at Cafe Nero in Enfield Town 1 provides a convivial venue for those who wish to top up their fuel tanks with coffee and cake. On the opposite side of the road is the local branch of Barclays, which in 1967 became home to the world’s first cash machine.

From Enfield, the riders head north, crossing the M25 just east of Potters Bar 2. 

The last traces of urbanisation are soon replaced with the sights and sounds of the glorious Hertfordshire countryside, as the route winds its way towards the village of Essendon 3, where a leg-sapping but mercifully short climb awaits the bunch.

Famous residents have included the late novelist Barbara Cartland and the smallpox expert Thomas Dimsdale, who in 1768 was invited to Russia to inoculate Catherine the Great.

From Essendon, the Star peloton continues due north past the Panshanger airfield 4, skirting the environs of Welwyn Garden City before reaching Knebworth, the iconic rock venue where Queen played their last concert in 1986.

The ride will stop for lunch at the Vanstone Park Garden Centre 5, before heading back south through Hertford and towards Brickendon 6, where there should be time for a short break on the beautiful village green.

The tempo will then increase for the final 30 kilometres through Epping Green and Newgate Street 7, before arriving at the two hardest climbs of the day: Carbone and Vineyards.

From there it should be a fairly easy spin through Northaw and Crews Hill, arriving back at the finish at Enfield in time for a celebratory drink!