A VIRTUAL bike ride to the poppy fields of Flanders is aiming raise donations for veterans in need. Twelve cyclists from Rhyl will each clock up the 432-mile distance to the Belgian-French battlefields during February and March by using stationary exercise bikes and outdoor cycle routes. The fundraiser is being organised by the Rhyl branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) as the charity for Armed Forces veterans and the Poppy Appeal celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Richard Kendrick, Poppy Appeal organiser for the Rhyl branch, said the virtual bike ride is one of many online fundraisers taking place this year to raise scarce donations amid surge in demand on the charity’s services during the coronavirus pandemic.