What an incredible start to our challenge! We have ridden 82 miles, scaled many hills and had a few ‘adventures’ along the way.
Our day started with an amazing reception at Ghulevelt Park. We were delighted to see so many of you to wish us well and send us on our way. It was great to see representatives from our sponsors and our chosen charities; the team were both humbled and amazed at the support they received.
After a lot of photos and emotional send-offs, at 9 am, the Mayor of Worcester released the riders onto their journey, and then the fun began!
First up, riding past SME solicitors, the team were greeted by Will’s colleagues, all keen to cheer and wave as the team began their long journey to Belgium. Thank you so much, it really meant a lot to us all.
Checkpoint 1, and we were missing two riders – oops!
Our first checkpoint was at Sedgeberrow, 20miles from Worcester and less than 10% of the journey. As everyone arrived at the checkpoint, though overcast, the weather was holding, and everyone was in high spirits – well, kind of – six miles in, Colin had suffered a puncture and was delayed for 45 minutes having a repair at Echelon Cycles, Pershore. With a determined ride, Colin and Paul caught up with the group by the third checkpoint. Well done guys – no mean feat because there are some super-fast cyclists in the team!
And then there were hills….
Further ahead, at mile 27 we encountered our first big challenge, ‘Corndean Lane’, a gruelling beast of a hill. The hill takes us out of Winchcombe onto Cotswold Ridge and has an elevation change of 120m in less than a mile with gradients of over 15%!! Once up and onto the flat, a further steep climb was encountered at Brockhampton, before descending into Northleach for a well-earned break and lunch!
Prison food
We had lunch at ‘the old prison’ a fantastic venue with great food and coffee. If you have the time you can even visit the old prison cells! Fortunately, none of the team were detained for too long and headed off towards the planned afternoon stop in Shrivenham.
The first afternoon stage was largely uneventful, though the wind had picked up since the morning, and at times progress was slow. There were also some challenges with a few navigation devices and again, Colin and Paul were struck with a little misfortune and a five mile ‘diversion’.
Shrivenham Bowls Club
We were welcomed by the chairman of Shrivenham bowls club, who had kindly laid on tea, coffee and biscuits, which was welcome by all. Less welcome was the news of the next challenge, ‘Ashbury Hill’, which the locals described as ‘steep’!! An understatement, as it happens.
As we approached the final leg of the journey, Ashbury Hill loomed ahead, just a short distance away from Shrivenham. The climb felt endless at times, but with teamwork and encouragement, everyone reached the summit. From there, it was mostly downhill for the remaining 15 miles to Newbury, winding through scenic lanes and past several prestigious horse racing stables.
We finally arrived at our destination for the evening the Premier Inn in Newbury and we were all ready for a well-earned beer, a good meal, and some much-needed rest!
Our riders are taking on this challenge for three charities, today we focus on St Richards Hospice, and the amazing work they do in the community:
About St Richard’s Hospice
St Richard’s Hospice has been providing free, expert care for adults with serious, life-limiting illnesses since 1984. Based in Worcestershire, the hospice also supports patients’ loved ones and carers through some of life’s most difficult times.
As an independent registered charity, St Richard’s relies on the generosity of the community to continue its vital work. Most of its income comes from public donations, fundraising events, gifts in Wills, and sponsorships, with around a quarter funded by the NHS.
With a dedicated team of around 250 staff, guided by an experienced Executive Team and Board of Trustees, the hospice continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of local people when they need it most.
St Richard’s holds a particularly special place in the hearts of the G2G Cycle Challenge team, as some members have experienced first-hand the compassionate support the hospice provides to families during incredibly difficult times.
To pledge your donation and encourage the team on this epic journey, please head to our Give Wheel fundraising page.