Sponsored events
We have witnessed some inspirational fundraising rides for Sustrans over the 2011 cycling season and we are enormously grateful to all the adventurers for the contributions they have generated for our cause. They have embarked on an array of cycling excursions for many different personal reasons and you can read about some of these below. Then why not start planning your own sponsored ride in 2012? A little enthusiasm, planning and our sponsored events guide (pdf) will put you on the right path.
What's been happening in 2011?
Olena, Gerry and Garrett, who all work for the NHS, ran in the Luton Marathon as a relay team. They raised funds for the Sustrans Luton Active Travel project, to 'support Sustrans work with young people in Luton, and create the next generation of confident and road wise cyclists'. Give them a boost and support active travel in Luton today!
4500 miles round the UK coast
Anna Hughes used to work for Sustrans so it's a pleasure to have had her fundraising for us. She set out on her coastal challenge on 1 August and made a triumphant return across Tower Bridge, London, in early October. On her travels she stayed with kind and welcoming hosts and experienced the best scenery the UK has to offer. Her fascinating blog gives a flavour of life on the open road and it's not too late to give sustainable transport a boost by visiting her Charity Giving page.
Down under with a digital twist
In September Scott Jeffery set out to cycle from Wimbledon in south west London to his birthplace in Australia! During his year-long journey he will be employing digital technology as much as possible to navigate and record the trip. He will also be fundraising for Sustrans and raising awareness of 'cycling as a sustainable and practical form of short and long distance transport'. May the wind be at his back all the way! Do sponsor Scott and keep up to date with his adventure, and keep in mind that your fundraising ride doesn't need to be this ambitious to succeed!
The Gentlemen Cyclists tackle Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG)
Dafydd Waters and his mate Alistair cycled end to end in September this year. The ride had been on Dafydd's to-do list for a long time and because he is very familiar with our 'glorious foot and cycle paths' created from disused railways, he planned to raise money for Sustrans along the way. He far exceeded his target of £500 and it's not too late to donate today. The boys put together an amusing and thought-provoking account of their preparations for the trip and of their rich experiences along the way - it's worth a read, especially if you have LEJOG in your sights.
Cycle for health
Graeme Willgress from Hatherleigh in Devon undertook an epic 'ride2recovery' this summer, completing a 4069 mile journey around the coast of the UK mainland and raising over £2500 for us. His inspirational story is one of triumph over adversity and worth a read.
Graeme believes that cycling on Sustrans' National Cycle Network helped him to tackle the serious mental health problems he has suffered since adolescence. On his return he reflected on his journey: ‘It has been an incredible experience. People really got behind the ride and my reasons for doing it. Being more active improves my mental heath enormously and it was only the existence of a good traffic-free section of National Cycle Network near my house that allowed me to start cycling as a means of recovery.’
Graeme hopes to ride again next year, but in the meantime, over the winter months, he’ll be concentrating on writing a book about the ride and giving talks.
Ringway team rides the Way of the Roses for Sustrans
Soon after the opening of our new flagship route from Morecambe to Bridlington last summer, a team of colleagues from Ringway, the Yorkshire-based highway and construction services company, set off to ride the Way of the Roses in support of Sustrans. The boys felt that because they work on the road transport system it was appropriate to help promote greener transport.
Battling the elements and mechanical failure presented challenges along the way, but the team, including Richard Whitaker, Mark Moody, Daniel Furneyhough, Stuart Rand, Mike Henderson and Richard Orr, witnessed the stunning landscapes of Lancashire and Yorkshire and completed the 170-mile ride in three days.
In July this year we were presented with an enormous cheque from the crew amounting to £1232.50 - friends, family, work colleagues and supply chain companies had all contributed in recognition of their efforts. These donations were boosted by match funding from Ringway's parent company, Eurovia. Our thanks to everyone involved with this venture!
NHS staff back cycling for health
In July NHS staff from London, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, all working in Public Health and Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM), along with local GPs, joined a charity cycle ride from London to Oxford to help raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and foster better co-operation between the two specialties and different regions. They rode 60 miles from London to Oxford on the National Cycle Network, tackling steep climbs and enjoying swooping descents across the Chilterns. Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health for West Berkshire, commented, 'It was great to travel through the back roads and quieter lanes without getting lost, stopping for tea in idyllic pub gardens.'
Much of the sponsorship earned will benefit our work and it is not too late to congratulate them on their efforts by visiting their justgiving page and making a donation. Here at Sustrans we could not ask for a better endorsement. In fact, Angela Baker, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Oxfordshire, said that cycling is 'a great way to stay active and keep fit' and with minimum weekly targets set for physical activity 'getting out at weekends for fun family cycles or commuting to school or work by bike' can help reach these goals in an enjoyable way.
Coastal campaign for Sustrans
Taking six months and covering around 4500 miles, Joby and Jilly Hobbs took 'time out from real life' and rode around the coast of mainland Britain in aid of Sustrans. Their epic tour started and finished at Edinburgh Castle. Please read all about their adventure of a lifetime in more detail and give generously on their website. Well done from everyone at Sustrans!
The brilliant Adeo-Cadence race team wins funds for Sustrans
This new Bath-based road race team have been donating a percentage of their winnings to Sustrans throughout the race season. The lads wanted to put something back into a pursuit from which they get so much enjoyment. Please visit their justgiving page to show your support.
Coast and Castles Challenge 2011
Charity Adventure's Coast and Castles 2011 ride for Sustrans was another enormous success, raising an astounding £10,000 for us. Congratulations and our grateful thanks to everyone who took part.
We are hoping to be able to offer another fundraising ride next year - watch this space for further developments or get in touch with your suggestions for a route.
Taking part in a run, triathlon or other challenge event?
Why not raise vital funds for Sustrans at the same time? We can offer a fundraising pack and Sustrans running vest or training T-shirt, and you will know that the money you raise will help us to get more people cycling and walking, improving their health and our environment. Email supporters@sustrans.org.uk and tell us about your event.