The Tavistock Wheelers completed a 3,926 mile cycle between Tavistock and London.
A rapturous and uplifting reception awaited the group at University College London (UCL), with doctors, Huntington's disease volunteers, and several relatives of the wheelers all cheering the team in. It was truly heartwarming.
After months of planning, training and fundraising, a group of 13 wheelers, also known as the Tavistock Wheelers, depart Bedford Square in Tavistock on their 3,926 mile cycle to London. Not forgetting the 160,290ft incline they embarked on.
The cycling challenge, Miles for Mark was for the team’s good friend Mark. Mark was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. They received a noisy send-off from local supporters and fellow wheelers who cheered them on as they set off on their five-day cycling challenge.
And so as we left Tavistock, the true enormity of what we were aiming to achieve sank in. Would we reach London in time? Would our legs and bikes hold up? Did we have enough cake on our support van? Would we reach our £10,000 fundraising target? Well, the answer is YES!
The team pedalled across hilly Devon, through Somerset, Glastonbury and picking up the Avon and Kennett canal path through Bath, Bradford on Avon, towards Devizes. They cycled beautiful roads through Wiltshire countryside and across the North Wessex Downs and into leafy Berkshire. They ended the ride down the Thames canal path, riding through commuter belt villages, where an equally epic cheer team awaited them to cross the finish line at University College London hospital.
We met so many kind and generous people along the way, all donating towards our fundraising effort. May is Huntington's awareness month so our ride was perfectly timed. This was a massive team effort, which would not have happened without the support of so many people.
To add to the effort, two members of the Tavistock Wheelers cycled back from London to Tavistock through the night in under 24 hours. A further four Wheelers also rode back to Tavistock the following week across four days.
What advice would you give people looking to take part in their own cycling challenge or #HDBike?
It's a great idea to get everyone out on their bikes. The national cycle route network is growing all the time, and there are some fabulous railway lines that have been converted into cycle trails all across the country. These are great for family rides, and also good confidence builders for beginners.
Here are a few tips:
- Find some buddies to ride with
- Always wear a helmet
- Use the national cycle network for a safe / scenic route
- Check your bike for roadworthiness
- Carry food / drink - especially if it's hot
- Wear sun cream
- Keep it fun - making sure to keep your group together and enjoying the view
- Dress for the conditions
- Follow the highway code / local instructions
- Use lights and reflectors
- Have fun and enjoy your challenge
Looking for a fundraising challenge?
If the Tavistock Wheelers have inspired you to pump up your tyres and get cycling, you can check out our fundraising events below. There is everything from runs, challenge hikes, cycling, to inflatable fun runs.