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  • 1.4.1: Challenge Britain
    • 1.4.1.1: The Team
    • 1.4.1.2: The Challenge
    • 1.4.1.3: Thanks/Sponsors
    • 1.4.1.4: The Route
    • 1.4.1.5: Photos
  • 1.4.2: 2 Million Revolutions
    • 1.4.2.1: The Team
    • 1.4.2.2: The Challenge
    • 1.4.2.3: Thanks/Sponsors
    • 1.4.2.4: The Route
    • 1.4.2.5: Photos
  • 1.4.3: Make a Difference Challenge 2010
    • 1.4.3.1: The Team
    • 1.4.3.2: The Challenge
    • 1.4.3.3: Thanks/Sponsors
    • 1.4.3.4: The Route
    • 1.4.3.5: Photos
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You are here: Home > Challenges > Challenge Britain > The Challenge

Challenge Britain - The Challenge

 

 

The Challenge

In September 2007, a fleeting comment in a monthly work face-to-face meeting between Matthew and Cleveland led to a decision being made to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats. A conversation or two later and within a week a team of cyclists, a support driver and a route had been decided. All steps were taken as quickly as a two week period and before anybody could really think about what they were doing. The team has signed up for one of the most gruelling and infamous cycling challenges in the world and without really a second thought.

 

For a year leading up to the ride, Matthew had been heavily involved with MHPF and his enthusiasm and commitment for the cause was being shared by Jon, Cleveland and Howard. In knowing that something big needed to be achieved to raise the sort of funds needed to help develop the schools at Memusi and Mlali, the decision to cycle the length of the UK evolved.

 

Matthew, Jon and Cleveland will be cycling a distance of approximately 900 miles over a period of 8 days. A support vehicle will be available to provide the trio with valuble food, water and spare parts and would be driven by Howard.

 

The journey will incorporate distances of between 70 and 135 miles per day, calling at Truro, Taunton, Worcestor, Warrington, Kendal, Biggar, Pitlochry and Dornoch.

 

On day 4 of the ride, the team will open the ride to friends, family and colleagues to join them cycling from Warrington to Kendal. This will provide the opportunity for more people to cycle for the cause and to participate in Challenge Britain. The team will be joined by Sally Norton, Andrew Weatherill and Richard Hardman for the 75 mile challenge.

 

At the stage of deciding to do the ride, the three cyclists were unfit, having not exercised seriously for a number of years. Cleveland had also recently had knee surgery. As well as the full 8 days of cycling the event, the whole year leading up to the event would be a tremendous challenge.

 

The challenge that the team are about to embark on is one of the most mental and physical challenges that even a seasoned cyclist can ever face.

 

Completion

In September 2008, the team successfully completed the Lands End to John o Groats ride in 8 days. The challenge was a tremendous achievement for the team, with a number of difficulties faced en-route from damaged wheels to falling cyclists.

 

On day 1 after only 10 miles Cleveland had a serious accident. It was remarkable that he could walk afterwards, but he successfully managed to get back on the bike for the next 8 days to complete the ride. This is testomy of the dedication that the team showed throughout the 8 day challenge to meet their difficulties head on.  

 

Overall, the ride was a huge success in support of MHPF. The ride raised an enormous £10,000 towards the development of Memusi school in Kenya. Howard, Jonathon, Cleveland and Matthew would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone who sponsored them, to the kindness of the people that they met along the way and to their families for supporting them through the last year. Thankyou!

 

The MHPF and all involved with Memusi school would also like to say a big thankyou to every member of the team. With such support, the Foundation are able to help achieve their goals. We cannot thank you enough.