2,021-mile cycle challenge raises £21,000 in support of youth mental health

50 riders, six all on one bike! Took on a 2,021-mile challenge around Great Baddow to raise funds for Kids Inspire.

Each cyclist that completed one lap added 20.21-miles onto the total that saw riders sweltering in unusually warm weather conditions.

Cyclists taking on the challenge included individuals, corporates supporters, one brave service user and a six-man team from Chelmsford Round Table – who cycled a full 20.21-miles in tandem adding a combined 121-miles in one go!

Paula Ashfield, Head of Fundraising and Communications, said:

“The Chelmsford Round Table six-man bike was such a fun part of the day it really helped to raise awareness of what we were doing, while also contributing in other ways too, we are grateful for their support.”

She went on to say:

“The 2,021-bike ride was our first in person event in over 18-months and what a fruitful one it was. We reunited with long-term supporters and volunteers, and even met a service user challenger who received our support during the pandemic and who wanted to ‘give back’. It was such a great day in more ways than one and we are so pleased with the amount raised, which at last count saw us reach an incredible £21,000!”

The mother of the young service user, who alongside his Dad cycled two laps (40-miles) each, said:

"Everyone is so lovely at the charity. My son was inspired to cycle in the challenge after being supported by Kids Inspire in the past year, he wanted to give back and this is how he thought he could make a difference."

The course was marshalled across the 20.21-mile figure of eight loop - which took the cyclists out across Hanningfield reservoir - by committed volunteers. While the map and logistics of the course were down to one passionate volunteer, Barry Milchem, whose support made the ride possible for the small fundraising team to host.

Barry said:

“I have known and supported Kids Inspire for over three years and even cycled in their challenge from London to Amsterdam in 2019. I felt passionate about supporting the team after they were forced to postpone their ride to Paris twice! As a keen cyclist not only did I cycle four laps (80-miles) on the day but leading up to it I volunteered my time by planning and arranging some of the logistics for the ride. I am so pleased with the result; we met the mileage target, gained so much support and exceeded the fundraising target! I thoroughly enjoyed it! My congratulations go out to all involved; cyclists, volunteers and the Kids Inspire Team – here’s to next year!”

The next cycle challenge will be in June 2022. Following the success of this local challenge, it is anticipated that the team will host it again.