Intrepid fundraisers are jumping on their bikes for a 400-mile European adventure.
Rob Usher, Daniel Bouttell, Bruce Grundelingh, Alan Ratibb, Cedric Verstrynge, James Stone and Jayden Baker are taking on the epic challenge to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Alan nominated the charity as his godson received care at The Treehouse and they are being joined by Ben Meyrick, who is driving their support car, for a monster ride from London to Cologne, in Germany.
Over the course of four days, they will have overnight stops in Calais, in France, Gent, in Belgium, and Eindhoven, in the Netherlands.
“I’ve cycled 100 miles in a day but never attempted anything on this scale before,” said Rob.
“It’s going to be tough but worth it, given the amazing charity we’re supporting.
“I’m sure it’ll be firmly in our minds and give us an extra incentive when the going gets tough.”
Rob, 33, and the rest of the group are setting off on 20th June.
Although not direct colleagues, they work in the same industry and, after becoming friends, they soon realised they had a passion for extreme challenges.
A group completed the Three Peaks Challenge pre-pandemic and then, last June, five of them embarked on a 100-mile walk along the Pembrokeshire coast, for Cancer Research UK.
Bruce, Jayden and Ben are the new recruits and this year’s challenge is being called the ‘Tour de Sprinkler’.
“It was hard going, because of the rugged terrain, but we thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Rob, who is a contract manager for Hall and Kay Fire Engineering.
“After doing a walk last year, we thought we’d set ourselves a cycling challenge and the reason we’ve picked Cologne is because it’s roughly 400 miles from London, via France, Belgium and the Netherlands.”
The group of friends, who range in age from 21 to 46, will be wearing special jerseys bearing the EACH logo.
They have set themselves a fundraising total of £2,500. To show your support and sponsor them, head here.
Rob and Jayden live in Ascot, James, Ben, Bruce, Daniel and Alan in London and Cedric in Belgium.
