Super-fit pals jumped on their bikes and raised nearly £3,000 for charity after completing an epic 400-mile bike ride from London to Cologne.
Jayden Baker, James Stone, Daniel Bouttell and Cedric Verstrynge took on the monster challenge for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
They overcame early hurdles including a puncture and snapped chain, taking in Dunkirk, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Eindhoven en route to Germany.
Meanwhile, Rob Usher and Alan Ratibb, who were unable to join their friends, played their own part by completing a 400-mile challenge on English soil.
“It was an amazing experience and I can’t quite believe we did it,” said Jayden.
“There were times when it was incredibly tough and, for me, the trickiest part was waking up tired and then having to cycle another 100 miles.
“In fact, I’d say the mental side was even harder than the physical challenge.
“Don’t get me wrong – it was very hard and by the last day my right knee had completely seized up. I was effectively pedalling with one leg.
“However, mentally, it was a constant battle and there were times when we all thought ‘what have we got ourselves into?’.
“We all pulled together, though, and supported each other when we were struggling. It was such an adventure.”
Collectively, the group has raised £2,920 for EACH – the charity nominated by Alan as his godson received care at The Treehouse. Their target had been £2,500.
“It’s a lot of money and we’re so pleased and proud of ourselves,” added Jayden.
“It made all the hard work worthwhile and we’re very grateful to everyone who supported us.
“Overall, it was the most amazing, never-to-be-forgotten experience.
“We saw some amazing scenery and it was an incredible feeling to get to the end and have pictures taken outside Cologne’s cathedral.”
Jayden, James, Daniel and Cedric started their four-day challenge on 20th June by cycling from London to Dover – an 87-mile journey, ascending a brutal 4,600ft.
However, they encountered early issues after suffering a puncture and snapped chain within the first 40 miles.
To compound matters, their support van, being driven by Ben Meyrick, broke down, meaning they only had 20 minutes to spare before catching their ferry to France.
After an overnight stay in Calais, they cycled 114 miles to the Belgian city of Ghent, via Dunkirk and Bruges.
Day three saw them move on to Antwerp and then Eindhoven, in the Netherlands – a journey of 104 miles.
Then then cycled to Venlo, on the German border, before a hilly finale into Cologne.
Tina Burdett, EACH’s Community Fundraising Manager, said: “What an amazing challenge. We’d like to say a very big thank you and well done to Jayden, James, Daniel and Cedric, as well as Rob and Alan for completing their ride here in England.
“I know it wasn’t all plain-sailing but, hopefully, knowing they were raising so much for the children and families receiving our care and support would have helped get them through their toughest moments.”
Jayden and Rob live near Ascot, James, Ben, Daniel and Alan in London and Cedric in Belgium.
