Breakfast launch for 30 Rides in 30 Days
LOCAL cyclists fuelled themselves with a hearty first-day breakfast on Saturday morning as they embarked on a month-long journey for charity.
The Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop 30 Rides in 30 Days Challenge is in its 16th year and sees sponsored participants cycle for an hour a day from 29 April to 29 May.
This year 84 are taking part, down from the 102 of 2022 who took the running total of the initiative to more than £1m. raised for Les Bourgs Hospice over the history of the event.
Last year they raised £83,000 with an additional £25,000 donated by a handful of local organisations.
‘Les Bourgs is a fabulous facility that the majority of people have had contact with,’ said Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop co-director Ian Brown.
‘It’s a fun race, everyone has their white and orange jerseys so it’s a visual challenge too. 84 cyclists doesn’t sound like a huge number but you’ll start to see them everywhere.’
Among the group, whose ages range from seven to 80, there are 20 first-timers.
Susie Brown is one. Her aunt, Pat Eker was a founding fundraiser of Les Bourgs.
She was looking forward to the social aspect of the challenge.
‘It’s a very good cause, a great way to exercise and it’s nice to get involved with my friends.’
Mrs Brown will be taking five days of her challenge in Holland, where she and her three friends will cycle with British flags to celebrate the Coronation.
Another participant who will be cycling abroad is Andrea Nightingale, who has taken part in 14 30/30 challenges – more than anyone else involved this year.
Not only will she be raising funds while away in Ibiza, but she will be competing in the World Aquabike competition, which consists of a 3km swim and a 150km cycle.
Mrs Nightingale only started cycling competitively nine years ago at 52 and said she enjoyed seeing everyone group together to support the cause.
‘I love the team spirit and to be able to raise funds in such a fun way is brilliant.’
Mike Pitcher, 80, is this year’s oldest rider and is also taking his efforts outside of the Bailiwick, cycling down through France and into San Sebastian.
He loves to travel and said it was what inspired him to get on his bike.
‘It’s a great way to be able to see the countries and the island.’
Alongside the sponsored cyclists, Specsavers is the primary corporate supporter of the event, alongside Woodies, which is donating 5p from every cup of coffee sold during the 30 days.
n The 30/30 website is www.ride30in30.com.
