The sixth Only Fools and Donkeys Mules Flandres charity cycle tour saw 55 riders and 10 support crew take on a new route in June which combined legendary cycling landmarks with poignant visits to First World War battlefields and memorials.
The biennial ride, which has been running since 2014, is the biggest fundraiser on the local cycling group’s calendar. Each sponsored tour raises enough money to fund a significant purchase or donation for a local cause.
Its previous five events have contributed to more than £300,000 raised for local causes. In 2024, its French expedition raised about £60,000, which paid for two adapted bicycles for Wheels for You.
This year, the group rode through France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Organisers hope the latest challenge will raise between £40,000 and £45,000 for charities supporting children, young people and adults living with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.
Event consultant Natalie Davidson said it had been a memorable experience, despite the inevitable challenges.
‘It was a fabulous trip and everyone seemed to have a great time,’ she said.
‘A few crashes – nothing serious – a lot of punctures, a fair amount of rain and some tears, but that’s all part of a six-day charity bike ride.’
The cyclists had the choice to complete 60, 80 or 100 miles a day – collectively racking up about 30,000 miles in total. Among the highlights was the opportunity to ride around the famous Roubaix velodrome, one of cycling’s most iconic venues, as well as tackling sections of the notorious cobbled climbs that feature in professional races.
‘There were a lot of cobbles and optional cobbled climbs which about half the riders did – and “chapeau” to them,’ said Mrs Davidson.
The route also took riders through the battlefields of northern France and Belgium, including the Menin Gate in Ypres and Tyne Cot Cemetery – the largest Commonwealth war graves cemetery in the world.
‘The first few days took us through the Somme and First World War battlefields, which was very sobering as you came across another cemetery where we think soldiers must have been buried where they fell,’ said Mrs Davidson.
For first-timer Alex Paxton the tour marked both her debut on the local charity team, and her first experience of long-distance cycling. She said that she was nervous at the start.
Mrs Paxton said the winding route through the Somme and the many war cemeteries in West Flandres left a lasting impression.
‘Including the cemetery of the lost soldiers and the magnificent memorial gate to those that have no grave at Ypres,’ she said.
‘We then cycled up to beautiful Bruges, numerous chocolate shops kept us well fed and a visit to the brewery – would recommend – kept us hydrated. In Belgium it was a pleasure to find cyclists have priority on the mandatory cycle paths in certain situations, being able to approach roundabouts safely and surely was a dream.
‘Maybe this could be incorporated into the cycling and active travel strategy in Guernsey.’
She said a particular highlight was cycling into Holland for the day, and having the opportunity to speed around the velodrome in Roubaix.
‘Time to write a business plan for a velodrome in Guernsey,’ she said.
‘Great activity for the winter, help improve fitness and bring vast improvements to mental health.’
Mrs Paxton said she chose to support Ony Fools And Donkeys because of its work with charities supporting people with disabilities, which closely aligns with her charity work at the Youth Commission.
Though familiar with cycling through two completed triathlons, this had been her first attempt at longer distances, and she credited her fellow riders for helping her through her training.
‘Sunday mornings and Saturday nights started to change dramatically,’ she said.
‘Laying out my cycling kit the day before – there’s so much of it – and getting an early night.
‘I also then discovered why chamois cream was needed. I soon learnt the OFAD group are a supportive bunch. While I sweated, panted and muttered up the training hills in Guernsey, I had support either side persuading me to keep going.’
Having completed her first OFAD tour, she is already planning to book a place on the next.
‘Maybe invest in a faster bike and write the strategy for a velodrome,’ she said.
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