Where Are The Lionhearts of Freight and Logistics? On Their Bikes! (again...hopefully...)

EUROPE – AFRICA – Road haulage charity Transaid, is once again challenging members of the freight and logistics industry to swap trucks, buses and trains for bicycles (Penny Farthings only required as cash – not as transport!) to take part in its annual European cycle ride, with this year’s challenge seeing fundraisers setting off on a three-day, 340 kilometre adventure to Brussels, where they’ll finish the ride in style arriving at the city’s iconic Grand Place. Previous rides to Paris and Amsterdam have raised a combined total of nearly £230,000, which goes towards improving road safety standards in Africa and increasing access to lifesaving healthcare, and if you can’t take part you can still help. Gary Forster, Transaid’s Chief Executive, said:

“Feedback from participants over the last two years has been that they have had a fantastic experience exploring new countries whilst really challenging themselves for Transaid. We’re hoping to see some new faces this year, and welcome any of our previous challengers who are returning for another great event.”

Riders will set off from Tunbridge Wells on September 12, cycle to Dover, and catch the ferry to Calais. The adventure will continue in France as the volunteers cycle 75 miles to Bruges, where they will sample some of the city’s famous beers and spend the night, before setting off to complete the final 74 miles to Brussels.

Confirmed riders already include transport for London’s Commissioner of Transport Sir Peter Hendy, the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Chris Owens and teams from Backhouse Jones Solicitors and Clipper Logistics.

Any riders who are feeling even more adventurous are encouraged to join Transaid’s Africa Cycle challenge. In June 2015, cyclists from across the industry will be taking on the beautiful landscape of Tanzania, cycling 400 kilometres between Mount Kilimanjaro and the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Brussels ride (12-15 September 2014) is urged to sign up quickly, as places are limited. To request a registration form or for further information on the challenges contact Florence Bearman on 020 7387 8136 or email Florence@transaid.org  

A registration fee of £99 is required for the Brussels challenge and all cyclists are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,600. For sponsorship help and ideas Transaid’s team of dedicated experts are on hand to offer hints and support on fundraising and training from the moment participants sign up.

For those of you (or us) too busy, lazy, fat, tired or unfit to take part in this event, you can make a difference to the Transaid efforts to help with vital transport development throughout Africa by contributing salve your guilty consciences either by supporting one of the riders or donating to Transaid via their website or the JustGiving facility – and more than a penny farthing would be welcome.