Riders back in the saddle for Transaid

A team of more than 30 riders from across the transport and logistics industry have completed the 170-mile ‘Way of the Roses’ challenge, cycling from Morecambe, Lancashire to Bridlington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, to raise money for Transaid, the international development organisation.

The epic coast-to-coast route was completed over two days on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th September, so far raising an estimated £29,000 to support Transaid’s life-saving work to improve road safety and access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising at Transaid, and one of the riders taking part in the event, said: “We have been waiting a long time to get back in the saddle for one of our cycle challenges, and after having to cancel several events during the pandemic, it was fantastic to finally be back on our bikes and raising money.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part; particularly for smashing our fundraising expectations, and for the true grit and determination shown on the steep ascent between Settle and Brimham Rocks!”

The cyclists taking part represented around 20 companies from across the industry, including headline sponsor UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), and support sponsors PF Whitehead, Stanley Travel and TRS Tyres. Riders were also fielded from firms including ABE Ledbury, Alpine Travel, Backhouse Jones, BigChange, Bowker Group, Burton’s Biscuit Company, DHL Supply Chain, Goodyear, Go South Coast, Innovate 360, Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, LDH (La Doria), Leica Biosystems, Marks & Spencer, Xpediator PLC and Z-Tech Control Systems.

Transaid now has its sights set on a return to international challenges with Cycle Malawi 2022 – which will see a team of more than 40 riders cover around 500km over five days, taking in the stunning Lake Malawi, Mount Mulanje, Liwonde National Park and the Zomba Plateau. 44 riders have already signed up, with just a handful of places still remaining. Revised dates for the event – postponed from 2021 – will be announced soon.