During the summer of 2009, a group of friends from the Newport Gwent Dragons rugby squad in South Wales headed to Kenya, to support the work of a Christian missionary group in Nairobi. Not knowing what to expect on our arrival, we returned saddened by the poverty we had encountered, but excited by the people we’d met and the work that was being carried out there. We only managed to raise a small amount of money but it was enough to kick start a building project at the Spring Valley Primary School, in one of the poorer suburbs of the city.
It was as a result of this humbling experience that, the idea of raising a more substantial sum of money for the school was created. As a group, we set about planning this ambitious assault on some of the most difficult cycle routes in Europe, whilst also raising money for charities closer to home. This year we've decided to continue our support of the Wales Air Ambulance, as well as Sparkle children's hospital in Gwent, The Hospice of the Valleys in Tredegar and ApelElain in North Wales.
Following the success of our ride in 2010 and raising £24,000 in the process, we've decided to make it an annual event, as everyone who participated said "it was a cycling experience of a life time" for them. We are lucky to have the support of some very famous celebrities and the ride has attracted the attention of the TV and general media. The route which takes us to the four corners of Wales, has the opportunity to where-by riders of all abilities, can come together for a fun but challenging cycling experience. Riders can either cycle for the week with us or just join in, for one day of their choice. The 2011 ride will begin and end in Cardiff, starting on Sunday 5th June until Saturday 11th June.
If you're interested in being a part of the ride, please download the registration form or contact Mark Colbourne at ccwmark@hotmail.co.uk for further information.
