A team of cyclists that includes members of the coach and bus industry has completed the 170-mile Way of the Roses challenge between Morecambe and Bridlington to raise money for Transaid.
The coast-to-coast route was undertaken over Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September. So far, participants have raised an estimated £29,000 to support Transaid’s work to improve road safety and access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cyclists taking part were from around 20 companies from across the transport and logistics industries. Among the businesses in the coach and bus sector that were represented are support sponsor Stanley Travel along with Alpine Travel, Backhouse Jones, Goodyear, Go South Coast and Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel.
Staging the Way of the Roses challenge followed the cancellation of several events by Transaid during the pandemic. Head of Fundraising Florence Bearman says that participants “have been waiting a long time to get back in the saddle,” adding that “it was fantastic to finally be back on our bikes and raising money.”
Transaid now has its sights set on a return to international challenges with Cycle Malawi 2022. It will see a team of over 40 riders cover around 500km over five days, taking in Lake Malawi, Mount Mulanje, Liwonde National Park and the Zomba Plateau. 44 riders have already signed up and Transaid says that there are “just a few” places remaining. Dates for the event – which was postponed from 2021 – will be announced soon.