The recent 24-hour bike ride was a mix of camaraderie, endurance, and unpredictable moments that made it unforgettable for everyone involved. Over the course of 24 hours, a dedicated team of riders, including Don, Dave, Kevin, Byron, and Graham, each cycled an impressive 140 miles. Despite the challenges, the team’s combined effort resulted in covering nearly 800 miles!

Overcoming the Weather

The weather leading up to the event had everyone concerned. With constant rain, parts of the route in Cambridgeshire were flooded, forcing riders to push or carry their bikes for several miles. But the team pushed through with determination. A special mention goes to Tom Woods, the MD of AJW, who managed to cover 74 miles during the day despite riding a bike he had never used before.

Community Spirit

This ride was more than just about the miles. It was about the support and unity among the riders and the community. Charlotte and her young son even contributed by riding a few miles along the cycle track near the Sawston depot. It might seem small, but their contribution helped towards the overall distance and lifted the spirits of the team. Charlotte went above and beyond, following the cyclists in a vehicle to ensure their safety, especially as drivers needed to slow down for the group.

Night-Time Lows and Laughs

As the ride progressed, the toughest hours hit between midnight and 2 a.m. The temperature dropped, and exhaustion began to set in. It was pitch black, freezing, and the team questioned why they had taken on this challenge in the first place. Extra layers went on, and everyone pushed through. Yet, in true team spirit, laughter broke through even the hardest moments.

A couple of mishaps provided some comic relief during the night. Don took a tumble after riding into a post at a cycle crossing around midnight, and Kevin had an unfortunate encounter with a dog poo bin in a Cambridge park at 1 a.m. Despite the bruises, both riders laughed it off and kept going. Kevin, in particular, had a good sense of humor about his fall, joking that he was “feeling a bit POO today.”

The Power of Music

Music played a key role in keeping morale high. Dave came through with a playlist that had everyone dancing and singing along, even as their bodies grew tired. The tunes were a much-needed boost during the toughest stretches of the ride.

A Team Effort

Overall, this ride was more than just a physical challenge—it was a display of teamwork and support. Everyone played a part, helping one another from start to finish. It wasn’t just about reaching the miles; it was about overcoming every obstacle together, whether it was a flooded route, a midnight crash, or the biting cold of the early hours.

A big thank you goes out to everyone involved.