Seven cyclists braved the elements when they pedalled a gruelling 100 miles each to raise thousands of pounds for homeless people in Lewisham. The intrepid group sported the distinctive orange and yellow jerseys, representing the 999 Club, as they took part in the Prudential RideLondon 100 challenge earlier this month.
Despite the rain and wind, they all completed the course from central London, through Surrey and back, to collectively raise £4,812 for the charity which runs a night shelter and advice centre for rough sleepers and people who are homeless.
Some of those who took part described the highs and lows of the day, and why they chose to raise funds for the 999 Club.
“It was wonderful”
For Toby Gooding, Director of estate agent social enterprise Urban Patchwork, the Prudential RideLondon event was a significant challenge as he had previously only cycled up to 28 miles in a round-trip.
“It did feel like an achievement, it was wonderful. I hadn’t ridden that far before, but it helps when you are taking part in a big event and the other people are around you, pushing you on.
“It was a tough day, fighting against the wind – especially going in to Surrey, that was difficult.
“I took part because I haven’t done enough fundraising for charities and the 999 Club is a very worthwhile cause which operates in an area (New Cross) my sister and I grew up in. It’s not one of the bigger charities, so I wanted to help in any way I could,” he added.
Architects Andy Laing and Dale Taylor, who work with Greenwich-based firm bptw, also took to their bikes to raise money for the charity.
Laing has experience of long-distance cycle events, having ridden in the Tour De Yorkshire sportive last year and the Velo Wales event in Cardiff earlier this year, among others, while for Taylor this was the first time he had taken part in a major cycling event.
Despite the wet weather, both said they enjoyed the event.
Laing said: “999 Club are one of the charities which bptw support and do such a great job in the local area, where I live and work. 999 Club seemed like a great cause because after my visit I was impressed at how they helped homeless people get back to work again, as well as providing day to day essentials such as food, a place to wash clothes and a shower.”
Taylor added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I’m already looking into my next challenge.”
“Great experience”
Cyclist Jessica Cremin was inspired by a colleague to don her lycra for a good cause.
“We heard about the charity through a colleague who was also on the Prudential RideLondon team. It was great for us to support a local charity particularly as we live and work in London and see the devastating conditions people living on the streets face,” she said.
“Despite the relentless rain and wind it was a great experience: the commanderie between riders, amazing volunteers who helped keep us going with food and drinks and the great support we got through the whole route made it a really great day and something I would definitely do again,” Cremin added.
To volunteer or to support the 999 Club, contact our fundraising department.