Bauder 'Revolutionaries' Cycle 190 Miles for Charity
On the 16th - 17th May 2015 a group of 45 individuals of all cycling abilities took part in the Mitie London Revolution - the largest multi-day sportive in the UK. The group of cycling enthusiasts, consisting of Bauder staff and business partners, (known as the Bauder Cycle Revolutionaries) embarked on the iconic 190 mile loop around London over two days.
This was both mentally and physically challenging for all involved, with most cyclists having to dig deep to conquer the various hills and long distance. The driving force and motivation behind this team challenge was to raise £10,000 for three worthwhile charities: Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer UK and CRASH - the construction industries' charity for homeless people. At the time of completing the two day event, Bauder had actually managed to raise in excess of £17,000, emphatically surpassing their original goal.
The first day of this epic challenge saw the Revolutionaries begin in the capital, heading south from Lee Valley Athletics Centre through Central London early Saturday morning. After clearing the city and passing by numerous famous landmarks including Tower Bridge; the team headed towards the North Downs, renowned for its beautiful scenery, stunning climbs and steep descents. With soaring temperatures, the Bauder Support Team was on hand to provide help to anyone requiring medical or mechanical assistance. The first day ended with the Revolutionaries heading west towards Windsor Great Park and to the overnight camp at the legendary Ascot Racecourse, having completed the first 100 miles.
Day two began in a similar way to Saturday, with much anticipation about the forthcoming route and what the Chilterns had to offer. After a hearty breakfast the Revolutionaries got back in the saddle heading towards the Chiltern Hills and some incredibly steep climbs, such as up Kop Hill which has an average gradient of 9% over a mile long distance. After conquering the hilliest section of the route the team headed back towards London and the home straight via the picturesque Epping Forest. The Revolutionaries finally arrived back at Lee Valley Athletics Centre on Sunday afternoon, with many aches and pains, but a great sense of achievement regarding the route they had travelled and the money raised for three undeniably great causes.
Bauder Managing Director, Andrew Mackenzie, who took part in the ride said: “Bauder’s involvement in the Mitie London Revolution was a great success in so many ways. To have over 40 staff, as well as a few of our business partners and clients all cycle over 190 miles in just two days was a great achievement. I must mention Threshold Sports who organised the event, it was superbly run with everything you could possibly need catered for, all that they didn’t do was pedal for us! On top of that our thanks go to the amazing support we have had fundraising from colleagues, family, friends and business partners. Well done to all involved!"
When presented with the news of the amount Bauder has raised so far Jenny Vaidya, Fundraising and Events Manager at CRASH stated: “CRASH would like to thank everyone who took part in, or made a donation to, Bauder’s Cycle Revolutionaries Challenge. We will add further value to this amount with donations of professional expertise and donations of buildings materials to create a real and lasting impact for homeless people. We are so grateful for all the support, it really will make a difference.”
For more information on Bauder and its charitable work please visit the sustainability section of the Bauder website, or visit the CRASH website at:
www.crash.org.