Cyclists take on 540 mile challenge for charity
In September 2016, Benenden Charitable Trust and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) teamed up for Cycle GB 2016 - a 540 mile charity bike ride from SAMH’s home in Glasgow to Benenden Hospital in Kent.
A team of 22 intrepid cyclists from Benenden, Keegan & Pennykid and RSA took on the significant physical challenge of the ride across two stages: Glasgow to York and York to Benenden.
The event was organised to raise awareness of mental health issues and also raised an incredible £29,000 which was split equally between the Benenden Charitable Trust and SAMH.
Cycle GB 2016 - route:
- Glasgow
- Longtown (Carlisle)
- Durham
- York
- Lincoln
- Peterborough
- Cheshunt
- Benenden
Watch the Cycle GB documentary
This 19 minute documentary tells the Cycle GB story in full, capturing the trials and tribulations of the team members over the 7 days of cycling.
Our generous sponsors
We would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support, without which this event would not be possible.
Meet the team - rider profiles
In these rider profile videos some of our cyclists share their hopes, concerns and training advice , as well as their motivation for taking on a challenge like Cycle GB 2016.
Helen from Benenden invested in a new road bike and was busy trying to fit her training in around work and looking after her two young daughters. She wanted to show them that you can do anything if you try hard and put your mind to it!
Ben Arthur from Benenden talks about preparing for stage 1 of the cycling challenge and his motivation, which comes in part from his personal experiences of people close to him who have suffered through different mental health concerns.
John & June from Keegan & Pennykid prepared for the event by taking weekend rides along the Union Canal in Edinburgh with their son, Carter, shouting instructions from his child seat.
As an experienced distance cyclist, Alan Cameron from RSA was a great support to the newbie riders and in this video he shares his top tips for preparing for a long distance ride like Cycle GB 2016.
Chris Cassidy from RSA talks about his motivation for taking on the Cycle GB 2016 challenge. A novice cyclist who only bought a bike 3 months before the event, Chris knew that in order to be ready for the challenge his training needed to get underway – and fast!
