The Starr Trust Bike Ride Challenge 2023 - Bristol to Brighton, via the Isle of Wight!

On 8^th June, a group of thirty supporters headed off by coach from Withdean bound for Bristol from where the first leg of the 3 day bike ride would begin. The team spent a sunny evening in Bristol where they were briefed by organisers on what to expect for the days ahead. 

The Challenge

Day One - Friday 9^th: Bristol to Ringwood (78 Miles) 

With the longest day of cycling ahead, a pit stop for bacon rolls was a welcome surprise before the teams faced the famous Zig Zag Hill in Shaftsbury – said to be the windiest one mile stretch of road in Great Britain. The evening was spent sharing a delicious meal in a sunny pub garden where new friendships were made and teams shared their experiences from the day. 

Day Two - Saturday 10^th: Ringwood to Portsmouth Via the Isle of Wight (72 Miles)

Cyclists set off from Ringwood to Lymington, to catch a ferry across to Yarmouth for their ride around the stunning scenery of Isle of Wight. Views of ‘The Needles’ and quick dips in the sea followed by ice cream cooled everyone down before hopping back on a ferry to Portsmouth Docklands Hotel for a last night of socialising with old and new friends. 

Day Three - Sunday 11^th: Portsmouth to Brighton (72 Miles) 

Final day of the challenge and an absolute scorcher of a day for the cyclists’ journey home. After a refuelling stop for a pub lunch in Ashington, a welcome party awaited at the Breakpoint Beach Bar on Brighton seafront where Highweald Sparkling Wine was served to cyclists as they arrived back safely to home territory and received medals from the Starr Trust team.

All cyclists successfully completed the challenge and celebrated their achievements with family and friends who were there to congratulate them. 

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Co-Founder of The Implant Centre, Guy Barwell said: “The Implant Centre Team had a fantastic time on the recent Starr Trust bike ride from Bristol to Brighton. The weather was great and there was a fabulous team vibe amongst the cyclists. It was such a well organised trip and we look forward to participating in next year’s ride! 

We have a great commitment in supporting the Starr Trust as we can see the amazing work they do with the local community and championing kids to achieve their dreams. It is charitable events like this that show how committed they are to getting as much money as possible to help.”  

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Richard Carnochan of Handelsbanken said: “It was a fantastic trip. Thank you so much to the Starr Trust for all your help and support. It was perfect and you should be very proud of what you organised.”

Rich Bates, Solicitor at Cognitive Law said: “This year’s Bristol to Brighton Bike Ride was challenging, but great fun! The Starr Trust always works so hard to provide an excellent experience for a group of people from all walks of life, and who may or may not have cycled much in the past. It’s such a rewarding experience to complete a challenge like this, especially when you know 100% of the funds raised goes directly to young people in need of support.”

Businesses kindly sponsoring the event were: The Implant Centre, Rubix VT, Gardner & Scardifield, Servo Private Wealth and Elctrc Bikes. 

The Starr Trust would like to give special thanks to cycling leaders Chris, Fran and Sara for their energy and dedication in supporting us to make this event possible. All cyclists who attended and gave up their time to raise funds and be part of a fantastic team of people who made this trip so memorable. Also special thanks to Ian our mechanic who kindly gave his time to be on hand for roadside repairs and mechanical support along the way!

For further donations please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ride-leaders

To register your interest for the Starr Trust Bike Ride 2024, please email: rosie@starrtrust.org