With borrowed bikes and patched up kit, a group of 10 cycling novices from Richmond Rugby Club (RFC) embarked on a 300 mile trip from London to Amsterdam. The challenge was in aid of two charities that are close to home, one of which being C-R-Y. The hope was to raise as much awareness and fundraising as possible of the C-R-Y charity and all the vital work that they are doing with young athletes and people – a cause that is very close to home for us at Richmond and within the rugby community.
The challenge itself was split over 2.5 days, with a tough 150 mile first day. Leaving in high spirits at 5am in order to make a 3pm Dover ferry crossing seemed like plenty of time, but soon the peloton were to realise the true value of the two most important people on the trip – the support crew! In total, the first day consisted of 8 punctures, 1 crash, 1 trip to A&E, 8 stitches, 3 countries and a last minute dash to make the ferry before finally reaching solstice in Ostend, Belgium. Kudos to the support crew who were on hand with spare inner tubes, and also to the friendly & helpful NHS staff who patched one of the riders back up and onto his bike.
Sore legs, one heavily bandaged arm, and the prospect of another 100 miles in the saddle made an early breakfast slightly less palatable on Day 2. But doing as they do best on a rugby field all the cyclists climbed back into the saddle, kept calm and carried on. The roads on the Belgium and Dutch coastlines were thankfully a little more scenic despite the consistent battle against the headwinds. Limited punctures also meant that the support crew were able to enjoy the drive and focus on their rousing speeches at every pit stop – a particular highlight!
Day 3 had soon arrived and a final 50 mile dash into the centre of Amsterdam. A few Dutch nationals joined the RFC Peloton as the chaps made a multitude of friends en route and really got into the spirit of the event. The final approach into Rembrandt square will long live in the memory, and after an eventful start the challenge was at a close.
The donations kept flooding in as the cyclists progressed and we would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all those that have donated. The work C-R-Y do is something we feel very strongly about, and if the funds raised can contribute to helping even one person then it is worth every mile, puncture and stitch!
RFC Peloton (Matt Keville, 2018 Skipper)