Starr Trust supporters battle the elements to complete 270-mile cycle ride
12th September 2024
Author EditorPosted on Categories Charity
Charity event was from Cornwall to Brighton.
On September 5, a group of 30 supporters of the Starr Trust charity headed off by coach to Cornwall from where the first leg of a four-day bike ride would begin. Cyclists braved the elements to take part in the 278-mile challenge and pushed through the wettest and most treacherous conditions ever experienced on one of the charity’s annual bike rides.
The challenge
Day One
Cornwall to Okehampton (33 Miles)
Day Two
Okehampton to Yeovil (81 Miles)
Day Three
Yeovil to Southampton via Stonehenge (90 Miles)
Day Four
Southampton to Brighton (74 Miles)
All cyclists arrived back safely to home territory, greeted by friends and family at Lex’s Café on Hove seafront, to the sound of huge cheers from the crowds. At the cafe, they received refreshments and were presented with medals from the Starr Trust team.
Co-Founder of The Implant Centre and event sponsor, Guy Barwell said: “Cornwall to Brighton was a remarkably testing ride for us all, with the most abysmal cycling conditions for the first two days with unrelenting rain making the steep Cornwall and Devon hills so much tougher to climb and descend – never have so many brake pads needed replacing.
“Luckily the teams were all so positive that comradery brought everyone together to help at the toughest points. We laughed and some of us certainly cried, especially putting on the still soaking wet gear the next morning. A HUGE thanks to the team leaders who looked after us all so well in these conditions, the repair and support team and the Starr Trust team who organised this spectacular event.”
CEO of Webtrends Optimize and co-sponsor Matt Smith said: “Cycling from Cornwall to Brighton is by far the hardest, but most rewarding, challenge I have put myself through. Whilst I knew it would be tough, the adverse weather conditions with near constant rain made those long days even longer. This, alongside the constant hills, which on two of the days were collectively higher than climbing Ben Nevis, made some moments very difficult.
“However, having such a fantastic group of people going through the same thing meant we all pushed each other to keep going. Being with such a supportive group made all the difference and provided moments of relief and joy even on the toughest days.
“I am so grateful to the Starr Trust who organised this fantastic fundraiser, and I’m so pleased I was able to fundraise for the exceptional work they do.”
Rosie Molloy, Fundraising Manager for The Starr Trust, said: “We would like to give special thanks to cycling leaders Chris, Tony, Mark, Kristap, Jane, and Sharon for their energy, dedication and support to make this event possible.
“All cyclists who attended 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 Bob, the mechanic, who was on hand for roadside repairs and mechanical support along the way!”
Businesses kindly sponsoring the event were: The Implant Centre, Webtrends Optimize, Seico Mortgages, Gardner & Scardifield and Enterprise Car Hire.
To register your interest for the Starr Trust Bike Ride 2025, email:
rosie@starrtrust.org