Cyclists brave the heat in ‘Hereford 50’ bike ride to raise funds for RNC

On Sunday 24 May, one of the hottest days of the year so far, a group of 28 cyclists took to the roads of Herefordshire for the ‘Hereford 50’ bike ride. Organised by longtime friend of the College Robin Stephens, the event raised a magnificent £7,382.05, including Gift Aid, to support the work of the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC).

Pictured: The group of cyclists and support team before they set off on their challenge

The challenge featured both a 50-mile bike ride and a 35-mile route. Among the participants were four visually impaired (V.I.) tandem stokers from the Caversham V.I. Pedallers. RNC staff member Phil Marshall and RNC volunteer Rachel O'Connell also took part in the ride.

Alongside raising funds for RNC, Robin Stephens organised the event in memory of his father, Gordon Stephens, a former student of the College back in the 1940s and 1950s. The family’s longstanding connection with RNC is permanently honoured on campus, with Stephens Hall named after Gordon.

The day was meticulously planned, starting and finishing at RNC. Cyclists were fuelled along the way with lunch and cake stops at Kilpeck, Kingston, and Longtown village halls, all thanks to the cyclists catering support team - Kim, Hilary, and Sarah.

Participant safety was a top priority throughout the scorching day. John McKnight co-ordinated everything for the Caversham cyclists including use of their own van in case of any tandem issues. This operated alongside Safety Car One, driven by Fiona Bain following the long route, and Safety Car Two, driven by Mark Armstrong tracking the shorter route.

Riders and support teams also utilised a tracking app called Zuvolo, provided free of charge by its creator, Steve Abrams. The technology allowed safety vehicles to monitor the exact locations of all riders in real time, helping to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

A spokesperson for the Caversham V.I. Pedallers praised the event, saying:

‘A huge well done to every rider who took part, taking on the miles, hills and heat with such brilliant spirit and determination. A massive thank you must also go to all the organisers, volunteers, support drivers, catering teams, bakers, marshals, and everyone behind the scenes who worked so hard to make the day such a success. Special thanks to Robin, the driving force behind this brilliant event. It was wonderful to see so much teamwork, encouragement, laughter and genuine inclusivity throughout the event.’

Robin was thrilled with how smoothly the event went, commenting:

'Thank you so much for your great engagement with, and generous support for, our Hereford cycling fundraiser. I could not have dreamed that it would go as well as it did, nor that we would raise so much money to support the great work of the Royal National College for the Blind. Thank you one and all.’

The event was a massive collaborative effort. RNC extends its gratitude to Robin and his enthusiastic team of cyclists and support staff, the Caversham V.I. Pedallers, and the many staff and volunteers who supported the day, particularly Fiona Bain, Mel Davies, Jane Jones, and Mick Reidy. Additional thanks go to the staff at thePoint4 and to Thomas Franks Catering for providing lunch and a welcome buffet at the finish line.

It is not too late to support the cyclists and contribute to RNC. Donations can still be made online via their official JustGiving page here.

Robin also put together this short film from the day which includes a slideshow of photos, a map of their route, and some snippets of film from along the route: