This epic charity cycling challenge, in partnership with prestigious cycle brand Rapha Travel, raised much-needed funds for The Felix Project, the London charity tackling food-waste and food-poverty across the capital.
Since 2008, Quintessentially Foundation's team of cyclists has clocked up more than 7000 kilometres for this annual fundraising Bike Ride, in aid of a number of charities. The four-day event is a great challenge for any level of cyclist as they tackle some of the toughest roads in Europe.
This year, from 27th June to 2nd July, 50 hardy athletes exceeded all expectations to raise funds and awareness for the extraordinary charity that is The Felix Project. The stats are impressive: 8,500 metres were climbed overall, including ascending the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak, in less than clement weather. Conditions vacillated between torrential rain and sub-zero temperatures in the mountains, to brilliant sunshine on the final leg. The team cycled 550 kilometres and raised more than £400,000 with Quintessentially Foundation, with founder Ben Elliot clocking up £135,000 alone, in aid of The Felix Project.
The team was rewarded for these efforts with stunning scenery along the route, from the Austrian ski resort of Innsbruck to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, and received a hero's welcome from the British Ambassador of Slovenia who presented them with their medals. It was impossible not to be moved by the spectacle of these cyclists, who'd sweated blood and tears, fulfilling personal bests and nursing more than a couple of blisters as the crowd cheered on. The thrill derived from pushing yourself to the limit, for the greater good of people in need of our help and compassion, is hard to top.
Interested in joining us for our next Bike Ride Challenge or to find out about our other charity fundraisers? Why not contact: [email protected] for more information.