Ride the Route challenge success
10 intrepid employees have completed the Ride the Route challenge in aid of Railway Children.
The team joined over 50 members from across the rail industry to cycle from Liverpool to Darlington, covering over 250 miles and more than 3,000 metres of incline in just three days, including a coast to coast in the first two days:
- Day 1: (4 September) saw the cyclist travel 79 miles from Liverpool Docks to Huddersfield.
- Day 2: (5 September) participants cycled a further 94 miles, from Huddersfield to Scarborough.
- Day 3: (6 September) was the hardest, as the cyclists completed the remaining 78 miles, from Scarborough to Darlington. This journey was mostly uphill, climbing over 3,000ft to reach the finish line.
All completed the challenge, with many commenting:
Jamie Kelly: “It was a great experience and one I will always look back on fondly. I thank everyone for their company and support.”
Will Loveridge: “It was a fantastic event, and everyone did so well to complete the challenge. Seeing the happiness and relief on people’s faces as we completed the last technical climb up to the museum was really good. I will be back next year.”
Andrew Wilkins: “Well done to all the riders who completed an epic challenge and raised such a fantastic amount to support vulnerable children. VolkerRail was proud to be the events Silver Sponsor, and it was an amazing sight to see the company name on the back of everyone’s cycling jerseys as we rode along.”
Niall McCreanor: “This year’s Ride the Route challenge was a fantastic experience. The event was really well organised and had a great community spirit amongst all the riders who provided support and encouragement throughout. Rightly described as a challenge, it is also important to say it is a participation event and not a race, and anyone can take part, including people like me with minimal road cycling experience. I’m especially proud of the VolkerVelo team who were magnificent! and I would encourage more to sign up for next year’s event.
Railway Children shared: “Last week an incredible team of cyclists took on our Ride the Route challenge, cycling from Liverpool to Darlington. Together they have raised £70,000, to protect vulnerable young people around the world. Thank you so much to every rider, sponsor, volunteer and supporter who made this possible – your commitment is making a real difference.”
Show your support
There is still time to show support and sponsor the VolkerVelo team. If you would like to do so, please visit the teams fundraising page: Railway Children: Ride the Route 2025.
All funds raised go to Railway Children to help provide protection and opportunity for children with nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to.
