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<\/p>\nDozens of weary cyclists were greeted with cheers and cold fountains as they rolled into Bordeaux after completing an 800km ride from Bristol to raise funds for a disability charity.<\/p>\n
Fifty-eight riders and 27 support crew members were met by the Bristol Bordeaux Association and local dignitaries at the Place des Quinconces on Saturday, July 12, after enduring intense heat throughout their journey across France. The event was held in aid of PROPS, a Bristol-based charity supporting adults with learning and physical disabilities.<\/p>\n
Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux C\u00e9line Papin and Chair of Trustees Kevin Smith were among those welcoming the group. Kevin said the weather posed particular challenges this year, along with a reduced number of riders, which he suggested could be down to financial pressures. Nonetheless, half of this year’s participants had taken part in previous rides.<\/p>\n
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The journey began on Wednesday, July 9, from the premises of main sponsor Bay Caravans. The route took the group from Bristol through Bath and Salisbury to Portsmouth, where they boarded a ferry to St Malo. From there, they cycled to Nantes, Rochefort and across the Royan estuary, before arriving in Bordeaux via the M\u00e9doc countryside.<\/p>\n
The team included a doctor, two physiotherapists, two mechanics and a chef. Kevin said the smaller group size fostered greater interaction and camaraderie: \u201cThe atmosphere was brilliant.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among the more inspiring stories was that of Matthew and his blind brother-in-law Red, a seasoned mountaineer, who completed the ride together on a tandem. \u201cCan I bring Red?\u201d Matthew asked PROPS. The duo joined the ride and had what organisers called \u201can amazing time.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year also saw the inclusion of four PROPS-supported trainees with learning disabilities. Volunteer Amalie, who regularly assists the support team, said: \u201cIt\u2019s all about raising awareness. Seeing the interactions between the riders and trainees is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Amalie noted that accommodating a physically disabled participant for the first time represented a significant milestone for the charity: \u201cThis speaks to the real core of inclusive cycling \u2013 that you can overcome so many challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kevin said he hopes to bring more trainees in future years, although some physical disabilities make participation difficult. He added that many relationships formed through the ride endure long after the finish line: \u201cOur oldest rider is Geoff\u2026 he\u2019s now 84 years old and is simply amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s fundraising helped support the PROPS caf\u00e9 in Bristol and funded new electric bikes. Kevin described the annual ride as not just a community event but a crucial source of income: \u201cWith times being very tough for charities, this event really helps keep things going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those interested in joining the 2026 ride can find more information at www.propsbristol.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n