Challenge 2010 Photo Gallery
Red 2 Rock
Following eleven days of continual cycling over 800 miles, a brave group of 27 riders arrived in Gibraltar on the 3rd July at the end of a truly spectacular YMCA Challenge.
The adventure began t 3:30am on Wednesday 23rd June when the group set off on their epic trip from the YMCA in Princes Road, heading for the Rock of Gibraltar.
At the highest point, hey climbed to 4,800 ft above sea level – higher than Ben Nevis - and camped out each night. The temperature soared to 41 degrees as the challenge group passed near to Seville. To counteract this, they set off in the dark each day by 6am in order to cover between 70 to 90 miles before the heat of the day became overwhelming. Passing through isolated countryside, the riders were accompanied by eagles, buzzards and even vultures.
“YMCA Challenges are always demanding but this was the toughest thing we have ever attempted,” said chief executive Ian Burks. “People thought it was impossible before we went and even I wondered at times if we had taken on too much. A combination of the hills, high temperatures and overall mileage tested every single one of us. However, the team were absolutely determined and everyone pulled together to achieve this amazing success.”
Click here to see photos from this epic journey :
Bike it to Paris
On the 5th June, 60 cyclists arrived at the Eiffel Tower, after cycling 175 miles from Redhill, over 3 days, on one of Reigate and Redhill YMCA’s challenge events. The challenge was to raise vital funds to support local community projects.
Amongst the participants was Brett Wainwright, an ex-mounted policeman who is paralysed from the chest down.
Also, amongst the group raising funds, was Reigate’s now ex-Mayor, Cllr Richard Mantle, his wife and ex-deputy Mayor. Cllr Mantel nominated R&R YMCA as one of his chosen charities during his year in office.
Case study
Brett, an ex-mounted policeman, who is paralysed from the chest down, used a hand powered cycle for his journey to Paris. In a staggering display of grit and determination it took Brett and his group 12 hours to cycle the last 78 miles on the final day.
Ian Burks, chief executive of the YMCA, said after the event “I was absolutely blown away by the determination and spirit of Brett and the other cyclists in my group – they were simply inspirational. We also had superb support from our back-up team who ensured that everyone completed the challenge safely. It was a true team event.”
Click here to read Brett’s own personal account of his amazing journey!
Welsh 3000s
Friday, 5am at Pen Y Pass Car Park, 26 avid walkers ready to attempt the first ascent up Snowdon. Weather not brilliant, but everyone ready for the challenge. As the climb progressed, the weather became awful, pouring rain, howling winds, but managed to get two thirds of the way until it just became unbearable, so everyone back at Pen y Pass car park by 8.00am cold, wet and disappointed. Not to be defeated, in the afternoon, cloud broke, everyone got booted (wet ones at that!) up and took on the Carnedd section of the walk. Challenging, a great deal of scrambling, but everyone did it and after about 6 hours of walking got back to the Youth Hostel ready for the next day.
Saturday, again, weather not brilliant, but that didn’t put them off, one group decided to start with Snowdon again and the rest attempted the Glydder section which included Tryfan. Visibility was poor, still raining, but what a team, everyone completed their day’s walking and returned to the Youth Hostel cold, wet, sore but triumphant. A wonderful effort by everyone involved, dreadful weather, but amazing and inspiring spirit and determination. Many have decided to give it another go and hopefully attract some decent weather. In addition to their brilliant walking endeavours, the challengers have raised £5,587 so far to fund the work we do with vulnerable children and young people in the community, well done and thank you.
Check out the photos here
Wessex Way
25 riders completed the Wessex Way (August 6th - 8th), cycling over 150 miles of trails from Weston Super Mare to Winchester. On the first day the group climbed the steepest hill to Wavering Down, had lunch in historic Wells and finished up in Warminster. Saturday’s ride passed the Westbury White Horse and Golden Ball Hill before reaching the overnight stop at Oxenwood. The final day took in the beautiful countryside of Salisbury plain including Inkpen Hill and Watership Down. The challenge was very demanding with over 10,000 ft of ascents, many up steep rutted inclines but all the cyclists overcame the tough terrain to finally reach Winchester on Sunday evening where they celebrated at the King Alfred statue in the centre of town.
The route was complex and many of the bridleways were overgrown but the leaders found their way thanks to the support of local company Satmap who loaned the YMCA three of their Active 10 Sat Nav devices.
Thanks must go to Fran Stevens and her team of fellow volunteers who devised the route and carried out much of the organisation, along with Norman Phillips, Duncan Reeve and Alison Steel who provided excellent support for the all the riders.
All challengers paid for the costs of the trip so that all money raised in sponsorship will go towards YMCA projects.
They Made It!!
The YMCA aims to raise over £58,000 this year from Challenge Events. These funds will go towards their vital work supporting young people in the local community. For more information or to make a donation, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01737 779979. Watch out for details of Challenge 2011 coming soon. Sign up for an event and challenge yourself physically and mentally, whilst knowing you are benefiting local vulnerable people facing their own challenges and difficulties.
