17 brave cyclists headed to Kerala for the twice-postponed India Cycle Challenge for Art For Cure. Following the very successful Vietnam – Cambodia cycle challenge of 2018 this was a whole new level!!
Managed by company Charity Challenge and an Indian ground crew of bike engineers and first-aiders the determined group set-off from Cochin City after a very moving blessing by a Hindu priest.
Over 6 days the team conquered a vertical ascent of 4,600m (over half the height of Everest) facing potholes and road boulders, grazing sacred cows and the crazy Indian village buses. Downhills were equally challenging at high speeds around endless hairpin bends, numbing hands and fingers with the sheer grip on the handlebars.
Present in the group was Belinda Gray, charity founder and her husband Alex as well as Baroness Delyth Morgan – the CEO of Breast Cancer Now. With curry for every meal the team managed to stay fit in the saddle and relieved there were no injuries apart from saddle-sore.
The final route saw them arrive at Marari Beach to a drumming band of Indian women and plenty of cheers from the local schools and villagers. Medals were presented and the group ended this incredible physical challenge by holding hands and running into the sea.
Over £50k has been raised for Art For Cure and will be channeled to a leading breast cancer research project in the UK.