From Blackheath to Belgium: 15 Cyclists, 280km, and Over £11,000 Raised for John Ball Primary!
What does it take to support a local school? For a heroic group of John Ball Primary School parents and friends, the answer is simple: two days, two wheels, a massive headwind, and over 280 kilometers of pedaling.
Over the first weekend in May, 15 determined cyclists took on a mammoth fundraising challenge, riding all the way from Blackheath, South East London, to the historic city of Ghent in Belgium.
Their incredible efforts have raised a jaw-dropping £11,226 (and counting!) for the Friends of John Ball. Here is how their epic two-day adventure unfolded.
The Master Plan: Divided We Ride
The challenge was so big it required two different routes to reach the same Belgian destination. The team split into two groups to tackle the journey:
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Group 1: Took the northern route via Harwich and the Hoek Van Holland.
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Group 2: Headed south to cross from Dover to Dunkirk.
No matter the route, the goal was the same: clock the kilometers, stay safe, and raise vital funds for John Ball Primary.
Day 1: Drama, Detours, and 134.62km Covered
Day one was a true test of adaptability and team spirit. Ask any cyclist and they’ll tell you that a long-distance ride rarely goes perfectly to plan—and this trip was no exception!
The team faced:
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1 missed ferry (prompting some quick recalculations!)
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1 emergency trip to the shops for a crucial spare part
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Countless sweet treats to keep the energy levels high
Despite the minor setbacks, the team pushed through with smiles on their faces, successfully smashing 134.62km on their first day.
Day 2: Battling the Elements to Ghent (150km)
The cyclists had to cover another 150km to reach the finish line, but the weather decided to make them work for it.
The team spent a grueling 90km battling fierce headwinds testing everyone's stamina.
The team were incredibly motivated by the influx of messages of support and the constant stream of donations hitting their JustGiving page. Every notification gave them the boost they needed to keep pushing forward.
As the evening drew in, the headwind finally gave way to the beautiful sights of Ghent. Destination reached!
A Massive Congratulations to the Team!
An achievement this big deserves recognition. A massive round of applause, high-fives, and congratulations go to the incredible riders who took on this mammoth task:
Chris, Mrs Noakes, Lucia, Mike, Pavlina, Christian, Tanuj, Andrea, Robert, Robin, Lucie, Joanne, Kristiaan, Luke, Chloe, Windy, and Benoit.
Your dedication, sore legs, and community spirit are an inspiration to the entire school.
There’s Still Time to Support!
The ride may be over, but the fundraising doesn’t have to stop. The team has already raised an incredible £11,226, but every extra pound goes directly toward improving resources and experiences for the children at John Ball Primary.
If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, head over to our JustGiving page and show these amazing cyclists some love!