It’s that time of year again. Kelly’s Cycle Challenge is back, bigger & better than ever! Gear up, because this year marks our grand 10th anniversary and we’re pedalling with more passion than ever before. It’s a celebration of a decade’s worth of determination, camaraderie, and, most importantly, making a real difference in the lives of those supported by Challengers.
Challengers is a lifeline to the many families with disabled children that it supports. Without Challengers they feel they just couldn’t cope. Challengers is a charity with a mission to transform the lives of disabled children, young people, and their families through the power of play across the Southeast. Play is essential for a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and mental wellbeing and development. Sadly, too many disabled young people miss out on play every day. There are many barriers stopping them from playing – from physical impairments and a lack of accessible play facilities to time, money, and support. This is where Challengers comes to the rescue! They remove these barriers by providing truly inclusive play and leisure that everyone can enjoy and join in with, no matter how complex their needs are.
Challengers hold a special place in our hearts at Kelly’s Storage. The bond between our team and Challengers has been forged through years of collaboration on events beginning with the Riverside Run in 2010 and moving on through the Loseley Cross Country event from 2014 to 2019 to the recent Santa Fun Run started in 2021& of course 10 years of organising the Cycle Challenge.
While we started by organising successful running events, our founder, Moira, felt the need to diversify and as cycling was gaining momentum as a popular sport it seemed worth a try. In addition, she felt it would be a sport that would prove to be a major fundraiser, more so than running. We recognised that by tapping into the growing interest in cycling, we could potentially raise even more money for Challengers, our longstanding partner in community support.
Over the years, Kelly’s Cycle Challenge has undergone several transformations, adapting to the needs of participants and the ever-changing landscape of community events. Initially held in the scenic Castle Grounds in Farnham, the event faced challenges with traffic congestion, prompting a relocation to a place near Alice Holt which would ensure smoother and safer cycling experiences. The addition of a family ride brought a new dimension, catering to cyclists of all ages and skill levels, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional gatherings, the event seamlessly transitioned into a virtual format, demonstrating resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. With each iteration, Kelly’s Cycle Challenge continues to embody the spirit of community, adventure, and philanthropy, uniting cyclists in support of a brilliant cause while embracing change and growth along the way.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re thrilled to unveil revamped routes, offering a fresh twist for seasoned riders, along with the introduction of a 10-mile ride, perfect for newcomers and those seeking a shorter challenge. This milestone marks a decade of shared memories, achievements, and the unwavering support of our community. The 10-mile route symbolises our journey together, highlighting the milestones we’ve conquered and the roads we’ve travelled. It’s a tribute to the countless cyclists who have joined us over the years, pushing pedals to contribute to our collective success. We want to mark the occasion & embark on the next decade with a positive will to push onwards & upwards. lifting our game to raise as much money as possible for Challengers.
Our commitment goes beyond just words – it’s about action. We are proud of the fact that every single penny raised at Kelly’s Cycle Challenge goes directly to supporting Challengers and their mission. We cover all costs and donations made on entry go straight to Challengers. In total, the Cycle has raised £317,054.14 from 2014 to 2023 for Challengers. Come & join us this year & help us to reach that half million!
