Pedalling 2 Pubs returns for 2024 with £400k fundraising target

Following the inaugural event last year, which raised £80,000 for industry charities and saw riders cycle the Yorkshire Wolds, this year’s teams will undertake the 230km journey from 16 – 18 May.

More than £25k has already been raised for Only a Pavement Away and the Licensed Trade Charity.

Licensed Trade Charity CEO Chris Welham said: “It’s brilliant to be involved in this year’s Pedalling 2 Pubs ride.

“It’s an initiative that’s great at bringing the industry together and is so effective at raising vital funds and awareness for the Licensed Trade Charity, both of which are critical in enabling us to help even more people across our industry that need it most. 

Beyond grateful 

“Good luck to my fellow riders and thank you to all who have already donated.”

The UK ride follows the event’s sister fundraiser, Pedalling for Pubs, which saw 30 riders from across the hospitality sector take on a 400km cycle across rugged terrain in Kenya, from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, last month.

Only A Pavement Away founder and CEO Greg Mangham added: “I’m beyond grateful for all those who are taking part in this year’s Pedalling 2 Pubs, and to those who have donated so far.

“Both these rides really are a testament to how our industry comes together year on year to help those who need it most. 

“The funds Only A Pavement receives from this campaign enables us to reach more people facing homelessness and provide them with a pathway into a stable career in hospitality. It really does change lives, so thank you to all our riders, sponsors and supporters.”

Tough challenge 

Through the united effort of Pedalling for Pubs and Pedalling 2 Pubs, organisers have set a target of raising more than £400k for the two charities this year, adding to the £670k raised in the two years since the challenge was first founded in 2022.

British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) CEO and lead rider Steve Alton said: “Alongside the fantastic and incredibly tough challenge recently undertaken in Kenya, organised and led by the inimitable Katy Moses, I am delighted to be leading the UK edition of this fantastic charity initiative.

“We have 50 fantastic fundraisers signed up to cycle more than 230km across North Devon in May, with some tough climbing of over 3,300m which is higher than the 3 peaks combined.

“All of the riders are passionate about the life changing impact of the two critical sector charities that we are raising vital funds for, as well as being able to refuel and recover at some great British pubs along the way.”