Peter, who has backed Break the Cycle since its inception in 2010, will cycle double the distance of the ‘Gold Route’ on Sunday, July 5th – travelling south through Churchill, Brent Knoll, Bridgwater, Taunton and then into Exeter, before skirting back north via Wellington, the Somerset levels and up over the Mendips.
“As an ambassador for both Break the Cycle and Frankwater, I was acutely aware of the financial impact this pandemic would have – as if things weren’t already difficult enough prior to Covid19,” said Peter.
“As a keen cyclist, I didn’t think anyone would donate much if I rode a 60 or 100 miler – I knew it had to be something a bit punchier. I’d considered cycling to Leeds from Bristol which is 200 miles, but then there’s the logistics of accommodation, transport etc – so a circular route back to Bristol felt much more appropriate. I’ll probably want to end up back in my own bed at the end of the day.
“I have roped in Oli Beckingsale (ex-Olympic and 17-time World Champion cyclist) to be my companion and ‘super domestique’ for the day. I have a horrible feeling it will be so easy for Oli – he’ll probably be as comfortable as he would be as if it was like a Sunday morning ride out with his young daughters, whereas for me I’ll be right on my limit.”
Peter is actually one of the architects of Break the Cycle, having first got involved with Bristol Bears Community Foundation back in 2010 – and he is proud of his and Sprague Gibbons support of the event throughout the years.
“I first got involved with the Foundation back in 2010 when I had a brainstorming session with (Chief Community Officer) Ben Breeze to come up with some fundraising ideas.
“At the time, I was an ambassador for the children’s charity Child-safe, and had helped organise and sponsor several charity cycle fundraising events – one being Land’s End to John O’Groats.
“So, we unanimously decided a charity cycling event might be a good idea. And if we needed any proof rugby and cycling could go hand in hand, Lawrence Dallaglio had just completed his cycle ride to all the Six Nations capitals (2800kms in total) raising a staggering £1million for Sport Relief.
“The event was named ‘Break the Cycle’ – and 10 years later, I’ve not missed an event and I’m proud that my marketing agency Sprague Gibbons has been a primary sponsor since its inception.
“It’s immensely gratifying to be part of it and to support it – to see the difference the Foundations make through the use of sport, to the lives of children/young adults who are not so lucky, is enormously heart-warming.
“My donations will be split equally between Bristol Sport Foundation and Frankwater. In 2018, myself and my wife Jane cycled 450kms around rural villages in India for Frankwater to see first-hand the amazing work this charity carries out. Frankwater has helped over 400,000 people in 549 villages access safe, clean drinking water, clean sanitation and hygiene training. I became an Ambassador in January 2019.
“So, please if you can spare a few pounds, please do. Put simply, without your support these great charities just won’t survive – and that would be a crying shame.”
You can sponsor Peter’s mammoth effort by clicking here.
