The incredible Handlebar Heroes have completed their amazing 966-mile cycling challenge across the UK, all in aid of Cancer Research UK and Andy’s Man Club. From the 17th to the 24th May, this phenomenal team pedalled for eight gruelling days, raising funds for two truly deserving charities.
Leading the charge were two familiar faces from Made For Trade: our very own Commercial Director, Chris Wann, and Head of Business Development, Leigh Greenwood. They were joined on this epic journey by Gareth Turner and Ashley Parkinson. For months, the Handlebar Heroes have been putting in serious training, preparing to cycle around 120 miles every single day for eight consecutive days.
The Journey: A Day-by-Day Account
Let’s take a look at their incredible week:
Day 1: Saturday 17th May – Lands End to Moretonhampstead – 119 Miles (Approx. 7 Hours)
The team set off in high spirits from Lands End, pausing for a few photos before setting off on their 119-mile ride to Moretonhampstead. Nicky from Cancer Research UK saw them off, and they were immediately tested by the Cornish hills, conquering a hefty 11,709ft of elevation. What a start!
Day 2: Sunday 18th May – Moretonhampstead to Bristol – 118 Miles (Approx. 8 Hours 30 Minutes)
A slightly less hilly day with 7,936ft of elevation, but no less impressive. They ticked off Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, with quick pitstops to admire the stunning Exeter Cathedral, Cheddar Gorge, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Kevin from MACO also popped by along the route to offer his support!
Day 3: Monday 19th May – Bristol to Crewe – 135 Miles (Approx. 10 Hours)
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Crossing into Wales, they stopped for breakfast in Chepstow and met with Andy from Andy’s Man Club Chepstow. From there, they powered through Gloucestershire and Herefordshire before reaching Crewe in Cheshire. A quick stop to admire the historic Iron Bridge provided a brief break. Despite this being their longest mileage until Scotland, the team were still feeling good.
Day 4: Tuesday 20th May – Crewe to Kendal – 115 Miles (Approx. 7 Hours 30 Minutes)
Another amazing day saw John McColl join them for a few miles in Leyland. The fatigue was starting to set in, but thankfully Leigh’s wife, Carmen, had organised a much-needed sports massage from Sean’s Mobile Sports Massage at their Kendal hotel. Perfect timing!
Day 5: Wednesday 21st May – Kendal To Biggar – 118 Miles (Approx. 8 Hours 15 Minutes)
This was a tough day, but the team’s incredible teamwork saw them push through. They stopped off in Carlisle to chat with Gary from Andy’s Man Club Carlisle and hear how his local group got started.
The weather couldn’t have been better, and the scenery between Gretna and Biggar was simply breath-taking!
A massive shout-out also goes to The Elphinstone Hotel for their incredible hospitality when they arrived. Even with the kitchen closed, they rustled up pies and chips for the team, and the locals also bought them a round and gave them some donations. Seriously awesome service!
Day 6: Thursday 22nd May – Biggar to Braemar – 120 Miles (Approx. 8 Hours)
Undoubtedly the hardest ride yet, with ascents ominously named “Devil’s Elbow” – you know it’s going to be a struggle! But the end was in sight. They skirted to the west of Edinburgh, getting fabulous first views of the Forth bridges from Hopetoun. Northwards to Perth, then came the plum few kilometres: the long climb up and over Glenshee from Blairgowrie. It started to get colder, but the scenery on the climb to Braemar helped push them along. A chilly descent followed, then it was straight to the local chippy for some well-deserved grub!
Day 7: Friday 23rd May – Braemar to Alness – 116 Miles (Approx. 8 Hours 15 Mins)
The last two days and they were really starting to hurt. A difficult morning in the Cairngorms offered incredible views – some of the best cycling in the UK, if only they had some legs left! Another glorious day, although the weather did turn towards the end of the ride. Tomorrow was the big day to John O’Groats, 220 km, and a slight change in the weather was on the cards. At this point, they had raised an incredible £17.3k for their charities.
Day 8: Saturday 24th May – Alness to John O’Groats – 125 Miles (Approx. 8 Hours 15 Minutes)
Done! And what a fabulous last day. It was an early start as they not only had to pedal 125 miles, but also needed to get in the van and reach Inverness before 10 pm. The Handlebar Heroes were flying – a helpful tailwind might have assisted, of course! Their first lunch was at 8:30 am, the second at Syre, and the third at Reay. Brilliant riding through this part of the world, with lots of single-track lanes and some great scenery too.
An Incredible Feat for Incredible Causes
In total, the Handlebar Heroes covered an astonishing 966 miles, spending an incredible 2 days, 17 hours, and 45 minutes in the saddle! Their epic route took them through three countries – England, Wales, and Scotland – and they saw an impressive 27 counties!
As of today (Wednesday 28th May 2025), they have raised £23,138, which will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and Andy’s Man Club!
Everyone at Made For Trade is incredibly proud of Chris, Leigh, Gareth, and Ashley for this phenomenal accomplishment. Their commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring.
If you’d like to support their incredible fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK and Andy’s Man Club, please visit their fundraising page.
