British Cycling has today joined with global charity World Bicycle Relief to support riders in getting 2021 off to a flying start with a new cycling challenge, #LetsRideThroughWinter.

Taking place across January and February 2021, the chilly challenge incentivises riders for leading or joining one of British Cycling’s popular recreation programme rides (HSBC UK Breeze and HSBC UK Guided Rides) – while at the same time raising awareness and funds for World Bicycle Relief. The challenge will be built around four challenge windows, which are:

• Spread some cheer (1st – 15th January)
• Change a life (16th – 31st January)
• The road (cycle path) less travelled (1st – 14th February)
• Capture the moment (15th – 28th February)

Anyone leading or participating in a ride during these challenge windows will be entered into a prize draw for various cycling goodies/accessories. Those registering to fundraise will receive a unique money-off code for World Bicycle Relief’s charity partner, Stolen Goat.

World Bicycle Relief is a global non-profit organisation with a mission to empower people in developing countries through life-changing mobility. Their specially designed ‘Buffalo Bikes’ help overcome the challenge of distance, where people would normally walk miles each day just to survive.

With a bicycle, students can get to and stay in school, healthcare workers can give more patients treatment and entrepreneurs can deliver their goods to market. World Bicycle Relief also helps train local mechanics to support each community with their bicycles.

Since its inception in 2005, World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 500,000 of their sturdy Buffalo Bikes around the world.

British Cycling Lead Programmes Officer – Led Rides, Karen Harvey, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with World Bicycle Relief on this new project, which I’m sure will motivate many of our volunteers and participants to keep active over the winter months and provide vital support to a fantastic cause.

“We have previously organised a similar winter challenge for our HSBC UK Breeze programme, Breeze Through Winter, which has always been a great success.

There has been a good reception to #LetsRideThroughWinter from our volunteers so far and we are really looking forward to seeing them really get behind the challenge in the new year, regardless of how long or short the ride may be. It takes just £120 to put a Buffalo Bike into the hands of somebody who needs it and we know that every single one can truly change a life.”

CEO of World Bicycle Relief UK, Allison Dufosee, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with British Cycling to promote our mission and raise awareness of the Power of Bicycles. On behalf of World Bicycle Relief, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to all members who are geared up to take part in these challenges in 2021. We are really excited to see the results.”

Find British Cycling’s fundraising page at https://worldbicyclereliefuk.enthuse.com/cf/lets-ride