On 13th May 2022, an intrepid group of 9 adventure cyclists known as the Big Cogs (with their base in Kirkburton and Highburton, near Huddersfield) and set out to ride from St Malo on the French north coast to Nice on the French Rivera.

The 11 day ride covers over 1,600 kilomtres (1,000 miles) and approximately 60,000 feet of climbing. There's an optional additional ride up Ventoux too!! 

The spectacular route across France passes through 19 Départments taking in the most famous cycling regions, such as the Loire and Provence, as well as the lesser-known gems, like the Lot river and the verdant banks of the Vienne.

The Big Cogs are raising money for a number of charities with a few of riders looking to raise money for the great work that the Yorkshire Air Ambulance do in the region. 

Its also a cause particularly close to us as a group as one of the riders Paul Aspinall had a serious accident in the Holme Valley in 2019 and suffered a serious head injury after coming off his bike. Paul was in a pretty bad way and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was sent out to get him transported quickly to Leeds General Infirmary. 

Paul spent a number of weeks recovering in the LGI and its sure that the speed at which the YAA Helicopter was able to get to Hospital played a huge part in ensuring that recovery was possible and that Paul was stabilised at scene and transported promptly.   

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance needs £12,000 per day to operate its two Helicopters and is funded by charitable donations and if our rider can go some way to helping them stay airborne and help support the next rider or member of the Yorkshire public who will need them then that's worth our efforts through France 

We appreciate any donations you are able to make and please do add gift aid if you can    

Find out more here: www.bigcogs.cc