Ride To The Rugby
2016 - R2R 1.
Back in February 2016 a group of us cycled 200 miles from the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to arrive in time for the Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales and raised a significant sum for the charity Shelter and in doing so had a really great time, the match somehow ended in a draw and there’s still an ongoing debate over who won in the pub.
2018 - R2R 2.
Roll on 2018 and due to the resurgent Tiger in Dublin and the increased cost of hotels, Shelter decided against another official Ride to the Rugby. So, having reconvened in the pub a few hardy souls decided to go it alone, this time from Cheltenham to Holyhead and on to the Aviva.
This three day route through mid-Wales and Snowdonia was slightly longer with more climbing and averaged approximately 70 miles with 3500 feet of ascent per day. For the 2018 Ride to the Rugby we were a much smaller group of four cyclists and one support driver. The group covered all costs and every penny we raised went directly to Shelter.
2019 - R2R 3.
Having supported Shelter for our first two years we decided that this time round we would support The Lighthouse Club. As in 2018 we are completely covering the costs of the event, so all monies raised go directly to the Lighthouse Club.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has been delivering Charitable Welfare and Support to the construction community since 1956. Since its humble beginnings the charity has now distributed over £17.5 million to over 16,500 construction workers and their families and there are 21 regional clubs countrywide providing welfare support, and managing regional fundraising and events.
For 2019 we are pleased to welcome four new members to the team - Plantforce's Eddie Charity and Gary Baynham, Rob Berry from Persimmon Homes and Andy Single. They loved the back story and wanted to be part of it. Will they be one year wonders or become future veterans....Snowdonia will tell.
We effectively follow the same route as 2018 but with an extra 15 miles and a punishing climb to end day 2, and will really need to be on our game on Friday as we have 3 hours less to complete the route. The ferry is 14.10 as opposed to 17.15 and the pace will need to be strong to make it on time !
First pint on Friday 14.11.
The Team
Rory Sweeney – Firmacore
Chris Burford – Firmacore
Olan Hodnett – Ardagh Management
Kelan Loughnane – Mack Residential
Eddie Charity – Plantforce
Gary Baynham –Plantforce
John Loughnane - Global Intec
Rob Berry & Andy Single
