At the start of 2018 Identity chose to support Children with Cancer Fund Polegate as part of the company’s wider charitable efforts. When planning the fundraising activities throughout the year, the 100 Mile South Downs Way Mountain Bike Challenge was always one that the team were keen to tackle, and so a date was set.

With lots of training behind them, new riding equipment purchased and plenty of fighting talk, the team of four took off on the first leg of the 100 miles from Winchester on Saturday 15th September. The support team followed in the very generously donated hire van from Euro Van Hire – Eastbourne. It made the ideal vehicle to navigate the windy country roads along the South Downs Way.

Making really good time the riders pulled in for their first pit-stop of the ride. After a quick cup of tea and bacon sandwich they headed off again from Meon Springs – a beautiful spot, especially on a sunny Saturday morning. The support team certainly enjoyed the scenic route!

An injury later and the team’s morale had dropped slightly as they made an emergency and unplanned stop and waited for support to arrive. Luckily it was nothing too serious, but it shows what those steep hills are capable of! A hearty burger and super-food salad soon picked the boys up again and sent them on their way for the last push of the day, and up one very steep hill on the way to the Truleigh Hill YHA for the night.

Feeling very stiff, sore and hungry the riders arrived and were greeted with chilli con carne at the hostel, courtesy of the support team. It was then straight to the dorm in preparation for day two.

Come Sunday morning the team were joined by two additional riders and the group of six set off for the final 40 miles – the home stretch.

Day two zoomed by and with no injuries (just a few punctures!) the speedy six made great time. A couple of pit-stops to refuel and before we knew it they had made it to Alfriston. Almost there!

The support team headed to the end point – the join on the Link Road and Paradise Drive. It was fantastic to see the team make it over the finish line with Queen – We Are The Champions playing upon their action movie worthy arrival, then it was off to the pub for the most well earnt pint ever! Medals were presented to each of the heroic riders and the support team, it was a great way to end the weekend.

Final donations are still more than welcome and gratefully received on the JustGiving page, Identity have raised a fantastic amount and we are all really, really proud of the team’s achievements.

Until the next challenge…