I’m going to ride 500km in under 30 hours around the track this December to raise money for the Dogs Trust and Herne Hill Velodrome.
On the 29th December I’ll be taking on the Festive 500 challenge at Herne Hill velodrome to raise money for two causes which are very close to my heart: dogs and cycling.
This bonkers idea is the brainchild of my partner Tim, who in 2020 alongside Boru, decided to dial cycling clothing brand Rapha’s Festive 500 Challenge (where riders complete 500km between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) up a few notches and take on the whole distance in one hit around the 450 metre outdoor track at Herne Hill Velodrome (1,112 laps or roughly London to Newcastle!). Raising over £12,000 for the velodrome (which is a charity) they inspired an annual fundraiser where 10 riders take on the Herne Hill Festive 500, raising money for the velodrome and a charity of each rider’s choice.
If you’ve made it this far, you are probably aware that dogs and bikes are two big passions in my life. Having grown up with dogs, I know how strong the bond is between them and us. Which is why I’m fundraising for the Dogs Trust, who support both dogs and people going through the most challenging circumstances. As well as taking in abandoned dogs, the Dogs Trust look after dogs of people who are made homeless and those fleeing domestic abuse, enabling dogs and people to get the support they need.
Herne Hill Velodrome is the heart of the south London cycling community and a central part of the UK cycling infrastructure. It’s the most affordable venue in London to learn, develop and compete on the track. HHV prioritises putting the community at the heart of everything it does to ensure track sessions are open, inclusive and available to all, as well as developing progression from grassroots to the elite level. Anyone who’s been there knows just how special a place it is.
This is going to be a really tough challenge, the hardest I’ve done to date (my furthest ridden so far in one hit is 330km, and that wasn’t around a track, nor in mid-winter!). I’d love to raise £1 for every lap of the velodrome, which will be a huge incentive for me to complete all 1,112 laps. If I hit my target, Judy (my dog) will ride the last lap with me. Thank you in advance for your support, Fran xx
