International development organisation, Transaid, is calling on supporters from across the transport and logistics industry to saddle up for its next cycle challenge, pedalling 217km from London to the Isle of Wight, between 14-17 May 2026.
The ride will begin on Box Hill, which featured in the London 2012 Olympics road race, before navigating 110km through the beautiful Surrey Hills countryside. Participants will enjoy a sustained climb up Leith Hill – the highest point in Surrey – before crossing the South Downs National Park to reach the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry, with just a short cycle remaining to reach the hotel.
Day two in the saddle will feature a bucket list loop around the Isle of Wight, taking in 107km of rugged island scenery and challenging climbs that pass through charming villages, chalk coastlines, wooded glens and historic sites, returning to the hotel to celebrate the conclusion of the event.
Maddy Matheson, Head of Fundraising for Transaid, says: “As our shorter European rides have grown in popularity, we thought it would be a great opportunity to take on a route that is on so many people’s bucket list: the Isle of Wight loop. This is a ride that combines demanding ascents with breathtaking views and will offer our riders an unforgettable journey through some of England’s most scenic and historic landscapes.”
Cycle challenges have long been a staple of Transaid’s fundraising income, helping to raise vital unrestricted funds that can be deployed to test new programmes that will improve road safety and access to healthcare.
Matheson adds: “In today’s climate, with international development funding under increasing pressure across the charity sector, events like this cycle challenge are essential to sustaining Transaid’s work and driving our life-saving programmes forward. We’re really excited about this ride, and we are determined to make this one of our most memorable UK cycling events yet.”
Entries are encouraged from both teams and individuals. The registration fee is £149 per person, and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £1,550 in sponsorship. The costs include accommodation, meals and luggage transport, with an additional supplement payable of £295 for riders preferring a single room. Participants also have the option to bring a non-cycling guest to share their room for a £500 total supplement. Coach transfers have been arranged to bring participants back to the starting point in Dorking on 17 May, sponsored by Lucketts Travel.
Riders preferring a 2026 adventure further afield are invited to sign up for Transaid’s next international adventure, Cycle Tanzania, which will run from 17-26 September. This challenge will see a team of riders pedal 454km from Mount Kilimanjaro to Pangani on the Tanzanian coast. Limited spaces remain, and as such Transaid is encouraging prompt registration.
To sign up for either event, or find out more information, please contact Anna Giavedoni, Events Manager for Transaid, via anna@transaid.org or by calling +44 (0)20 7387 8136.
For more information and to find out how you can support the organisation visit www.transaid.org.
