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Last month, seven members of the Rapid Energy team took on the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, a 55-mile challenge in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.
This ride was particularly close to our hearts, as it was completed in memory of our Operations Manager Rob Parsons’ dad, who sadly passed away from cancer last year.
For Rob, the day was deeply personal:
“Last year was one of the hardest of my life. I watched my dad bravely fight cancer from New Year until June, when I heartbreakingly lost him. In his honour, and to give back to those who support families like mine, we are taking on the London to Brighton Bike Ride.”
The Day Through Rob’s Eyes
The day started early and with a few false starts.
06:00 – Alarm. Snooze.
06:09 – Alarm. Snooze again.
06:18 – Alarm. This time, I was up (eventually!).
Fuel was the first priority. A big bowl of Shredded Wheat and a double espresso went down quickly, giving me the energy I knew I’d need for the long road ahead. After some last-minute bike checks and packing my kit, I set off for the station.
By 07:35, I was on the train, where I’d arranged to meet two of my teammates, Rapid Energy engineers Joe and Dan. Over a very unglamorous but effective breakfast of three boiled eggs, we talked through the ride ahead.
We arrived at London Bridge just after 08:00, then pedaled the four miles to Clapham Common – the official start line of the London to Brighton Ride. At 09:00, we met the rest of the Rapid Energy crew. Encouragement was flowing, nerves were settling, and before long, it was time to clip in and go.
09:45 – We set off.
The first leg of the journey went by quickly. By 11:00, we’d hit our first water stop at mile 17.
At 12:52, 30 miles in, we pulled into the second stop. Our support driver Ben, one of Rapid Energy’s Warehouse Operatives, was there waiting with supplies – water, bananas, protein bars, crisps, and yes, another much-needed double espresso. That little caffeine hit was exactly what I needed.
By 14:03, we reached water stop three, where we were reunited with Ben and cleared out whatever snacks he had left. Spirits were still good, though the legs were starting to feel the miles.
Then the weather took a turn. At 15:00, the skies opened, and torrential rain came hammering down. Soaked through, we powered past water stop four and pushed on towards Brighton.
Finally, at 16:00, I reached the finish line. Despite the rain, my girlfriend and our baby were to cheer me over the line.
By 16:15, the bikes were packed into the support van, and at 16:30, I found myself in the pub with Joe, sipping what can only be described as the best pint of my life. By 19:00, I was back home feeling tired but incredibly proud of what we had all achieved.
Donate Now
Macmillan Cancer Support is there for millions of people affected by cancer every year. But their vital services are almost entirely funded by donations.
That’s why we need your help.
You can still support our team by donating here.
Together, we rode every mile for Rob’s dad, for families like his, and for everyone facing cancer. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far – let’s keep making every mile count!
