The Yearly Challenge - How it all started
SACA, a 100% volunteer charity organisation is the main organiser of the event - that over the years have ensured the need for safety and improvements are met.
In 1989 a group of 14 aspiring youths decided to establish a challenge that could help both local and national children's charities. They considered a number of sporting events that would test both their determination and personal fitness. They also considered the key element
of working as a team and supporting each other. The challenge would require endurance, fitness and careful planning.
They set the standard for what has now become a yearly summer event lasting 2 days and now with the One Day option called FAST TRACK. The Birmingham to London cycle ride now attracts riders from all over the country and international riders each year and involves months of planning and adherence to safety management disciplines.
Raising money for local and National Children's Charities
Every year a children's charity is nominated. Since 1989 the ride has raised over £135,000 for charity. Previous beneficiaries include: The Red Cross, Cash for Kids, Contact a Family, The Ealing Hospital 'Playground in the Sky'
Appeal, Wolverhampton Hospital, Help a London Child, Down Syndrome Research Foundation, dEBra - a charity dedicated to helping those suffering from a genetical skin disorder and the NSPCC - National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and SCOPE
The Ride
The ride starts from Birmingham. It then proceeds through Coventry, Daventry and then through Bedfordshire before reaching a centennial milestone in Luton (If you take the 2 day option). After an overnight stay, the ride
continues in the morning and passes through St Albans, Radlett, Elstree, Harrow and then reaches it final destination in London. All the riders are escorted into the town centre surrounded by a sense of appreciation from the local community
and support services.
Partners in Action
The popularity of the ride has grown each year with the organisers grateful for the continuing support of local and national corporate sponsors. The list below shows the range of organisations that commit sponsorship, logistical support and rider sponsorship competition awards each year.
FORD, HALFORDS, CINEWORLD CINEMA, CYCLE TRAINING UK, COMMLINKS, i-XPLORE.CO.UK , MUSCLEX, RAF, MET POLICE, NATWEST BANK, and the ROYAL MAIL.
The ride continues to be featured each year by the following media partners: RTV Television Network, Zee TV, Cineworld - The movies, Capital Radio 95.8FM, BRMB Radio96.4FM, and Local Radio stations and newspapers throughout the country.