1,256 miles (2,022 km) and 62,652ft (19,000 m) of altitude. That’s more than twice the height of Mount Everest!
Regenerate is an outstanding community charity dedicated to providing opportunities for young people. It also runs a social enterprise, The Feel Good Bakery, which aims to provide young people with training, mentoring and employment. This approach helps them to build confidence, acquire essential skills, make positive changes in their lives and make a positive contribution to their communities.
Antal International was very proud to sponsor this remarkable initiative, which has had a significant impact on the young people involved with Regenerate UK. Through the Regenerate UK charity, a substantial sum of £75,000 has been raised to improve opportunities for young people in the local London community, particularly those in need. Founder and CEO of Antal International, Anthony Goodwin shares his personal journey and experiences:
“When Andy Smith of Regenerate UK told me there was at 30km climb involved in this epic cycling odyssey he was planning from #Rome2home, I didn’t really take it in or I didn’t believe him. Not that Andy ever lies, far from it. As the founder of Regenerate his character beyond question. It’s just that he has this persuasive knack of being able to convince you to do something that you know is downright ridiculous.
Commitments meant we (my 22 y/o son Adnaan and 17 y/o son Amir) could not join them until Turin where the really tough 1600m climb was to begin. So that’s what we did.”
“For the next 12 days I regretted almost every peddle pushing, back aching, and sinew straining moment. It was singularly the most difficult physical task I’d ever done in my entire life. (I’ve run 14 half marathons and 2 marathons all in my 50’s). I mistakenly thought my reasonable levels of running fitness would carry me through to a completely different form of exercise endurance. I have never been so wrong. I told my sons that had they not been there, I’d have bailed out and got on a plane home after 3 days. Adnaan said – ‘get in the support van, you’re the oldest here, no one cares!’ Spoken like only an oldest son can speak with direct honesty to his dad.
Compounding my frustrations and feelings of inadequacy two of the teenagers ‘smoked’ me going up the winding mountain passes of Mount Cenis on at least 4 occasions. Surely it could get any worse?
Even the beautiful mountain scenery, gorgeous rivers & countryside and the safety of the French cycle lanes offered little respite for the strenuous continuity of cycling for at least 10 hours a day. The delicious boulangeries with their fabulous French pasteries, chocolate filled delights and creamed cakes were but a small break in the arduous endeavour ahead in the rest of the day.
Then there were the cleats, proper cycling equipment for ones feet: except I couldn’t get used to them right up until Brighton, where I fell at traffic lights for the 17 or 18th time. Battered, bruised and broken I sheepishly rode into Battersea Power Station at the back of the crew, where I had been for most of the epic journey. But I never used the support van and I cycled all the way from Turin. Thank goodness it was for a great cause. But next time I am going to pay far more attention to what Andy Smith is actually saying.”
While the ride has come to an end, the Antal x Regenerate journey persists. We remain committed to supporting their cause and urge everyone to contribute towards this impactful initiative.