Going the Extra Mile!

Nine OBs and twelve past parents took part in the Extramile Cycling Challenge, helping to raise thousands of pounds for their chosen charities. This year marked the 23rd and final edition of the challenge, as the two organising Rotary Clubs have decided to call it a day since its inception in 2003. Simon Lousada (70–81), Graham Brown (58–68), and Nigel Brookes (past parent) have been involved in all 23 editions, which involve teams of four cyclists completing, on average, a 170-mile daily route through some of the most picturesque regions of France in a team relay.

This year, the event took place in the Metz/Mulhouse region of France and involved climbing in excess of 13,000 feet each day, and visiting four countries (France, Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg) during the three days of the challenge. The riders criss-crossed the Moselle and the Rhine while also climbing some of the most picturesque mountains. Once off the bikes in the evenings, the teams enjoyed some well-earned refreshments.

Over the last 23 years, the event has raised over £1.9 million for numerous charities, and this year it is anticipated that, once all the funds have been collected, the total will break the £2 million barrier, a fitting end to the event.