An intrepid team from Q8Aviation got on their bikes for a 94-mile charity cycle ride on Saturday 19th June as part of the 2010 Bike Fest, an event organised by rugby charity The Wooden Spoon to raise funds for disadvantaged children across the UK.

Taking part in this gruelling ride were Richard Crowe, Technical Director; Toby Simmons, Sales & Marketing Manager; John Buxton, Operations Manager; Jon Wicks, Supply & Operations Co-ordinator; Mark Workman, Financial Accountant; Benon Banya, Senior Support IT Analyst and Amaël Chesneau, a partner with Q8Aviation's external legal advisors based in France.

From the start at Twickenham Stoop Stadium - home of the Harlequin Football Club - in Middlesex to the finish at Wootton Bassett Rugby Club in Wiltshire, it took members of the team between 9 and 12 hours to complete the course. Although much of the ride was at a steady pace, some admitted to exceeding the speed limit when going downhill!

The journey, which included long stretches along riverside and canal paths, was not without mishaps and the occasional wrong turn. "At one stage two of us got lost and ended up in a field with a bull. It certainly got the adrenalin going and gave us a great incentive to cycle faster!" comments Toby Simmons.

Although some of the team are experienced cyclists, this was the first time that most of them had attempted such a long distance. The exception was Mark Workman, who went on to compete in the 65-mile annual London to Brighton bike ride the following day.

The Q8Aviation team raised over £2,000 for charity and is still inviting donations from colleagues. If you would like to donate, or even to join in the next ride on 11th June 2011, Richard Crowe ([email protected]) would be delighted to hear from you!