Twenty staff from Berkeley St Edward spent their weekends grinding out 400km in a cycle ride from Vienna to Prague to raise over £20,000 for four local charities.
The gruelling route included over 13,000ft of elevation, the equivalent of ascending Ben Nevis three times.
This trip was three years in the making, following numerous delays from lockdowns.
Rob Packham, Head of Land, was one of the team members to take on the challenge.
“Taking on this ride was an experience of a lifetime. Before the trip, I didn’t even own a bike, let alone ride over 100km a day for three days. It was physically and mentally challenging but I am so proud of myself and the team to have completed it. We have raised money for three great charities, and I want to thank all of those who generously donated.”
The route, which took three days, crossed through beautiful forests and quiet Austrian backcountry before reaching the border of Czechia. The riders got a glimpse of the magnificent Vltava Valley on the final push to Prague.
Paul Vallone, Divisional Managing Director of Berkeley St Edward, said:
"This ride is testament to the team we have at Berkeley St Edward. We had a real mix of abilities, with a number of them never having ridden anything like this, but teamwork kept spirits high, and I am incredibly proud that all twenty riders completed it. The money they raised will go towards fantastic local charities which really need our support.”
The funds raised will be distributed between Momentum Children’s Charity, Rethink Mental Illness, The Grange and Triangle Adventure Playground.