A huge thanks to the Truants for succesful completion of their Ride India 2017, a (sometimes!) gruelling 200 km bike ride through the challenging terrain of India's southern province of Kerala.
The ride, raising money for Nordoff Robbins, Teenage Cancer Trust and Childline, took the 43 cyclists up hills totalling 7399 ft, through stunning scenery, and on roads winding through scores of small villages and towns, meeting some of the most friendly people imaginable.
But with temperatures over 96°F (32°C),humidity at times reaching 96%, and roads best described as 'interesting' it certainly proved a worthy challenge and the Truants' toughest ride yet!
Our own Director of Fundraising, Communications and Marketing, Jo Carter, who is a member of the Truants and participating in her third ride, said:
"The ride was tough but also brilliant. We set off by 6.30am every day to avoid some of the intense heat and humidity. Over the three days we cycled over 200km up hills totalling 7399ft – if you reckon Mount Snowdon is 3560ft, we did two of those on a very heavy mountain bike (with a mind of its own).
I have come back with a few bruises (the result of a run in with a speeding tuk tuk) but also in the knowledge that Nordoff Robbins and the work we do is understood, valued and will continue to be supported by some very passionate and dedicated people, who together over the last six rides, have raised over £1million for Nordoff Robbins.
During my time with the group I spoke to many of the riders about our work and without exception whoever I spoke to was fascinated and more importantly, given what we were doing, motivated by what we do. Music played a big role on the trip, on the last night each of the new riders (Rookies as we call them!) had to give a performance, after which song sheets were handed out so that we could celebrate our achievement by singing together - overall badly."
A huge thanks again to all the Truants for yet another succesful challenge. Fundraising will continue until January, when all donors will sent a link to the Ride India site, including tall tales, stats, pics and the 'magnificant movie'.
You can find out more and contribute here.