22/10/2025
A ride report from our customers Kerry & Rhys:
“Do you fancy riding our tandem from London to Sydney—over 25 years?”
That was the question I casually asked my husband, Rhys, a year ago. He didn’t hesitate for a moment. A passionate and experienced cyclist, he was instantly in. And just like that, we became part of Ride25, the epic, multi-leg cycling adventure from London to Sydney, to raise funds for 1moreChild, a charity supporting vulnerable children in Jinja, Uganda.
Last week, we joined Leg 4 of the Founders’ Ride, cycling 750 km from Milan to Rome in just five days—with over 7,500 meters of climbing. It was beautiful, brutal, and unforgettable. But getting there was no small feat.
I was introduced to the Ride25 challenge, the idea thrilled us, but we faced two big hurdles.
First, we owned a tandem bike… but had no idea how to ride it. Usually, the heavier or more experienced rider takes the front seat, known as the “captain.” But since Rhys is sight-impaired, that role fell to me. I steer, brake, and balance; Rhys sits behind as “stoker,” providing power but little control. The smallest movement from him could unsteady us, and in our early attempts, we wobbled, laughed, and occasionally toppled over. By April this year, we still hadn’t managed more than a couple of kilometres. With 150 km and 2,500 m of climbing on Day 3 of Ride25 looming, I was getting nervous.
That’s when we met Pete Bird, founder of Bicycles & Tandems by Design. He adjusted our handlebars, fitted a wing mirror and stand, taught us how to start and stop safely, and—crucially—reminded Rhys that I was the captain, not him! After that, everything began to click.
Second, there was the sheer distance. Most Ride25 days average 160 km, with one day stretching to a daunting 180 km. Over the summer, we trained hard—riding with VCJ, our local cycling club in Oxford, building stamina and control. By September, we were strong enough to complete an 80 km training ride.
The Ride: Milan to Rome - When the time came, nothing could truly prepare us for the reality of the Italian roads. From Milan’s bustling streets to the quiet hill towns of Tuscany and Lazio, every day brought new challenges—and breathtaking views.
The climbs were relentless, sometimes feeling almost vertical (the one out of Orvieto is seared into my memory). Our tandem weighs considerably more than a solo bike, and I could feel every extra kilogram as we ground our way up switchbacks in the heat. We spent long hours in the saddle, and no amount of chamois cream or padded shorts could prevent the inevitable discomfort.
But the descents—oh, the descents! Sweeping down perfect tarmac, the wind roaring in our ears, we hit speeds close to 80 km/h. Those moments made every aching muscle worthwhile. The scenery was stunning: vineyards, olive groves, ancient villages perched on hilltops, and sunsets that seemed painted just for us.
What truly made the experience extraordinary was the Ride25 community—80 fellow Founders, each with their own stories, motivations, and goals. We shared meals, laughter, business ideas, and plenty of encouragement on the road. The camaraderie was powerful; every “bravo!” or push-up up a final climb reminded me that we were part of something much bigger than ourselves.
The support crew were phenomenal, too—organising logistics, fixing bikes, feeding us, and somehow keeping spirits high even when the weather or terrain turned tough. Their dedication kept the entire group rolling smoothly all the way to Rome.
And, of course, I owe a huge debt to Rhys. His strength and steady rhythm powered us up hills I never thought we’d conquer. Riding in perfect sync requires absolute trust, and I’m endlessly grateful to him for being the powerhouse (and occasional comedian) behind me.
Crossing the finish line in Rome was pure joy—exhaustion mixed with exhilaration. We’d done it. From those shaky first rides to completing 750 km together, it felt like a triumph not just of fitness, but of partnership and perseverance.
Will we be back for Leg 5? Hell yes!
