Our co-founder and Director of Translational, Darcey Black, is planning to take part in the BiotechBikers “Catalyst” Charity Event, a 250-mile cycle ride from London to Bruges, on 8th to 10th May 2025. The event will raise funds for Action Medical Research.
Action Medical Research (www.action.org.uk) is the leading UK charity dedicated to funding vital research to help sick and disabled babies, children and young people. AMR has been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years now and have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy. They are now driving forward children’s research, including in the fight against premature birth and rare diseases.
The BiotechBikers (www.biotechbikers.com) cycling networking tour, “Catalyst”, will see around 40 cyclists ride from London to Bruges across three days and cover over 250 miles. The riders will take on some of iconic Belgian roads and Murs (aka very steep climbs!) that will really test their endurance.
By sponsoring Darcey, you will support this charity in helping to find ways to reduce premature birth, to support children facing a lifetime of challenges caused by disabilities, and to develop cutting-edge therapies for rare and incurable diseases. Your sponsorship will help make a real change to children’s lives.
You can sponsor Darcey by following this link:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/darcey-black-2
(Note: All costs to participate the event will be paid for by TherapeutAix, so be assured that all donations will go to Action Medical Research).
Day 1: Epsom to Dover (102 miles)
The day started with a meet-up of all the riders at the famous Epsom Racecourse, home of the horse racing Derby. I could use the thoroughbred metaphor to describe the assembled group of cyclists—it would apply to most of them, but certainly not me. After a short briefing and group photo, we were off. Divided into three pace groups, I chose to ride with the least fast (i.e., slowest!), hoping for a reasonably paced and leisurely ride through the Surrey and Kent countryside. It was obvious from the start that I would be working hard all the way. I was part of a talented and seasoned group, who were certainly fitter than me.
The first 20-odd miles were through the Surrey Hills, crossing the North Downs, before descending into the relatively flat Kent countryside. We passed through pretty Kent villages with their customary pub and village cricket square. Our first feed stop was at a beautifully manicured cricket club. After a brief stop, and fuelled with high-energy snacks, we set off at a gallop on quiet back roads. I was soon off the back, but the group were kind and allowed me to get back on when they stopped at junctions. Riding in a group (aka peloton) is much easier than being on your own (you save about 30% effort), so I tried to stay part of it. But even gentle climbs spat me out the back.
The lunch stop at halfway was a very welcome break. In contrast to the Tour de France, the designated refreshment area was a pub offering excellent sandwiches, chips, and beer. The latter was substituted—somewhat disappointingly—for a tasteless energy drink. The longer rest was welcome and gave me the chance to recover a little. I certainly felt a lot better on the next leg and even spent some time at the front of the group.
The final feed stop was at 75 miles, to ensure we had enough zip for a final big climb near the end. We now had views of the Channel and turned due east along the Kent coast into a headwind—just what you need at this stage of the course. Then came the last climb of the day: over 2 miles and a 10% incline. It would have been OK, had I not pedalled over 95 miles to get there. We re-grouped at the top and then had a nice, relatively gentle spin into Dover and our hotel for the night.
Finish photos were taken, and then it was time for a well-earned beer. All in all, a good day in the saddle. I felt a lot better at the end than I thought I would during the early stages of the ride. However, at the end of the day, it’s not about how I felt. I did this for enjoyment and fun (sort of!). It is about how much I and my fellow riders can raise—both in terms of awareness and money—for a great charity focused on children’s illness and disease: Action Medical Research.
