More than 400 riders took to the roads last weekend (6 July) as part of Sue Ryder’s iconic Ride for Ryder challenge.
The event has raised over £61,000 – with donations still coming in – for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham.
Cyclists from across Gloucestershire and beyond came together for the 37th annual Ride for Ryder Sportive, a much-loved fixture in the local community’s calendar.
Building from the phenomenal success of last year the 2025 event saw participants once again set off from Dean Close School in Cheltenham, tackling five scenic routes through the Cotswolds, ranging from 40km to 160km. Riders enjoyed breathtaking countryside views as they passed through villages such as Broadway, Chipping Campden, and Guiting Power.
Supported by over 100 volunteers, the day had fantastic atmosphere with cyclists of all abilities coming together to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder’s expert palliative care and bereavement support services. There were six refreshment stations along the way, sponsored by Gloucester based company Monatrix, where riders could refuel with some much-needed food and drink.
Matt Reay, Community Fundraising Manager for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “Ride for Ryder 2025 has been another runaway success. It was incredible to see so many cyclists coming together to support Sue Ryder. The generosity of our riders and supporters continues to amaze us, and the funds raised this year will help us provide expert palliative care and bereavement support for families across Gloucestershire.
“We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible, including our headline sponsor, Cape Homes, our refreshment station sponsor Monatrix, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I for donating drinks to energise the riders, the mechanics who kept everyone rolling throughout the day and our wonderful army of volunteers.”
Ride for Ryder 2026 sponsored by Cape Homes takes place on Sunday 12 July and starts and ends at Dean Close School in Cheltenham. There are five distances to choose from: 40km, 70km, 90km, 130km and 160km.