Pub bet bike ride turns into £250,000 fundraiser
IT STARTED off just as a pub bet – but the latest annual bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby has raised more than a quarter of a million pounds for charity.
Fundraisers who announced the astonishing sum said they were stunned by the success of the popular Carten100, which now attracts thousands of cyclists from all walks of life.
And they revealed how it had all started with just four riders – following a Friday night out down the pub.
Starting at Cardiff’s City Hall, the ride takes in 100 miles of Welsh scenery before it ends in Tudor Square in Tenby.
Described as a “ride” and not a race, the event is known for its party atmosphere and charity fundraising instead of focusing on riders’ times and performance.
David Stealey, one of the event organisers, said: “The first year there were four riders. They had a bet on in the pub on the Friday that they couldn’t ride to Tenby the next day.
“They got up the next morning and off they rode – they just found what they could in the shed. This was before cycling became the huge pastime it is today.”
From there, the event continued to grow with more friends taking part.
Mr Stealey, 49, added: “A lot of us grew up in Tenby or have connections there so they rode down that year and the next year we had some mates and their mates join so it went from four to eight to 16.
“This year we had 2,500 join. The whole idea is not the about the fastest time and Lycra, it’s for anyone who wants the fun and challenge of riding 100 miles in a day and that sense of achievement.
“It’s all about the party and not about cycling.”
To date the ride – which takes place each May – has raised more than £800,000, with entrance fees for the not-for-profit event going to a different charity every year.
Marking its biggest ride yet, this year a total of £251,000 was raised for different causes, with £218,000 going to type 1 diabetes charity JDRF and the rest to other charities based near Cardiff and Swansea.
For the group of six organisers, the biggest challenge now lies in making sure the event runs smoothly, including food stops for breakfast and snacks and a bowl of pasta for riders at the end.
Mr Stealey, who has taken part in every ride since its second year, said: “It’s a fun day but logistically it’s difficult because it’s not closed roads like the Velothon.
“The ride is still difficult every time but I only do a bit of training. This year was fantastic because the wind was blowing from the east; 2015 was horrific and became known as ‘the Marmite year’ as we had 40mph winds.
“We all absolutely love it – we must do as we have to meet through the winter months to plan it.”
Entry forms for Carten 2018 are set to be launched in November, with a cheque presentation evening for this year’s chosen charities to be held on November 3.