Ride Wild – Charity Launches New Wildlife Cycle Challenge

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust is launching an ambitious fundraising challenge to visit 30 wild places across Hertfordshire and Middlesex in 30 hours, travelling by eBike.

The Ride Wild Challenge will take place over 29 and 30 June and will see a single cyclist, travelling only by eBike, visit some of the best wild places across the region – from nature reserves to community gardens and river projects to schools. At each wild place the Ride Wild team will meet wildlife experts, volunteers and community groups to learn about the amazing wild places and the wildlife that thrives within them.

The Ride Wild Challenge route will cover over 70 miles in total, starting at Stocker’s Lake in the Colne Valley and ending King’s Meads in Ware. The ride will be streamed live across the Trust’s social media channels and website so everyone can keep up with the team’s progress.

Sarah Croft, Fundraising Officer at Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said ‘This is a really exciting challenge and something completely new for the Trust. The Ride Wild Challenge will show off some of the best wild places in Hertfordshire and Middlesex and raise important funds to support conservation work. We have some amazing wildlife here in Hertfordshire but it needs protecting. The Ride Wild Challenge is a fun way to support the Trust and we hope it inspires more people to get out and experience the wildlife on their doorstep.’

The rider for the challenge is Ben Marston of Hertfordshire- based Puddingstone Distillery, makers of Campfire Gin. A long-term supporter of the Trust, Ben will be riding an eBike throughout the 71-mile route. The eBike has been donated for the cause by the Berkhamsted-based bike manufacturer, Estarli, who champion sustainable travel solutions.

Speaking of the challenge, Distillery founders, Ben and Kate Marston commented: ‘We’re delighted to be taking on the Ride Wild Challenge on behalf of the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Reaching 30 different places in 30 hours is going to be quite a feat but also a great opportunity to discover new wild places and hear about the wildlife that they host. We really hope that the ride encourages others to get on their bikes and pedal along to some of the wonderful nature reserves we have on our doorsteps.’

As part of the Challenge, Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust are providing an opportunity to follow in Ben’s bike tracks and to win the eBike, kindly donated by Estarli. The e20 eBike, worth over £1,200, is being raffled off to raise money for the Trust. Six people will also win a bottle of Puddingstone’s Ultrasonic Gin. Tickets can be purchased at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/ridewildchallenge.

The Ride Wild Challenge is organised as part of the 30 Days Wild campaign, a national event organised by The Wildlife Trusts, where participants are encouraged to do one wild thing every day throughout June. For more details of other 30 Days Wild initiatives throughout the month and to find out how you can get involved, please visit hertswildlifetrust.org.uk.