Four riders, three second-hand bikes, and one epic 300km journey. All to raise funds for Oxfordshire’s The Hummingbird Centre.
Inspired by a YouTube video showing a man cycling from London to Paris on a discarded bike, Scott Thomas from Oxfordshire decided to take on the same journey, and bring a team along for the ride.
Scott, joined by his brother Zac Thomas, friend and colleague Jordan Beard (both from Worcester), and experienced cyclist David Seiferth, whom he met at Oxford’s Broken Spoke Bike Co-op, will cycle from the London Eye to the Eiffel Tower over three days, starting this Thursday 24th July.
They’re raising funds for The Hummingbird Centre, a local cancer support charity close to Scott’s heart, following the loss of two family members to the disease.
The Route
- Day 1 (108km): London Eye → Croydon → Haywards Heath → Newhaven (ferry to Dieppe)
- Day 2 (80km): Dieppe → Gisors
- Day 3 (80km): Gisors → Paris → Eiffel Tower
In the spirit of their YouTuber inspiration, the team plans to donate their bikes at the end of the journey, right after snapping their victory photos beneath the Eiffel Tower.
From Inspiration to Action
“The thought of Bikepacking across the UK or Europe has lingered in my mind for quite some time” said Scott. “I previously investigated cycling around the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in Spain. Unfortunately, that plan fell through due to logistical issues. Taking that YouTuber’s journey as inspiration, I settled on London to Paris. He made it look so easy that I felt even an amateur like myself could do it. I don’t see this as a challenge but more of an adventure of a lifetime, something I could tell a story about someday. I can’t wait to take part”
Scott’s been training by commuting to work and riding 30–80km at weekends. He’s even restored three second-hand bikes for the trip.
Both Jordan and Scott, work for Ridge Consulting, in the Birmingham and Oxford offices respectively, which has designated The Hummingbird Centre as it’s charity of the year. Scott was inspired to raise money for the centre after learning about the support it provides to people with cancer and their families across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
About The Hummingbird Centre
Based in Bicester, The Hummingbird Centre offers emotional and practical support to people across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire affected by cancer. From therapy and counselling to a Lymphoedema Clinic and children’s services, the centre relies entirely on donations and volunteers to run.
Founder Mechelle Harris said:
We are really excited for the guys making this trip – we are sure they will make fantastic memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. We are delighted they have chosen to raise money for The Hummingbird Centre and look forward to hearing all about their adventure when they get back
Donate or Follow the Journey
Support the team here: justgiving.com/page/l2pforgrandma
Find out more about the centre: .thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk
