Somme Battlefields – Woody’s Lodge Annual Fundraising Cycle Event 2025
2025 Annual Fundraising Cycle Event: Route Update and Key Information
We’re excited to share our plans for the 2025 annual fundraising cycle, a meaningful journey that will take us through the historic battlefields of the Great War. Our goal is to bring together 50 participants, whether cyclists or guests, along with a dedicated support crew of 10, for an unforgettable experience. This six-day cycling event will honour the sacrifices made during the Battle of the Somme, Passchendaele, and Ypres, with the final respectful close of the event at the Menin Gate Ceremony.
Event Details:
- Dates: Monday, 7th July – Sunday, 13th July 2025
- Participants: 50 Cyclists/Guests, 10 Support Crew
- Cost per Participant: £795.00 (including a £100 non-refundable deposit)
Fundraising Goal: While fundraising is not mandatory, we encourage participants to contribute to our collective goal of raising £20,000. Every effort helps us make a significant impact through this event.
Event Highlights:
- Day 1: Monday, 7th July
Travel Day: We’ll depart from Wales and travel to our first meeting point, a hotel in Folkstone. - Day 2: Tuesday, 8th July
Cycle Begins: After crossing the Channel on Le Shuttle, we’ll begin our journey with a short 27-mile ride from Amiens to Albert. - Day 3: Wednesday, 9th July
Route: We’ll cycle 40 miles from Albert to Arras, passing through historic sites that played crucial roles during the war. - Day 4: Thursday, 10th July
Route: The longest stretch of our journey, a 50-mile ride from Arras to Bondues. - Day 5: Friday, 11th July
Final Ride: We’ll ride 25 miles from Bondues to the Menin Gate in Ypres. The afternoon will be free for rest or exploration before we gather in the evening for the Last Post Ceremony, followed by a special event dinner and medal presentation. - Day 6: Saturday, 12th July
Exploration Day: This day is free for participants to explore the area, with optional paid excursions available, including a tour of Flanders or Ypres. - Day 7: Sunday, 13th July
Return Home: We’ll travel back to the UK via Le Shuttle, arriving in South Wales around 5 PM.
What to Expect at The Annual Fundraising Cycle
Our route will take us to 9-10 memorial locations, where we will pause to reflect and pay our respects. This historic route will provide a profound backdrop as we honour the sacrifices of the past while working to support the future.
Register Your Interest
We encourage everyone to register their interest as soon as possible to secure a spot in this meaningful adventure. By participating, you’ll be contributing to our ongoing efforts to support veterans and their families. The sense of achievement and community spirit you will experience is unparalleled.
Stay Updated
You can keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further updates and details as we get closer to the event. Or you can take a look at our 2024 Hereford to National Arboretum Cycle Fundraiser 2024 here.
