Ride Lon-done: Geraldine completes 100-mile Brompton challenge
A former Exeter College student has completed her huge cycling challenge on a tiny bike in support of the BBC Media Action’s life-changing work around the world.
Geraldine Sweetland, originally from Farway, cycled 100 miles on a folding Brompton bike as part of the Prudential RideLondon Surrey100 event on Sunday 31st July.
She completed the course, which included climbing the infamously steep Leith Hill and lengthy Box Hill in Surrey, in seven hours, 54 minutes and 20 seconds. At one point she was clocked doing 23 mph.
After reaching her initial £600 target she is now aiming to raise £1,000 for BBC Media Action – the corporation’s international development charity - which uses media and communication to help people in the developing world access useful, reliable and timely information. Their work now reaches more than 200 million people living in poverty and fragile settings around the world.
Geraldine, who now lives in London and works in Communications and Fundraising for BBC Media Action, said: “I had to dig deep for the last 10 miles but it was worth it, cycling down The Mall on a Brompton and crossing the finishing line was an incredible moment that I will never forget.”
“All day the support from the crowds for all the Brompton riders was overwhelming, other cyclists couldn’t believe we were on these folding bikes – particularly when I overtook them up Box Hill!”
“One guy asked me why I was riding 100 miles on a Brompton. I said why not?”
On why she took on the epic challenge she said: “Following the earthquakes in Nepal last year I saw how BBC Media Action responded fast – enabled by funds raised through efforts like this as they are not funded by the licence fee and rely on donations.
“Within hours of the first earthquake, emergency “lifeline” radio programmes were broadcasting across a network of more than 250 radio stations in Nepal – sharing vital information about aid, how to stay safe and what might happen next.”
Geraldine was among 11 BBC Media Action volunteers who completed the challenge. The route started at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, follows a 100-mile route through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside before heading back to London and finishing on The Mall.
For more information or to support Geraldine please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Geraldine-Sweetland
