In the early morning of 5th September, five determined cyclists, two support crew, and two vans set off from Newark, heading north to the wide-open spaces of the Northeast of England.
Over the next two days, they would cover 114 miles, visit 7 prisons, face biblical rain, endure punctures, and ultimately, raise awareness across the country about Care after Combat’s mission to support veterans in the justice system.
Our team was not riding alone. Eighteen prisons had pledged to take on their own challenges over the same period. HMP Fosse Way and HMP Ashfield, between them, covered just under 9,500 miles in a month, further than the distance from Portsmouth to the Falkland Islands.
An Overview of the Weekend
Day 1: Setting Off Into Sunshine
The team based themselves in Barnard Castle and started the challenge at 08:30 on 5th September outside HMP Deerbolt. Three members from HMP Kirklevington Grange asked if they could join, and the eight cyclists set off together.
The first leg was 30 miles of roads, cycle paths, and tracks, heading to HMP Kirklevington Grange where the support vans relocated to key points at approximately 15 mile intervals to ensure the cyclists were never far from support, assistance and refreshments. At the café there, the team refuelled on paninis (proper food for proper effort).
From Kirklevington Grange, they pushed on to HMP Holme House, HMP Durham, and HMP Low Newton. There were a couple of punctures for the youngest team member (sorted out by the older, wiser contingent), but nothing derailed them. They finished the day with well-earned food in a great pub in Newcastle, followed by a night’s rest in a Travelodge.
Day 2: The Challenge Gets Real
Day 2 started at HMP Frankland with the team heading north to HMP Northumberland. All was going well until halfway through the 47-mile route, the rain arrived, and it did not stop.
Then came punctures, multiple on one team member’s bike. With 10 miles still to go, that cyclist made the difficult decision to step back. But the rest of the team pushed on, despite the rain and fatigue.
Eventually, at 2 pm, the team triumphantly crossed the finish line.
Thank You to the People Who Made This Possible
Of course, we would like to properly acknowledge the many people who made this happen:
Firstly, the team from Kirklevington Grange, especially Brett, who organised their end. Thank you all so much for the efforts you have gone to and for the 3 who cycled on day 1.
To the support crew, Mark and Lee: Without you both, this challenge simply wouldn’t have happened. Thank you.
To Sarah, Diane, and the team at HMP Holme House: Thank you for supporting us along the route whilst also conducting your own challenge on the day.
To all 18 prisons who pledged their support and conducted their own events: You’ve shown that supporting veterans in the justice system is a collective mission. Individual prison recognition will follow as information becomes available, but please know your efforts are genuinely appreciated.
And last but not least, to Adrian, Graeme, Ross and Jay for your truly gritty efforts and dogged determination to make the whole event a success.
The Donations Are Still Coming In
The challenge is complete, but our work isn’t finished. The fundraising page remains open, and every pound raised goes directly to supporting veterans in the justice system with one-to-one mentorship, peer support groups, our 24/7 helpline, and specialist signposting.
If you’ve been inspired by the determination shown over this weekend, donations are still very welcome.
What Started Small Has Grown into Something Remarkable
The cycle challenge began in 2021 as a local, staff-only initiative designed to raise awareness of Care after Combat’s work within the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire area.
Now, five years on, it’s evolved into a highly organised, ambitious challenge that brings together cyclists, support crews, prison staff, and, most importantly, veterans in the justice system who conduct their own challenges in solidarity.
The 2026 Cycle Challenge wasn’t easy, but the team pushed through because they believed so strongly in what they were cycling for. Veterans can and do rebuild their lives when they have the right support. Across 114 miles and 7 prisons, this team and the 18 prison establishments supporting them showed that there are many people out there who believe that positive change is very much possible.
Thank you to everyone who participated, everyone who supported, and everyone who believes that veterans deserve a second chance.
If you’d like to support our work year-round, find out how you can help. And if you have questions or want to get involved in future challenges, get in touch.
