3 K2 riders. 9 days. 1 epic challenge: to Ride Across Britain and raise money for the K2 Foundation.
From 7th – 15th September, The K2 Kinetic Cruisers (K2’s Ride Across Britain Team) took part in one of the UK’s most iconic cycling events, successfully completing the 980 mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
As they pedalled their way from the tip of Cornwall, to the top of Scotland, Richard Rutledge, Luke Charter and Stuart McCully were covering an average of 100 miles each day, experiencing all manner of terrains and weather conditions along the way. Heavy rain and low temperatures during some stages of the ride added to the already colossal challenge, but the Kinetic Cruisers persevered.
Despite soggy saddles and frozen fingers, detours and (bike) breakdowns, the team remained steadfastly determined to reach the finish line. There were ups and downs- in both landscape and mood – but for the most part, they embraced the challenge with smiles on their faces, propelled forward by the prospect of raising money for the K2 Foundation and the projects it supports.
Watch all the action from the ride in The K2 Kinetic Cruisers Ride Across Britain recap film.
On the achievement of completing the ‘end-to-end’ ride, Group Billing Team Lead for K2, Stuart, comments:
“Ride Across Britain truly was a behemoth of a challenge, both physically and mentally but I’m so glad that I decided to take part. We made some fantastic memories over the nine days, and I feel an amazing sense of pride to have completed this bucket-list ride.”
K2 Billing Coordinator, Luke, adds:
“Taking part in Ride Across Britain was a fantastic adventure, and the kind of thing you only do once in a lifetime. Whilst we definitely had to push ourselves to get through the challenge, all the training paid off, and I’m glad to say that (for the most part) it was an enjoyable experience! A real ride highlight was seeing Scotland for the very first time. The views aren’t half bad, and the weather there treated us well – it’s just a shame we didn’t get any haggis!”
Executive Business Director & Co-Owner of K2, Richard, reflects:
“I was frankly very nervous pre-departure. I had no doubts about Luke and Stuart’s abilities, but found myself questioning, whether I was A: fit enough? B: too old? C: completely mad? to attempt a challenge like Ride Across Britain. Any doubts I had soon evaporated (despite an early mishap, when my pump fell off at a pothole 1 mile from departure at Land’s End). The positivity and comradery of my fellow teammates, and the other 900 odd cyclists taking part, carried me through day 1 and beyond, through wind, rain and (very occasionally) sun. The amazing efficiency and organisational expertise of the Threshold Sports Events Team was also a massive factor, and without their support it would have been much harder!”
Richard continues:
“We have raised over £7,000 for the K2 Foundation, with donations still coming in, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support. The priority project for the Foundation, since it was set up in 2023, has been the rebuilding of a school in Brazil. We are delighted to say that this project is nearing completion. With the final elements being installed over the next few weeks, we expect the school to open in mid to late October. Once operational, it will offer a safe space for up to 150 children from the local favela to learn, play and grow.”
