Gallery: Clia Cruise Forum
Nine cyclists from across the cruise sector have completed an 80-mile charity bike ride to the Clia Winter Forum.
Giles Hawke, Avalon Waterways; Bernie Carter, Oceania Cruises; John Fair, CroisiEurope; Stuart Leven, Royal Caribbean; Dave Mills, Iglu.com; Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises (and Clia UK & Ireland chairman); Graham Sadler, Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Simon Leeming, Waterfront Publishing and Robbie White, Touchdown, all arrived at the De Vere Cotswold Waterpark Hotel in Gloucestershire eight hours after setting off from Waltham Chase in Hampshire on Tuesday.
Thanks to donations from across the industry, the riders have raised just over £7,000 for the Family Holiday Association (FHA), which takes underprivileged children and their families on short breaks around the country.
Hawke, who is also the Clia deputy chair, said: “An amazing day for the team of nine riders and two really dedicated support crew – Madeleine Roast and Louise Prior.
“Some real challenges were overcome by the riders and the weather made it extra interesting.
“Beautiful scenery and mainly quiet country lanes. Sponsorship has been incredible and brilliant to have raised over £7,000 so far.”
White said: “It is an incredible achievement and a real team effort. The weather was not kind to us, but we fortunately had a superb support team.
“The hills were gruelling, we had a few bike issues and injuries but now we have raised just over £7,000.
“We really value every penny that has been donated already but please give you have not already.”
Roberts called the conditions “treacherous”, “unforgiving” and the worst he had ever cycled in.
The group cycled more than 2,300 miles as part of their training for the charity bike ride.
Hawke said planning had already begun for a Clia charity bike ride to the same event in 2019.
To find out more information and donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cliacyclingclub
Gallery: Clia Cruise Forum