Torbay cyclists geared up for epic journey for charity

Torbay cycling team Ride4Dementia are preparing for their epic 2,150km bike ride from Paignton to Rome.

The group said: “We are a group of gentlemen who have one thing in common: one of our loved ones or friends is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

“We wanted to join forces and complete the Ride4Dementia 2024, to raise money and awareness in the search for a cure for this terrible disease.”

Ian Stone, who many may know from his time at the helm of Park Lane nightclub, organized the challenge along with nine other locals in tribute to his mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.

The journey builds on his first Ride 4 Dementia cycling challenge, which he completed in eight days in 2022.

Ian said: “My mother was diagnosed in 2018 but in 2020 my father passed away, completely unexpectedly. It was a complete shock to everyone. We moved from Somerset to Paignton and I became her full-time carer.

“I started cycling in 2020 because I wanted to raise awareness for her in some way. She asked me what I was going to do and I said I was going to cycle to Spain. She thought I was crazy.”

After Ian’s first challenge raised over £20,000, Ride4Dementia is getting even more ambitious with its challenges. This time the final destination is Rome, with a fundraising target of £30,000.

In total, the group will cycle 1,336 miles, climb 70,000 feet over the Alps and experience extreme weather conditions, from snow to intense heat, and will cycle 150 miles a day, for approximately 10 days.

The drivers accompanying Ian Stone are Tim Bumby, Paul Hebdon, Simon Denham, Josh Ellingsworth, Dean Hodge, Paul Mortimer, Wayne Harker and Ryan Chivers. The Medic and support driver is Scott Cheadle.

The group will leave Paignton Green from the Geo Park on July 9th and will hopefully arrive at the Colosseum in Rome ten days later.

After 11 months of tough training, starting at 4am in wind and rain, each training more than 6,400 kilometers and climbing 60,000 meters, the group is ready and the start date is almost here.

Before arriving in Rome, the team’s families fly out for a party.

Key sponsors include Rev Comps, WEMCo, VX3, Primal Ltd, Brixham Fish Market, Boss Scaffolding and the Geo Café on Paignton seafront.

The group added: “We will be leaving Paignton Green from the Geo Park on July 9 at 3:15pm. Hopefully we’ll see you there for a big farewell!”.