Once again we take our cycle ride to the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It will start at Denbies Wine Estate, located one and a half miles from the picturesque North Downs town of Dorking, with the iconic Box Hill and its breathtaking views close by.
Cyclists working for bp are invited to take part in the ride. It is open to employees, contractors and vendor partners.
There are now four routes to choose from, all heading out from the Denbies Wine Estate grounds and taking in the gorgeous rolling roads of the Surrey Hills, which really do offer something for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you are new to riding or an experienced cyclist, the region offers stunning views either along the winding lanes or at the top of a punchy climb. If you do happen to be a more experienced cyclist looking to test your stamina, prepare for some inspired climbing action. For the rest of us, there will be two alternative shorter rides with much less climbing action. Of course, there is always the gravel route option – it was new in 2022, somewhat muddy but enjoyed by enough for us to continue it last year and if there is sufficient demand, we will run it again this year!
Come and enjoy riding with friends and colleagues while challenging yourself to reach the finish and the BBQ that awaits!
The proposed routes for BP Living Our Purpose Cycle Ride 2024
Our four routes need to be finalised and we will share details when that is done. The start point and end point might be the same, but we do try to mix up the in between each year!
They will be of differing lengths to suit the goals of all our participants.
The short route will be approximately 25k long and will be a route suitable for those new to cycling or just wanting to experience the Surrey countryside.
At 50k, the medium or Standard route (if using sportif language!) will be akin to a steady ride for the regular commuter or an added challenge for novice riders.
The longest or Epic route of 100k will take in a climb or two (or three?!) before returning riders home.
Finally, an ‘off-road’ gravel style route – IF we get numbers and can therefore safely support. If your preference is to do this, please indicate on sign up. However, as this is not certain, please ensure you are happy completing the road routes, and indicate which length you’d choose to do.
All ride routes and their course profile will be available prior to starting pedalling on Friday 4th October.
The ride is a little later than normal this year – but that is because it’s Paris 2024 and so guess where our Paralympians will be in early September 😊 All being well, we’ll be able to celebrate their success with our morning tea and coffees!
Donations to British Paralympic Association
As well as being a team event, the ride aims to raise money for the British Paralympic Association. Last year, we raised more than £17,000 for the BPA – one of our highest ever and it would be great if we could beat that this year! We’ve set ourselves a target of £20-£24k…because, well, it’s the 2024 Olympics!
All money raised will be donated to help athletes training for Paris 2024. We’re asking all cyclists to donate a minimum of £40 but please donate as much as you like (keen sportif riders will know what a similar event would cost to enter….and that’s without the Denbies breakfast & BBQ lunch!) – and we fully support people doing some extra fundraising themselves.
Indeed – this year we trying Just Giving’s Team Fundraising approach. If you just want to donate, you can – just pick ‘Live our purpose Cyle Ride bp’ as the team to pick. However, if you want to do your own fundraising, why not create your own team? It’s super easy – follow the ‘donate now’ button below and when on Robin’s team captain page, select ‘Create Team’ and off you go…you just need to create your own fundraising page for the British Paralympic Association, select ‘just fundraising’, pick your goal and then tweak the wording/pictures that are automatically there! Publish it and you’re off – share your page and we’ll still see all the donations on the captain page to know how we’re doing overall! And look out for other ways we’re looking at to boost our fundraising!’
To donate, follow the link at the bottom of the page and it will take you to our Just Giving page.
Donations may also be eligible for the BP Employee Matching Fund scheme. Visit our Viva Engage Group where you can find out how!
New Kit – Jerseys, hats & gilet
There is a new design jersey for 2024 and because of it being an autumn ride, a gilet. The lead times mean ordering closes ahead of the ride! So if you are interested in ordering, do so ASAP via this link! BP Ride Kit Shop If you would like free postage, then select ‘Deliver to HQ’ and you can either collect from Sunbury or we’ll bring your kit along to Denbies ready for you to wear at the event! Please note, when ordering, you will need to supply an address, even if you select ‘deliver to HQ’ – the recommendation is your billing address for ease! And the prices will show up in USD because the company is now located there.
o Jersey – $52.90 (c£41.60)
o Cap – $16.53 (c£13)
o Gilet – $48.83 (c£38.40)
DEADLINE FOR KIT ORDERING IS 22nd JULY 2024
Book your place now
DONATE – MATCH IT – REGISTER – TRAIN – RIDE
Remember to go to the donation page, make your donation and get your donation number – you’ll need it for registration! And of course – please do match now.