Barcelona to Box Hill in seven days — achieved!

Back in the April 2 edition of Cycling Weekly magazine, our cover story featured James Bonham, an airline pilot who was organising and preparing for his ‘Seven-Day Epic’ — a cycle challenge which would see him and five friends cycle from Barcelona to Box Hill.

On Saturday, the hardy group of pedallers achieved their goal, rolling over the summit at Box Hill to a rapturous welcome from friends, family and supporters after seven full days on the road. Over the course of the week they covered 1,400 kilometres and have raised — so far — more than £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“That was hard — far harder than I ever imagined,” James said at the finish. “It wasn’t just the mileage, it was the hills — we climbed over twice as high as I expected, I’m pretty sure I promised flat days after Perpignon.

“The logistics were also hard. Trying to make sure we always had water, make sure we got to hotels, had the right food, got massaged and looked after ourselves. We had 17-hour days, non-stop, all day, which I also didn’t expect.  There was no down-time. It was an incredible challenge, and I’m delighted now, but I think in a couple of days my body is just going to collapse.”

The full team of Seven-Day Epic riders was James Bonham, Nick Perks, Nick Buckfield — who also did also massage — Dan Hughes, Jason Dennison-Wilkins, Chris Beck and Rob Wicks, with support from Lorna Dennison-Wilkins, Aimee Casey, Bambos Antonio and Marc Bates.

Well done all! And if you still want to contribute to their fund-raising, visit: www.sevendayepic.com