Disabled cyclists get their kicks on Route 66
Disabled residents at four care homes run by charity Leonard Cheshire are taking on a huge 2,400-mile virtual cycle across the USA, riding the Route 66 Challenge.
Residents cycling the famous route from the east coast in Chicago to the west coast in California live at Gloucestershire House in Cheltenham, Symonds House in Hertfordshire, St Bridget’s in West Sussex and Fryers House in Hampshire.
The full-time wheelchair users are completing the lockdown challenge on static therapy bikes and accessible bikes, racking up the miles and pooling their totals.
Route 66 Challenge organiser Dave Evans lives at Gloucestershire House and involves everyone at each home, highlighting the group’s progress on a virtual map and tracking famous landmarks on the way.
Dave said:
“We’ve made brilliant progress with the Route 66 Challenge. Under lockdown, our intrepid Leonard Cheshire riders are taking on the biggest trek we’ve ever done. We wanted to create new connections and boost morale. We wanted to improve our physical fitness and have a bit of fun. And it’s working really well.”
The virtual journey began on 1 June and the disabled cyclists hope to reach their destination of Santa Monica by 31 July. This end date will be a double celebration for Gloucestershire House’s California girl Beth, who is aiming to cross the finish line on her birthday.
The Route 66 trip comes after Gloucestershire House residents completed the LEJOG Challenge in April, riding the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Sarah Grout, Regional Fundraising Executive at Leonard Cheshire, said: “The phenomenal Route 66 Challenge provides an extra boost to morale. The teamwork provides great motivation, with friendships being formed across the country as a direct result.
“The project shows the importance of physical activity and the joy of cycling, whether on static therapy bikes or adapted accessible bikes. This specialist equipment is costly and needs constant servicing and replacement. Funds raised through the challenge will help buy and maintain cycling equipment for all the homes involved, meaning in future more people can experience the benefits of cycling.”
To donate to the Route 66 Challenge in aid of Leonard Cheshire, please visit our JustGiving page.
Media enquiries
For additional information and photos, contact Nick Bishop in Leonard Cheshire’s external communications team: E: nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org. T: 01202 747100. 07889 976267. Out of hours press office mobile: 07903 949 388.
Gloucestershire House
Gloucestershire House is a residential service with nursing care run by Leonard Cheshire. The service in Cheltenham supporting 36 disabled adults was recently rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It includes 6 separate bungalows as ‘supported living’ accommodation. It has a hydrotherapy pool, a specialist gym, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, and offers a wide range of activities to residents.