ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge

ADS members are swapping boardrooms for bicycles this August as the second ADS Charity Cycle gets underway, raising money for three charities while bringing colleagues from across industry together on the road.

The five-stage challenge will see riders cover around 350 miles from Belfast to Bristol, travelling via Dublin, Mid-Wales and South Wales. With daily distances averaging around 75-80 miles, it promises to be a serious physical challenge as well as an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the ADS community.

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2025, this year’s Charity Cycle once again combines networking, regional engagement and fundraising, with riders meeting members and stakeholders along the route.

Rob Shepherd of RC Fornax, who took part last year and has returned for another attempt, said:

“Whilst I’m certainly not a cyclist, I joined last year’s ride for the networking with ADS and industry peers, the physical challenge and the great causes. My legs have never quite forgiven me, but I’m doing it again – still not a cyclist, just apparently a slow learner.”

Three charities benefiting from the ride

Funds raised through the ADS Charity Cycle will support three charity partners chosen by ADS colleagues for 2026/27:

• Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, which provides a vital Helicopter Emergency Medical Service across Northern Ireland.
• Ordinary to Extraordinary (O2E), which brings people together through physical challenges to raise funds for charities supporting children and young people.
• Combat Stress, which provides specialist mental health support to veterans across the UK.

The ride is also designed to highlight the strength and reach of ADS membership, with regional showcases along the route helping celebrate the capabilities of organisations across the UK and Ireland.

You can support the riders and the charities throughout the challenge by donating to the fundraising campaign and helping spread the word across their own organisations and networks.

Every mile matters, and every donation will help support the vital work of this year’s three charity partners.