ADS cyclists battle crashes, climbs and forest fires to raise over £5,000

A team drawn from across the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors has raised more than £5,000 after completing a gruelling 334-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol.

Twelve riders reached the finish at RC Fornax’s Bristol office following five days on the road through Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and South West England.

Along the way, the cyclists battled strong headwinds, demanding climbs and extreme heat, as well as crashes, mechanical problems and a diversion caused by forest fires.

The annual ADS Charity Cycle raised money for Combat Stress, Ordinary to Extraordinary (O2e) and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Donations remain open, with further fundraising activities planned during the year.

ADS charity ride begins in Belfast

The route began with a visit to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, giving the riders an opportunity to see the helicopter and meet representatives of the charity before setting off.

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland works with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to deliver the country’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. Its medical team can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately 25 minutes, providing advanced pre-hospital care to seriously ill and injured patients.

ADS’s Adam Doyle said visiting the service had been one of the most rewarding parts of the five-day challenge.

“They gave us a fantastic send-off and showed us examples of the vital service they provide for people across Northern Ireland, and sometimes over the border in the Republic of Ireland,” he said.

The cyclists continued south to Dublin, contending with headwinds and differences in experience across the group.

“We all stayed together as a team and got through it,” Doyle said. “When we arrived in Dublin, we brought together ADS members and stakeholders from across the Republic of Ireland to celebrate O2e and the charities it supports.”

Welsh climbs push cyclists to their limits

The most punishing section came after the team crossed to Wales. One day began with a 4.30am alarm and did not finish until 8.30pm.

Nigel Harper, head of sales at RC Fornax, said the scale of the challenge became apparent when the riders left the ferry during the afternoon and discovered what still lay ahead.

“When you get off the ferry at one o’clock and are told you have 80 miles and 6,000ft of climbing ahead of you, that is not normal,” he said. “It was all incredibly hard.”

The cyclists encountered difficult technical climbs, crashes and chains coming off bikes. They also had to adjust their route around forest fires.

There was at least one reward during the ascent, with Hawk training aircraft spotted flying through the Mach Loop as the riders climbed through Wales.

“The distance was shorter than last year, but the route was much hillier,” Doyle said. “Despite all the challenging conditions, everyone chipped in and we found a way through.”

The original group had been expected to include 19 riders, but injuries and other circumstances reduced the number completing the challenge to 12.

Doyle highlighted the contribution of Emma Baker, who told the group that completing the route would almost double the total distance she had previously cycled.

“There were some really impressive performances,” he said. “All the industry members were incredibly supportive. Everyone mucked in.”

Aerospace and defence sectors support three charities

For Harper, the event was also an opportunity to bring the industries represented by ADS together around a shared purpose.

“As a non-cyclist, joining a group of industry members was incredible,” he said. “It was not only about the cycling; it was about connecting with people across the industry.”

Harper has been associated with O2e for around 20 years. The volunteer organisation raises money for smaller charities supporting children and young people with disabilities or life-limiting conditions.

“O2e is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” he explained. “That does not have to mean running a marathon. It can be going from the couch to a 5K or doing something a little beyond what you thought you could achieve.”

RC Fornax hosted the finish and supported the event alongside industry sponsor TT Electronics.

“We did not want to be a passive member,” Harper said. “We wanted to host the finish, put someone on the ride and get involved. That creates a genuine partnership rather than just a supplier relationship.”

The third beneficiary, Combat Stress, provides specialist mental health treatment to former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Gary Burns of Combat Stress said the charity depended heavily on contributions from organisations and individuals, with almost 80% of the funding it needs coming from voluntary support.

“Put simply, we cannot do what we do without that support,” he said. “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen and to work with such a forward-thinking organisation.”

Riders reach the finish in Bristol

The cyclists were welcomed to Bristol by ADS members, colleagues and representatives of the three charities.

Ed Raggett, director of ADS South West, said the city was a fitting destination because of its concentration of aerospace, defence, security and space businesses.

“Supporting the communities in which we live and work is something our sectors care deeply about,” he said. “It has been inspiring to see colleagues, members and partners come together in support of these three charities.”

After five days, 334 miles and several unexpected obstacles, the riders were finally able to exchange bicycles for burgers and beer. Asked whether he would return for another ADS charity ride, Harper’s answer was unequivocal: “Absolutely.”

Although the cyclists have crossed the finish line, the fundraising continues. ADS will support Combat Stress, Ordinary to Extraordinary and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland through further events and activities throughout the year. Donations can be made via the ADS Charity Cycle 2026 fundraising page, with all contributions shared equally between the three charities.