Two years ago, at the Menzies Partner Conference in Edinburgh, late into the evening the idea of a charity bicycle ride to the 2025 conference began to ferment! At the time we had no idea where the conference was going to be held, but it was agreed that we would raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

The idea has since taken on a life of its own and at the 2024 conference an outline plan emerged and volunteers were sought to join a four-day ride from the City of London to York. So, we have a team of six partners, (Simon, Mike, Salvador, Janice, Sam and Andrew W), all of very mixed cycling ability and experience signed up, we have Just Pedal who have assisted with the logistics and support, all ably assisted by the Menzies “Man with a Van” aka Steve.

On Monday 17 March we will depart from the City of London arriving in York on Thursday 20 March, with stopovers in Cambridge, Boston and Beverley. A journey of just over 400km (circa 250miles) with almost 2,000m (6,500ft) of climbing, which is regarded by experienced cyclists as an almost flat route but some in the team are questioning why we’re going via Everest!.

Winter training, the likelihood of inclement weather and, for some, the great unknowns of never having taken on a challenge of this magnitude will require inspiration and collaboration. This ride demonstrates our ability to innovate – turning accountants into cyclists – and will hopefully receive significant amounts of empathy from those who will hopefully dig deep to support the MRF.

In memory of Megan

Meningitis very cruelly took the life of a 15 year old young lady called Megan, the daughter of a good friend of the instigator of this challenge. It had a profound impact on the many people who Megan knew in her short life.

The fundraising target is ambitious and Menzies has pledged a significant donation on behalf of the partners. Simon has said that if our target is achieved he will cycle back from York to London, when the weather is likely to be more predictable, following a shorter but lumpier route.

Thank you to all of you who support the Menzies cycle team, the MRF, Just Pedal and all those who have contributed behind the scenes. You will be able to follow us on LinkedIn, Strava other social feeds. Watch this space!