Torbay cyclists geared up to begin an epic journey for a great cause

A Torbay cycling team, Ride4Dementia are gearing up to begin their epic 1336-mile bike journey from Paignton to Rome.

The group said: "We are a group of gentlemen that have one thing in common, one of our loved ones or friends are suffering have suffered with dementia or Alzheimer's.

"We wanted to join forces and complete the Ride4Dementia 2024, to raise money and awareness in the search for a cure for this awful disease.”

Ian Stone, who many may know from his time at the helm of Park Lane nightclub, organised the challenge with nine other locals, in tribute to his mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018.

The trip builds on his first Ride 4 Dementia cycling challenge, which he completed over eight days in 2022.

Ian said: “My mum was diagnosed in 2018, but then in 2020, my dad passed away, completely out of the blue. It was a total shock to everyone. We moved down from Somerset to Paignton and I became a full-time carer for her.

“In 2020, I started cycling because I wanted to raise awareness for her in some way. She asked me what I was going to do, and I said I was going to cycle to Spain. She thought I was crazy.”

After Ian’s initial challenge raised over £20,000, Ride4Dementia is getting even more ambitious with its challenges. This time the end destination will be Rome, with a fundraising target of £30,000.

Cycling 1336 miles in total, climbing 78,000 feet over the Alps and experiencing weather extremes from snow to intense heat, the group will be cycling 150 miles a day, over approximately 10 days.  

Riders joining Ian Stone are Tim Bumby, Paul Hebdon, Simon Denham, Josh Ellingsworth, Dean Hodge, Paul Mortimer, Wayne Harker and Ryan Chivers. The Medic and support driver is Scott Cheadle.

The group will be leaving Paignton Green from the Geo Park on July 9, hopefully arriving at the Colosseum in Rome 10 days later.

After 11 months of gruelling training, 4am starts in the wind and rain, clocking up over 4,000 training miles and 200,000 feet of climbing each, the group is ready and the start date is nearly here.  

For the arrival in Rome, the team's families are set to fly out for a celebration.

Some top sponsors include Rev Comps, WEMCo, VX3, Primal Ltd, the Brixham Fish Market, Boss Scaffolding and the Geo Café on Paignton Seafront.

The group added: “We will be leaving Paignton Green from the Geo Park on the 9th of July at 15:15. Hopefully we will see you there for a big send-off!”.