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Charity

The Packetts Tour de Dales 2022 Charity Bike Ride returns for the 5th year, riding the Extra Mile to support One In A Million!

On the 14-15th May 2022, the annual Packetts Tour De Dales charity bike ride returned following the pandemic, in support of Bradford children and young people’s charity, One In A Million.  This was the 5th staging of the ride and the 43 strong team of riders, dressed in this year’s lime-green jerseys, set off from Packetts HQ in Saltaire for what was another magical weekend cycling the gruelling hills in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, to the picturesque market town of Masham.

Marshall Sugden – Packetts Managing Director, said, “The amazing thing about the Packetts Tour de Dales is how it brings incredible people to ride together every year to support One In A Million, a great Bradford charity who provide pathways and opportunities for children and young people who face daily challenges of their own”.

Alistair Hardie Group Chief Executive – Jensten Group, added, “It was a fantastic weekend which would not have been possible without the support of Packetts', the commitment of Marshall (and his family) to the event and the tireless support of the behind-the-scenes team”.

Day 1, saw the riders set off from Packetts on the hottest day of the year to date, by Managing Director Marshall Sugden who reminded riders on the two routes that ‘it’s a social ride, not a race’ as they got ready to leave. In a very short space of time, the riders were quickly reminded of the weekend challenge ahead as they climbed the 2 mile stretch of Hollins Hill. A combined ascent of 14,000ft up some of Yorkshire’s most challenging hill climbs awaited the two pelotons on the first day, well supported by a fabulous support crew, who provided much needed refreshments and spares en route.

The cyclists rode through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, past the famous landmark of Bolton Abbey and onto Burnsall river bank for early refreshments at the first checkpoint.

From Burnsall, our riders rode to Stump Cross Caverns via Appletreewick, Malham and Kettlewell taking on the thigh burning Green How Hill to Stump Cross Caverns. Some of our courageous riders even raced up the famous Park Rash, which climbs over 230 meters in a short distance. At its steepest it has a couple of 25% hairpins!

Still full of enthusiasm, the journey took the peloton through Pateley Bridge, Brimham Rocks and peloton 1 over the challenging Lofthouse Hill.

Day 1 was complete as the riders rode victoriously into Masham and the famous Victorian Theakston Brewery where they celebrated an incredible day’s achievement!

During the evening reception, riders exchanged stories from an incredible day in the saddle and prizes were handed out by event organisers and hosts Marshall and Marie Sugden from Packetts, followed by much welcome refreshments, a hog roast and an early night in Masham, ahead of Day 2.

Day 2: riders at the ready! The team embarked on a return journey back home to the home of One In A Million at Valley Parade. The route included riding through North Stainley, Ripon, York, Wetherby and Otley via 100 miles of much flatter Yorkshire countryside, much to the relief of everyone.

Approaching home! We are proud of everyone who dug deep and rode the extra mile to support our charity!

The finish line awaited the riders at One In A Million’s own Free School in Manningham, Bradford, where family, friends and colleagues cheered the rider’s home.

A certificate presentation concluded another successful Packetts Tour de Dales Charity Bike Ride, for the fifth year! Everyone agreed, that camaraderie was the stand-out ingredient from another brilliant weekend.

One In A Million would like to say a special thank you to Marshall & Marie Sugden from Packetts for once again organising such an incredible weekend.

Thank you to all riders for challenging themselves and taking part in Packetts Tour De Dales 2022 Charity Bike Ride and for raising a record amount of money to support our work amongst children and young people living in some of the most deprived communities of Bradford.

The Packetts Tour de Dales charity bike ride has raised over £100,000 since its inception in 2016, which is beyond what we could ever have imagined! We are humbled and grateful to everyone who has donated and ridden the extra mile to support our vital work in the local community!

Your pain is definitely their gain!

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!

The team at One In A Million!