Vintage bike sees tough challenge for Rainbows supporter

Rainbows supporter Chris Redding has raised over £1,500 for our charity by taking on an epic cycling challenge.

In June, Chris (55) matched his great grandfather’s cycling record by riding 148 miles in 12 hours on a vintage bike. His grandfather, Harry Maslen, completed the challenge on a similar bike in 1905 in Bath.

Chris, who is a member of Derby Triathlon Club, said: “I loved the challenge. I loved everything about it. I loved the training for it. Once I decided I was doing it, I didn’t get back on another bike. I did everything on the old bike and it really pushed me. It was like pedalling a steamroller at times and the brakes were so bad in the wet weather. However, I found it wasn’t about the bike, it was about the attitude. 

“Originally the ride was going to be a personal challenge but when I started racing on the bike and people asked me about it, they asked what charity I was doing it for. I felt it was a missed opportunity. I wanted to support an East Midlands charity related to children and Rainbows was the perfect place. People were very enthusiastic about it and on board. I am delighted to have raised so much money and want to thank everyone who has supported me.”

Jenny Perry, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “We would like to thank Chris for taking on this tremendous challenge to raise money for us. Without the support of people like Chris, we wouldn’t be able to provide the service that we do to over 300 children and young people from across the East Midlands with life-limiting illnesses.”