The Bike the UK for MS Blog
What’s the Best Bike for the North Coast 500? Road, Gravel or Hybrid?
If you’re joining us for the North Coast 500 or planning your own adventure, one of the most common questions is what type of bike to bring. After running the route for the last 10 years, our honest answer is that there is no single perfect bike for the NC500. We have seen riders complete it on ...
Accessible Cycling Sessions 2026: Dates, Locations & How to Join Us
We’re excited to officially announce the dates, locations, and details for our 2026 Accessible Cycling Sessions. Thanks to funding from Sport England and The National Lottery, we’re expanding our programme this spring and summer to reach more people living with MS across the UK. These s ...
February Updates: What’s Been Happening Behind the Scenes
DofE Networking Earlier last month, Ava attended the very first DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP) Networking Event at HSBC in Birmingham. It was a brilliant event that gave us a great opportunity to connect with other AAP managers delivering a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventure ...
Royal Chilterns Way Cycling Route Guide (Map, GPX, Komoot + Tips for Riding It)
The Royal Chilterns Way is one of those routes that feels like it shouldn’t exist: a proper off-road bikepacking loop with chalk ridgelines, woodland trails, quiet lanes, historic towns, and café stops… all within easy reach of London. Whether you’re planning to ride it self-supported with bags ...
What’s the Best Bike for JOGLE? Road, Gravel or Hybrid?
If you’re joining us for John O’Groats to Land’s End, or planning your own End to End cycle, one of the most common questions is what type of bike to bring. After running the route for 12 years, our honest answer is that there is no single perfect bike for JOGLE. We have seen riders complete the ...
Riding for His Dad: Meet Glynn, JOGLE 2026 Rider
For Glynn, signing up for John O’Groats to Land’s End isn’t just about the miles. It’s about honouring his dad, raising awareness of multiple sclerosis, and turning a long-held idea into something that truly matters. At 33, Glynn lives in Surrey and works in London, balancing a busy career with ...
Accessible Cycling Sessions Are Returning in Spring 2026
We’re pleased to share that our accessible cycling sessions will be returning and expanding in Spring 2026. These sessions are all about creating inclusive opportunities that break down barriers and allow people to enjoy cycling in a supportive and welcoming environment. Thanks to new funding fr ...
What We’ve Been Working On: Behind the Scenes at BTUKFMS
As we move into 2026, the team at Bike the UK for MS has been busy laying the groundwork for the months ahead. From preparing for university refresher fairs and supporting new riders, to improving how people connect with us and planning for our 2026 season, there’s been a lot happening behind the s ...
Cycling training for your first multi-day bike ride
Training to ride across the a country can seem like a daunting prospect. With the right preparation and cycling training, the excitement and sense of achievement that long cycling trips can provide are yours for the taking. Whilst cycling is as simple as putting one pedal stroke after the next, to ...
Why We’ve Returned to JOGLE (John O’Groats to Land’s End)
If you’ve spent any time looking into cycling end to end in the UK, you’ll probably be familiar with LEJOG - Land’s End to John O’Groats. It’s often talked about as the way to do it. But for 2026, we’re returning to riding JOGLE - John O’Groats to Land’s End - and it’s a decision that’s been shaped ...
Winter Cycling Tips: How to Stay Warm, Safe, and Motivated
Winter cycling can feel daunting, cold mornings, early sunsets, and the temptation to stay warm indoors are all too familiar. But with the right mindset, kit, and preparation, riding through winter can be one of the most rewarding parts of the year! It’s a time to build strength, clear your head, a ...
MS Therapy Centres: Building Community Connections
Over the past couple of months, we’ve been meeting with MS Therapy Centres and MS Charities across the UK. We have been reaching out to build our MS connections, relationships and creating a positive impact in the MS community. What have we done? Our placement students, Aimee and Amelia, have ...
November Team Updates
As the nights draw in and the year winds down, the BTUKFMS team has been busy behind the scenes. Here’s what we’ve been working on this November. Niamh Niamh has been leading the charge on refreshing our website for the 2026 season, updating route pages and making it easier for riders t ...
Hitting the Road: Our University Visits to Bangor, Bath & Bristol
Over the past month, the Bike the UK for MS team has been out on the road visiting universities across the UK to meet new students, spread the word about our rides, and inspire people to take part. These visits are an important part of how we connect with young people, raise awareness about multipl ...
How to use Social Media to Reach Your Fundraising Goal
It is so important to use your social media to spread the word about your challenge! Let friends and family know what you’re doing and don’t be afraid to ask for their support. By sharing your story, you can connect with your donors and show your progress. Sharing your fundraising journey ...
Workplace Fundraising You Can Do in Your Lunch Break
We’ve created a list of 10 fundraising ideas you can do at work. Workplace fundraising is a great way to enhance your professional relationships, encourage team building and increase awareness of MS! You don’t need a big budget… just one lunch hour! Our top 10 workplace fundraising ideas: ...
Budget Fundraising at Uni: 25 Ideas that Actually Work
Got 2 hours and £20? Raise £100+ with your society, flat, or on your own! These ideas are ideal if you are a university student and can fundraise on campus, BUT they can be easily adapted to suit you! If you're not a student on campus, common rooms can be swapped for your town hall or local pub. ...
How to Tell your Story and “Why” to your Donors
Tell Your Story in 60-Seconds to Unlock Donations It’s good to tell your donors why you are completing a ride with us. This creates an emotional connection between yourself, the donors and the cause. You don’t need a perfect speech. You need an honest one. The Framework To tell your story ...
Setting up your Fundraising Profile
Setting up your fundraising page with us is simple. Use this blog as a guide to help you, with step-by-step instructions. After this, your profile will be ready to go! Get signed in In the top menu bar, find the ‘teams’ icon. Click on it, and a drop-down will appear. At the bottom, there ...
Everything You Need to Know About Fundraising for Bike the UK for MS
Fundraising to Fight MS Thinking about joining us at Bike the UK for MS? Take a look at the fundraising goals you will need to meet to make the most of your trip and impact as many people as possible! The money you raise will have a direct and lasting impact on the community of over 150,000 p ...
Meet our new placement students!
For the 2025–26 academic year, we’re delighted to welcome four new placement students to our team. They are joining us for their university placement year, taking time out from their studies to volunteer with Bike the UK for MS. They all bring unique skills, interests, and motivations, but share on ...
Lon Las Cymru 2025 – Four Days. 260 miles. One Unforgettable Adventure.
Lon Las Cymru, where challenge meets community, and every mile makes a difference. This August, our riders took on the length of Wales on Lon Las Cymru, a route famous for its relentless climbs, sweeping descents, and breath-taking landscapes that make every drop of sweat worth it. From Holyhead ...
Fuel for the Ride: Hydration and Nutrition Tips for A Bike the UK for MS Challenge
Whether you're cycling across Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats or taking on the hills of Lon Las Cymru, focusing on your hydration and nutrition can make the difference between a brilliant day on the bike and a battle to the finish line. You don’t need to become a sports nutritionist ov ...
From Trike to Ironman: Mark’s Journey with MS and Bike the UK for MS
Meet Mark: Teacher, Husband, Rider, Fighter Mark Godman-Sinclair lives in Bournemouth with his wife Katie, where he teaches English at Bournemouth School for Girls. A passionate educator, he’s been shaping young minds for six years. Outside the classroom, however, Mark has spent nearly two d ...
King Alfred’s Way 2025: Four Days, Three Riders, One Epic Adventure
Three riders. Three Route Leaders. Four days of sunshine (mostly). This May, a small but mighty group of cyclists took on the legendary King Alfred’s Way with Bike the UK for MS. The challenge brought together a team of cyclists and volunteers for a 220-mile off-road loop through ancient Britain. ...
Todd Whitlow’s Transatlantic Adventures with Bike the UK for MS
Meet Todd: MAMIL, Teacher, Adventurer Todd Whitlow might describe himself as just another "Middle-Aged Man in Lycra," but behind the acronym is a life rich with global cycling adventures. Based in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Todd spent much of his career in cyber security sales ...
What to Expect on King Alfred’s Way
A legendary four-day off-road cycling adventure through ancient Britain. Ride through 10,000 years of history From ancient stone circles and Iron Age hillforts, to sweeping chalk trails and woodland tracks, the King Alfred’s Way Cycle offers one of the UK’s most iconic off-road cycling advent ...
Riding Together: Accessible Cycling Days for MS Communities in Bath and the Forest of Dean
At Bike the UK for MS, we believe everyone deserves the chance to feel the joy and freedom of being on a bike—no matter their age, ability, or diagnosis. That’s why we were thrilled to bring together two brilliant local MS communities this March for a pair of accessible cycling sessions in the Fore ...
From Solo Rides to Shared Purpose: Hilary Jackson’s Bike the UK for MS Story
Meet Hilary Jackson: Fitness Instructor, Solo Cyclist, and MS Fundraiser Hilary Jackson is no stranger to long days and physical endurance. As a fitness instructor based in the South of England, she’s built her career around helping others stay active and healthy. But with unsociable hou ...
2025 Charity Bike Rides for MS: Join the Journey
A Year of Adventure and Impact Gear up for an incredible year of adventure as we announce our highly anticipated schedule of 2025 charity bike rides for MS! Our six extraordinary events will bring together cycling enthusiasts and passionate individuals. All united in our mission to raise funds a ...
Pedalling with Purpose: Matt Obeng’s Journey with Bike the UK for MS
From the Battlefield to the Bike: Meet Matt Obeng Life is full of unexpected paths, and for Matt Obeng, cycling became the road that led him to healing and connection. A former serviceman with two active combat tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2008, Matt dedicated nearly a decade to the army be ...
Cycling Through Life with MS: Paul James’ Journey with Bike the UK for MS
From the RAF to the Road: Meet Paul James (PJ) For many, life takes unexpected turns, and for Paul James —better known as PJ—this couldn’t be more true. A lifelong sports enthusiast and former Royal Air Force serviceman, PJ has always embraced an active lifestyle. But ...
10 Camping tips for a Bike the UK for MS Cycling Challenge
When camping on a Bike the UK for MS trip such as Land’s End to John O’Groats, it is essential to make sure you have the correct equipment and follow the camping tips below to ensure you have the best time.Camping not for you? The Scottish Highland’s Bike Tour is a hotel’s only trip, or you can regi ...
Felix’s long day on the King Alfred’s Way
A gentle start and a good job it was too! The first part of my big day riding the King Alfred Way route took me from Reading down to Farnham. This part of the route featured a decent number of road sections on quiet country lanes as we left the urban area of Reading behind. A smattering of flat-ish ...
Day 1 of #MOVE4MS
2,101 km moved on day 1 of Move4MS 2025. The 375 members of Bike the UK for MS’s Strava club are aiming to move 150,000 km in January - One KM for each person living with MS in the UK. It’s not too late for you to join the movement and fill the first month of your year with movement! Last year we we ...
Consistent Training: The Key to Summer Cycling Success – Part 2
Part two of Felix's Consistency Tips when training for a multi-day cycling trip. Read Part 1 here! Don't Take it on Alone This also features in my winter cycling tips but linking up with someone else to improve your commitment to training is a huge help. I don’t like strength training but a neighbou ...
10 Years of Bike the UK for MS: A Journey of Impact, Community, and Resilience
The experience of our Executive Director, James Whateley. As I reflect on the last 10 years of Bike the UK for MS, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. What started as a small idea—a dream born on the roads of America—has grown into something I never could have imagined.We’ve pedaled tho ...
Consistent Training: The Key to Summer Cycling Success part 1
Here is the latest installment of Felix’s training tips series – this time covering the importance of training little and often to help get you ready for summer cycling adventures like a Bike the UK for MS trip. Whether you are used to riding and are looking to up the mileage in preparation for some ...
Charlotte and Olivia’s Bike Rides
Placement Students Charlotte and Olivia took to the saddle - not once, but Twice! Felix set them on a challenge to document their own autumnal bike ride as non-cyclists, sharing their experiences from a new rider’s point of view before meeting for a Bike the UK for MS team ride with alumni Joanna. ...
Felix‘s Top Tips for Winter Cycling – Part 2
Here is part 2 of Felix's Guide to Winter Cycling! Including the final 4 tips to complete the list. check out part 1 first if you haven't seen it yet! Tip 4 - Mudguards As you will be able to tell by looking at any of my bikes, I am often guilty of not following my own advice in this regar ...
Packing Your Cycling Gear – Part 1
Packing for a supported bike tour like our 2025 trips requires some planning – not least for what riding kit to bring. Here are some of my best tips for packing your cycling gear ahead of taking on a trip like Land’s End to John O’ Groats or Lon Las Cymru. For our tips on packing your off-the-bike s ...
Felix‘s Top Tips for Winter Cycling – Part 1
Getting out on the bike during the winter months can be more challenging because of any one of what I sometimes call the “four factors” (where Factor Four conditions are when all are present and even I think riding outside would be madness…!): rain, wind, cold and darkness. Whilst it can f ...
Charlotte’s Guide to Packing as a Route Leader
As the elected most organised packer of the Bike the UK for MS team, I am going to talk through my must haves for our trips as a route leader. It can certainly be difficult packing for your first trip, but after having a few goes this Summer I have found the best way that works for me, and may help ...
Bike the UK for MS Heads Off-Road
Gravel riding has become increasingly popular across the cycling world and I must admit that personally, I hadn’t quite got what all the fuss was about. Things changed after testing out both the Coast to Coast route as well as our new King Alfred’s Way ride. Two very different rides - but enough to ...
2024 Route Leader Recap: Our best Stories of the year
2024 has provided some great stories and everlasting memories for both riders and route leaders. Read our standout story from each trip this year.
New Placement Students join the team!
Meet Charlotte and Olivia, the two new placement students working with Bike the UK for MS in 2024. As we come from different Universities and other ends of the country, we thought we would get to know each other and understand why we both took on this placement opportunity. After speaking to each o ...
#MOVE4MS: three times around the Earth
We moved three times around the Earth in January for those living with MS Bike the UK for MS’s January #move4ms challenge was to move 1 kilometre for each of the 130,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in the UK. After 31 days the final count was 125,323km, just a little shor ...
Meeting up with MS Society local support groups
UK Programme Manager, Felix Young, shares a report from his visits to two of the MS Society support groups that our riders' fundraising goes towards. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet two of the MS Society support groups close to where I live last week at their monthly social event ...
Route Leading: “It’s almost better than doing it yourself”
All you need to know about volunteering as a Route Leader with Bike the UK for MS
Cycling in Cornwall & Devon -“Big Bosses” of LEJOG
Bowser in Mario, the Elite Four in Pokemon and all other video game big bosses elicit the same thrill, excitement, frustration and dread in gamers. They push your skill, persistence, ingenuity and willpower to levels that the rest of the game does not reach and reward you with the standout moments ...

















































