Friendships made on Lon Las Cymru in 2023.

2024 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 2024 charity bike rides for MS! Our four extraordinary events will bring together cycling enthusiasts and passionate individuals. All united in our mission to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Get ready to pedal, push yourself, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those living with MS.

4 Charity Bike Rides for 2024

Join us as we embark on a summer of cycling, beginning with the iconic Land’s End to John O‘Groats adventure. Journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the North Coast 500 route, experience the scenic beauty of England on the remarkable Sea to Sea or Coast to Coast (C2C) route, and conquer the captivating Lon Las Cymru route, spanning the length of Wales. Each event presents a unique opportunity to push your boundaries and connect with fellow riders. Create lasting memories while supporting a cause that truly matters.

Below, we’ll take you through the thrilling highlights of each charity bike ride. From the scenic surroundings to the heart-pumping challenges that lie ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a passionate supporter, these MS fundraising events in 2024 provide a perfect platform to make a tangible difference. Contribute to vital research projects, local MS groups, and the overarching goal of finding a cure.

Land’s End to John O’Groats Cycle Route – July 6-20th

A fantastic opportunity to cycle the length of Great Britain, covering 1,020 miles from the southernmost point of England to the northern tip of Scotland. Commonly known as LEJOG, this iconic route offers breathtaking landscapes and an unforgettable challenge.

Starting at Land’s End, the south western most point of the UK, you’ll pedal your way through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and captivating countryside. The LEJOG route takes you through England’s southwest region, passing by landmarks such as Cheddar Gorge, the untamed moors of Dartmoor National Park, and the picturesque Lake District further north. As you venture beyond half way, you’ll enter the rugged beauty of Scotland, with its majestic highlands and vast lochs.

Spanning 15 days, the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle route is a challenging ride that requires dedication, stamina, and a love for the open road. Throughout the ride, you’ll be fully supported by our experienced team, ensuring your safety and comfort every step of the way.

How much does it cost to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats you ask? Unlike other events with upfront costs to register, we have only an initial donation of £25 to cover your welcome pack and then ask riders to raise £1.50 per mile, so a total of £1,530 for LEJOG. This can be raised through donors, self funded or a mix of the two, whatever suits you best. The Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle is a key component of our 2024 charity bike rides. Participants will have the chance to make a tangible difference in the fight against MS.

In awe of the Scottish Highlands on Land's End to John O'Groats, one of our 2024 Charity Bike Rides for MS
In awe of the Scottish Highlands on Land’s End to John O’Groats!

Exploring the North Coast 500 – July 27th to August 3rd

Take on the wild North Coast 500 cycle route! A captivating ride that showcases the stunning landscapes of Scotland’s northern coastline. One of the standout features of this route is taking on the legendary Bealach na Ba, a daring 2000ft climb over 5 miles. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping ascent that will push your limits. Be rewarded with panoramic views that will leave you breathless (quite literally).

As you pedal along the NC500, you’ll be spellbound by the ever-changing scenery that unfolds before your eyes. Navigate winding roads, pass through charming villages, and immerse yourself in the untouched splendour of the Scottish Highlands. Each turn presents a new vista to behold. From dramatic cliffs to serene beaches, and from lush greenery to majestic mountains. This is a cycling experience that will not only challenge you physically, but also ignite your sense of adventure and wonder.

Conquering the Sea to Sea & Lon Las Cymru

Prepare for an extraordinary charity cycle ride adventure as we conquer the Sea to Sea cycle route from 17-19th August. Also known as the Coast to Coast or C2C route, ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth on the North Sea. Pedal through diverse scenery, including the tough hills of the Northern Lake District. Traverse the Pennines, the ‘backbone of England’, before reaching the vibrant city of Newcastle. 

Finally, we have the Lon Las Cymru route on the 24-27th August. The route was new to Bike the UK for MS in 2023. The route spans the length of Wales, from Holyhead to Cardiff. It showcases the remarkable countryside and cultural treasures from Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons.

Both of these routes offer challenging yet rewarding experiences, connecting participants with the heart of the UK while supporting the MS cause.

Making an Impact on our 2024 Charity Cycle Rides

Participating in our 2024 charity bike rides for MS allows you to make a real impact. By raising funds and awareness, you’ll support local MS groups, contribute to vital research projects and bring us one step closer to finding a cure. Together, we can create a brighter future for those living with multiple sclerosis.

As we launch our 2024 campaign, we invite you to be a part of this remarkable journey. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or looking to make a difference, there’s a place for you in our MS rides. Sign up today!

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10 Years of Bike the UK for MS – Throwback to 2014

June 2024 will mark 10 years since the first Bike the UK for MS trip as 12 riders took on John O’ Groats to Land’s End. We wanted to take this chance to cast back to memories of the trips that have brought the charity to where it is today and to celebrate the achievements and challenges overcome by the hundreds of riders who have been part of Bike the UK for MS over the past decade.

“The Originals”

The 2014 Ride

With eight Bike the US for MS alumni joining four riders from the University of Bath the first Bike the UK for MS trip was a true hybrid of the two organisations. One of the UK-based riders, Emily, shares some of her memories from the trip:

“My favourite day was definitely the  first day up in Scotland. I’ve done a lot riding in my time but never in Scotland and riding along the country roads, next to huge highland cows with breathtaking coast views was just spectacular. We ended the day at Bettyhill Camp site and spent the evening skimming stones and watching the sun set on the rocks – a perfect day!”

Midnight sun at Bettyhill beach

“The biggest surprise was how close we became as a team. Although cliché, I really couldn’t have done it without the support of the other riders. Living together for all that time and experiencing the highs and lows was amazing and has led to life-long friendships!”

The team at a rest stop

“The toughest challenge for me was definitely the mental strain of the harder days down south. It definitely pushed me to my limit and I remember a few moments where I really drew on the strength of the team around me as I turned a corner to be faced with yet another hill on wet, windy days in Cornwall!”

A well-earned break

“The standout memory for me was our day in the Lake District. Kirkstone pass didn’t disappoint and although tough was a spectacular climb and a real achievement to cross. As a celebration, we then descended in a slightly delirious state to the furthest corner of Lake Windermere unaware that the campsite was actually quite a few miles further along the road, outside of Windermere itself.”

Stunning views are earned by challenging climbs

“We were just settling in to enjoy a sunny evening at the lakeside when we received a call from our route leader asking where we were. The uphill 30 minute climb to camp proved rather challenging and I’m sure we were quite a spectacle as we attempted to navigate the Windermere tourists whilst exhausted and slightly disoriented! But it was those moments riding together as a team at the end of a hard day knowing we had achieved something together that were so special.”

The team ride on together

“It was an amazing two weeks – breath-taking, mentally and physically challenging but so rewarding. I can still remember that feeling of pride, relief, joy as we crossed the finish line at Land’s End.”

Celebrations at the end of the road
Some tough climbs on the Lôn Las Cymru route.

Cycling Lôn Las Cymru: A Spectacular 4-Day Adventure through Wales

Bike the UK for MS ventured into the heart of Wales with the inaugural Lôn Las Cymru ride in May. This challenging yet rewarding route covers approximately 250 miles (400 km) from the picturesque town of Holyhead to the vibrant cities of Cardiff. The ride not only offered scenic landscapes, but also served a higher purpose, raising funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS). Let’s dive into the unforgettable experience of the cycling Lôn Las Cymru in 2023 and explore the renowned route to inspire your next adventure.

The 2023 Lôn Las Cymru Ride

The 2023 team was composed of 11 exceptional Bike the UK for MS alumni, individuals who had previously embarked on trips such as Land’s End to John O’Groats, the North Coast 500 and the Sea to Sea with the organisation. Supported by 5 route leaders, the team consisted of diverse participants, from students and young professionals to parents, all united by a common goal – raising £1.50 per mile ridden to reach a collective target of £6000. Some team members had MS themselves or a direct connection to the disease, making the journey even more meaningful.

Lovely country lanes whilst cycling Lôn Las Cymru
Lovely country lanes whilst cycling Lôn Las Cymru

Throughout the 4-day ride, the team encountered challenges and triumphs. The route presented steep climbs in and around Eryi National Park (Snowdonia), but the splendid weather graced them with awe-inspiring views. The group navigated equally steep descents made challenging with rough roads in places. As they progressed through mid Wales and reached Brecon Beacons, the meandering country lanes offered tranquil surroundings and a taste of Wales’ natural beauty. The final day culminated with a breathtaking ride (both physically and metaphorically) from Talybont Reservoir to Pontsticill Reservoir, followed by a jubilant finish at Cardiff Bay, just outside the Wales Millennium Centre.

The 2023 team cheering after completing the Lôn Las Cymru route
The 2023 team cheering after completing the route

The Lôn Las Cymru Route

Length and Direction

Spanning 250 miles (400 km), the Lôn Las Cymru route runs between Holyhead and either Cardiff or Chepstow. For an optimal journey home with better train options, our preferred direction is from north to south, starting in Holyhead and finishing in Cardiff. This approach also places the challenging climbs early on, with the toughest ascent between Porthmadog and Llanidloes on Day 2. However, when finishing in Cardiff be prepared for slow-going bike paths on busy weekends for the final stretch along the River Taff.

Recommended Duration

While Lôn Las Cymru can be completed in a single day for those seeking an intense challenge, a 4 to 5-day adventure allows riders to savour the stunning surroundings and take on the climbs at a steady pace.

Accommodation and Food Options

Cyclists have various accommodation choices, including hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and campsites. Numerous towns along the route provide ample opportunities to replenish food and water supplies. While the route offers regular access to amenities, carrying plenty of snacks and planning for unexpected shop closures is important. Alternatively, van supported trips are a good option for a stress free ride.

We were fortunate to have some incredible generous hosts along the route including Canolfan Gymunedol Morlo (Gwelfor Community Centre), Porthmadog Football Club, Llanidloes Rugby Club and Kensington Baptist Church. Being hosted allows us to keep our costs to minimum and put more funds towards MS projects.

Following the Lôn Las Cymru

The official Lôn Las Cymru route map is designed by Sustrans, primarily following Route 8, but occasionally connecting with Routes 4 and 5. The route is well signposted, although riders should stay alert for obscured signs. A reliable bike computer or following along on Strava can enhance the navigation experience.

Best Time to Cycle Lôn Las Cymru

To avoid the unpredictable Welsh weather, summer months (June to August) are recommended for cycling Lôn Las Cymru. Despite increased traffic during the holiday season, the majority of the route is on quiet back lanes and bike paths, minimising risks.

Planning Resources

Sustrans offers a route map for purchase. We have bespoke Lôn Las Cymru maps with day-by-day, 1-page maps with turn-by-turn directions available upon request too. Find the route and download the Lôn Las Cymru GPX files from our Strava:

  • Day 1 – Holyhead to Porthmadog 68.5 miles and 3,658ft of climbing
  • Day 2 – Porthmadog to LLanidloes 71 miles and 7,371ft of climbing
  • Day 3 – Llanidloes to Brecon 63.5 miles and 4,700ft of climbing
  • Day 4 – Brecon to Cardiff 52 miles and 2,461ft of climbing
  • Full Lôn Las Cymru Route Map

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Experience

Climbing Challenges

Lôn Las Cymru features challenging climbs, particularly on Day 2 between Porthmadog and Llanidloes. Descents may present road surfaces with potholes, gravel, and moss, requiring cautious riding. Consider using wider and sturdier tires for added protection against flats.

All Abilities Welcome

While the route demands solid fitness and preparation, Lôn Las Cymru is designed to be achievable for riders of all abilities. A base level of fitness is essential, but it’s still an excellent option even for first-time multi-day bike adventurers. Those who prefer additional support can explore guided and supported ride options too.

Highlights to Treasure

Cycling Lôn Las Cymru rewards riders with unparalleled vistas and memorable stops along the way. From the natural beauty of Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons to the warmth of Welsh communities, the route offers an unforgettable experience.

Supporting Local Communities

We encourages participants to respect and engage with the towns along the route. Fostering connections and appreciation for the local communities is vital to maintain great cycling routes like Lôn Las Cymru.

We had the privilege of meeting the Gwynedd/Ynys Mon Group of the MS Society at the Fron Goch Garden Centre in Caernarfon. The group, run by the volunteers, Susannah Robinson, and her team, covers a wide area of North Wales.

Conclusions on cycling Lôn Las Cymru

Lôn Las Cymru with Bike the UK for MS is an incredible 4-day cycling adventure through the heart of Wales, offering not only spectacular landscapes, but also an opportunity to support those living with MS. The 2023 ride was a resounding success, creating lasting memories for the team and providing essential funds for those living with MS.

Join the Lôn Las Cymru adventure in 2024! Experience camaraderie, breathtaking views, and the fulfilment of supporting an great cause. Register today to become part of the Bike the UK for MS family. Embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact!

[Author’s note: Please note that the information provided is based on the 2023 ride and may be subject to updates in subsequent years.]