Ride 2 Rugby 2025

R2R 25

Our seventh trip and with a March start this time we have a stretch in the day, a chance of good weather and have had more time for the phantom training that never seems to materialise. We depart as always from Mack House and leave on Wednesday 5th March for our three day cycle arriving in Holyhead on Friday 7th to catch the ferry to Dublin in readiness for the Ireland v France match on Saturday in the Aviva Stadium. Our well worn route is revisited through mid Wales followed by the challenging climbs of Snowdonia and 220 odd miles in total.

The team for 2025 includes the original pair Kelan Loughnane and Rory Sweeney, who are joined by returning teammates Olan Hodnett, Adam Teakle, Rob Berry, David Jones and we welcome first timer Josh Ashwin to the team. The support crew is headed by the ever-dependable John Loughnane and he will be accompanied by Pascal Finn who is returning for his third cap and looking like he has nailed down his berth.

This year we are supporting Emmaus Gloucestershire a charity that supports people who have experienced homelessness by providing a home, companionship, tailored support and work experience opportunities.

The Emmaus community is home for up to 26 people at any given time, with each person supported to build their confidence, self-esteem, skills and work experience to achieve their goals. Emmaus provide accommodation, all meals, basic clothing and toiletries, funded training and support within a secure environment. Each person is linked with a 1:1 support worker and together they agree a tailored plan to address specific issues, allow for personal development and plan for each person’s future. Each person Emmaus supports contributes to the Emmaus community and their social enterprises to the best of their abilities.

Emmaus' current initiative focuses on tackling homelessness through proactive prevention, with an emphasis on expanding into social housing. This year, they are undertaking the renovation of a Grade 2 listed, three-bedroom property in Stroud that has been generously bequeathed to their charity. The renovation will transform this property into a safe and welcoming home for a family in need, providing them with a secure and stable living environment.

Funds raised from our cycle go directly to the funding of this project - you will play a pivotal role in preventing homelessness, helping to mitigate its devastating impact on individuals and families, and providing them with the opportunity for a brighter, more stable future. Your support will directly benefit those who are most vulnerable, offering them not just a home, but also hope and the chance to rebuild their lives.

The group covers all it's own costs for the trip so every penny raised goes to the charity.

https://emmaus.org.uk/gloucestershire/