Team Ascend Get on Their Bike for Charity Ride to Amsterdam!

Team Ascend are taking on an exhilarating challenge this June – biking from Essex to Amsterdam to raise money for Kids Inspire, a remarkable local charity dedicated to helping children overcome mental health challenges and trauma. Kids Inspire offers essential support and guidance, empowering young people to regain confidence and resilience, and Ascend is proud and excited to raise money for this wonderful charity.

Freddie, Eddie, Ollie and Max, all from Ascend Broking Group, will be taking part in this 140-mile cycling challenge which begins on June 21^st and ends on June 23rd. They are all training hard for the ride and welcome each and every donation.

The ride:

Day One: Kids Inspire’s Head Office in Great Baddow to Harwich (75 miles). Overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland.

Day Two: Hook of Holland to Amsterdam (65 miles)

Day Three: Day in Amsterdam/travel back to Essex

We asked Freddie, Max, Eddie and Ollie about the challenge ahead:

Why did you all decide to take part?

Freddie: I decided to take part in this charity bike ride to Amsterdam because it’s for a great cause, Kids Inspire, and is a good challenge for me, both physically and mentally, as it’s something I haven’t done before. It’s also during my off season (football), so I can keep myself fit whilst training for the cycle.

Max: For a great cause, to push myself & experience a new adventure following the Paris charity ride for Kids Inspire in 2022.

Ollie: Having done work with Kids Inspire, previously, I’ve seen firsthand how their incredible work helps local vulnerable children to cope with and heal from trauma. The bike ride is a fun and challenging way to raise awareness and funds for Kids Inspire to carry on their fantastic work.

Eddie: I also did the cycle to Paris in 2022 and am thrilled to have a new challenge. I’m also keen to raise money for such a fantastic cause. The target for the team is £5,000 which works out at £1,250 each – which I’m sure we can raise!

How are you all training for the ride? Tell us about your routine.

Max: I’m training twice a week, locally, building up my miles each time and trying out new routes.

Freddie: I am training at the weekends, either on Saturday or Sunday morning – when the traffic isn’t too bad!

Ollie: My current routine consists of using an exercise bike at home, for around an hour or so a day. I’ve also been going along Southend seafront to get some miles in, slowly increasing my mileage to mirror what we will be doing on the ride.

Eddie: Training has been slow so far, but I aim to start off on a few smaller rides then build up to a handful of longer ones.

Are you already keen cyclists? What do you think will be the most challenging part of the event?

Ollie: I have always loved cycling and was always out on my bike as a kid, so I’ve really enjoyed getting back on the bike for this challenge.

Freddie: I used to go out on my bike quite a lot, with my dad, and have ridden 85km before – however this was on a mountain bike, so a road bike should actually be easier! I think the most challenging part of the event will be the 2nd day, after the first whole day of cycling.

Eddie: I’m not a keen cyclist whatsoever! The hardest part for me will be the big hills and trying to avoid the traffic.

Max: The most challenging part for me, like last time, will definitely be the chaffing and the discomfort, along with the heat.

What are you most looking forward to on the cycle?

Freddie: The finish line, once we have completed it, in a city I have not yet been to, which should be really enjoyable. I’m also looking forward to meeting all the other people riding with us, as there will be a large group.

Ollie: I’m most looking forward to riding through the Netherlands as I have been there many times and know it’s a beautiful (and flat) country. It will also be great to finish in Amsterdam, a city I‘ve enjoyed going to for many years with my girlfriend and friends - I’m sure it will be quite a different experience with the guys from the office!

Max: Sightseeing when we get there!

Eddie: Crossing the finish line and sightseeing (drinking) in Dam!

Will you join us by sponsoring the team?

As Freddie says, ‘Your donations will power both the team’s ride and Kids Inspire’s mission to provide kids with the tools they need to tackle life's challenges. Every mile we bike and every pound you donate directly contributes to transforming lives, so please help us to make a difference!'

Please donate today by clicking this link:

Ascend bike ride to Amsterdam for Kids Inspire