Our Story
Beginnings
The Gravity Fund-Raisers sprang into existence in 2000 when a group of mates from Hinckley, who usually spent their Friday evenings thrashing each other on the squash court, raised a bet. The challenge? Ride non-stop to Skegness the following Sunday and raise a bit of money for charity while we were at it.
That first trip in June 2000 was so ridiculously fun (and exhausting) that it became an annual shindig. Fast forward to today, and these pedal-pushing pals have raised a whopping £695,000 for charities and deserving causes in and around the Leicestershire area.
But our fund-raising fanatics didn’t stop there. Oh no! We’ve been globe-trotting and bike-touring ever since, spreading good vibes (and sore thighs) far and wide. Some of our core team of riders and fund-raisers include:
Andy ‘Gaylord’ Bray: Known for his uncanny ability to always look fresh, even after driving 100 miles and getting lost for 2 hours at a time.
Red’ Cowlam: He’s not called ‘Red’ because of his hair—it’s his face after a long ride!
Andy Friend: Wayne’s best mate!
Baz Russell: The man with a thousand bike jokes, none of which are funny.
Bob Bowers: 70kph in a 40kph zone = 90 Euro fine.
Bob Butler: The number cruncher.
Chris ‘The Special One’ Foxton: He insists it’s because of his riding skills, not his tea-making.
Dave Culpin: Stavros’s roomie!
Dave Finlay ‘RIP’: The quiet one, until you mention judo, then you couldn’t shut him up. Famous quote ‘Oh yes she does’.
Dean Richards: Proof that you’re never too old or too round to still believe you can win the Tour De Fridge.
Dick Frettsome: Our own Victor Meldrew.
Harry Roberts: Our very own cycling philosopher.
James Grant:Too small to be a roofer!
Jason ‘KitKat’ Cayliss: Needs a break more than a KitKat.
Keith ‘Wheato’ Wheatcroft: Will never to wear Union Jack shorts again!
Mike ‘are you famous, can I have a selfie’ Dixon
Neil Fletcher: Thinks Lycra is an everyday outfit.
Paul ‘Maddog’ Williams: Lives up to his nickname every ride.
Pete Lovett: The romantic of the group, always stopping to smell the roses.
Phil ‘Stavros’ Meechan:Dave Culpins ‘roomie’.
Roddy Llewellyn: You never knew he was there.
Tony Gee: Geebo, the only guy who thought ‘a bike to work scheme’ meant cycling in his sleep so he could get there faster.
Neil Haggenson: the only cyclist who brings rugby tackles to the peleton and carb loasds like every ride is half time
Stanley Haggenson – young, energetic, and already outpacing his dad in fundraising and on the bkie – proof that good deeds and good genes run in the family!
Together, our intrepid cyclists have turned what started as a squash court wager into a community powerhouse. We ride, we raise funds, and we do it all with a smile—and the occasional groan up a steep hill.