From Anfield to Verbier - The Bike for Bez Challenge

This September, a group of (somewhat amateur) cyclists embarked on a 1350km trip in aid of James’ Place, a men’s suicide prevention charity. Having lost a friend to suicide in February 2023, the challenge came out of the idea to connect two of Jordan’s ‘happy’ place – Anfield Stadium, the home of his Mighty Red and Verbier where we all spent a number of winters working together. The training and planning of this challenge became an important part in channelling a lot of difficult emotions into something positive. Setting out to raise £28,000 to mark Jordan’s age, we were thoroughly overwhelmed to find that we had raised over £40,000. 

With nearly half of the team having to buy a bike to start with, the end goal looked insurmountable but after a summer dedicated to training (before and after work and most weekends) we were more or less ready to go. 

The route took us through five countries – England, Holland, Germany, France and culminated in Verbier, Switzerland. 

Day 1 of the Bike for Bez challenge kicked off with a 120-kilometer ride to Wakefield with1,500 meters of elevation gain. Greeted at Anfield Stadium by friends and family, it quickly became very clear what this meant to everyone involved. We took a more circuitous route via Jordan’s primary school where we were met all the kids screaming and cheering as if we were on the Tour de France. It wasn’t the most scenic of starts with most of the day spent cycling along the M62 and traversing the outskirts of Manchester and what should have been the most scenic part, climbing the Pennines, was covered in a thick wall of cold mist. Barely able to make out the road 10m in front of you, and two punctures on the first day, the team persevered and we rolled into Wakefield. 

Routine was key trying to avoid 10 cyclists faffing endlessly, so with a start time set we were soon back on the road for a ‘gentle’ 100km to the port in Hull. A few miscommunications on meeting points for refuelling and refreshments quickly taught us that a better plan for each day was need! We arrived into Hull with enough time for a quick celebratory drink before getting on that ferry that would take us over to Rotterdam. 

After not enough hours slept on the ferry, in very small cabins, everyone was looking forward to seeing what day 3 and 185km had in store for us. 

Leaving Rotterdam, we quickly found ourselves on dedicated cycling paths, a testament to the Netherlands’ bike-friendly culture. We were greeted at the first (well organised) stop by our two support vehicles and one of the team’s brother and friends, decked out with signs and more importantly stroopwafels. A day of beautiful scenery, spotting the iconic windmills, but also hot weather, leaving the team somewhat dehydrated (and hungry) after a longer than expected distance to a refuelling stop. Refreshed, Elten (Germany) was insight and we made it to the hotel in time for Wiener Schnitzel. 

Day 4 was a 220km day (further than anyone had cycled before) along the Rhine. Thankfully the sun was shining, and the miles slowly disappeared. Having made the mistake of not fuelling enough, regular stops were now introduced, and the support team were on hand to keep us fed and watered. It was a long, long day with many hours spent on the bike, so much so that the first tears were had when making it back to the hotel – hit by the shear enormity of what we were trying to achieve.

More climbing (850km) was seen on day 5 over the 180km and despite the rain in the morning (with a very damp second breakfast of the day in a petrol station), the team were treated to scenes of lush vineyards and sunshine for the afternoon. After one team member’s fall in the morning, their derailleur snapped off on one of the hills. The support team were there to get the bike to the nearest bike shop to get it fixed and miraculously, they were back on the road (after a quick drive to catch up). Arriving in the stunning city of Speyer, we quickly stretched and showered and went for dinner at an aptly named restaurant Le Cyclo. 

On Day 6 we embarked on a 196-kilometer ride from Speyer to Neuf Brisach, with a modest elevation gain of 270 meters. A large chunk of the day was spent following a canal so it was a day of easier riding for most – one member of the team was plagued with three punctures over the day, finally resorting to borrowing a tyre from another rider’s supplies (not the matching width but it was better than constantly changing inner tubes!). We arrived in the fortified, medieval town of Neuf Brisach (country number 4 of the trip). A somewhat deserted place, with a single restaurant that looked less than pleased with us rocking up for dinner.  

Having looked ahead at the weather, we knew we were in for a tough day 7 but this really did test everyone’s mental strength. Already exhausted, we hit the road early with some seriously dark clouds ahead. The rain quickly started and continued for the remainder of the 12 hours we were out. The only excitement was that we were going to reach Switzerland. 175 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1,220 meters, the flat roads of France were quickly replaced by hillier Switzerland. Our first big climb was stunning, albeit it very wet – regrouping at the top to stick on some extra layers as we had a long decent towards lunch. Hot chocolates and blankets all round we attempted to warm up whilst sheltering outside a café. It became an even longer afternoon with a broken bike and Garmins out of battery. With torrential rain and the evening quickly drawing in, google maps was then used, providing questionable routes through farms, culminating in 8km of gravel tracks through dark woods. Soaking wet and incredibly hungry the last cyclist arrived (tears were had) and takeaway pizzas were ordered. 

Scenic Views and Rolling Hills

As we made our way through the picturesque Swiss countryside, the landscapes transformed into rolling hills, lush fields, and charming villages. The beauty of the Swiss landscape was captivating, and we took several breaks to capture the stunning views and appreciate the fresh mountain air. Each ascent was rewarding, providing panoramic vistas that made the effort worthwhile.

Embracing the Challenge

As the elevation began to increase, the climbs became steeper and more challenging. Yet, the spirit of teamwork flourished. We rode in small groups, encouraging one another and sharing tips on how to tackle the steeper sections. Each peak reached felt like a collective victory, and we cheered for one another as we crested the hills.

The final day!! Just 155km and 2700m elevation to reach Verbier. Two climbs, Les Mosses (14.5km) and Verbier (8km) to tackle. The weather had looked shocking, but having left as the sun was rising, we were greeted with a much needed ‘nicer’ day. A few smaller hills and decents done, we were quickly on the first major climb – an unreal experience – the most incredible views as we traversed around the valley and up into the mountains. With endorphins like you’ve never felt before, we made it to the top as the sun came out and we tucked into croque monsieurs in a little cabin. Layering up, we were in for a somewhat scary 20km decent, with steep, twisty roads that were not only wet but a popular route for some large lorries. 

Regrouping just 11km from Verbier, we were met with a few extra supporters. Having refuelled for the final push and with nerves increased we were off, rounding the final bend before we saw Verbier perched up in the hillside above. Having all driven (!!) up the road to Verbier before we were somewhat aware of what we were in for. Everyone split up to go at their own comfortable pace. Quickly we could hear cow bells and whistles and rounding one corner we were greeted with a load of supporters, waving signs and screaming our names. Attempting not to cry and just focus on breathing, we carried on being greeted by yet more supporters and this carried on as we wound our way up. Once again regrouping to do the final 1km together, tears were already happening. Cycling as a group up through the town, being announced in with a friend on their bike swinging a cow bell, people in the streets were clapping us through. We were then greeted by friends and family with balloons and champagne, and at which point, every single person was crying. (actually tearing up writing this). 

It was only then that we had time to really look back at what we had achieved. One girl had even said ‘oh my goal was just to make it to day 5’. To do this with a group of 10 friends and Jordan’s father and sister alongside us for the 8 days was truly special and an experience that I don’t think you can replicate. And now with over £40,000 raised in memory of Jordan and all going to Jame’s Place who are doing the most momentual work in tackling the men’s mental, we really couldn’t be more overwhelmed by what we managed to achive. 

Thank you for following our Bike for Bez journey! Here’s to the power of community, perseverance, and making a difference!

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