The Only Fools and Donkeys cycling group will return to northern Europe’s roads this June for its sixth biennial charity event, which it’s calling ‘Mule Flandres’.
The six-day route begins and ends in Amiens, traversing northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands, witch cyclists riding between 60 and 100 miles a day, including tackling the famous cobbled climbs of Roubaix.
Previous participants have covered nearly 30,000 miles between them, raising more than £300,000 for local causes in the process.
Last year it celebrated a decade of raising cash for charities, with the summer ride raising more than £60,000 alone.
The event has seen significant growth in its 12 years.
It’s expanded from 27 riders back in 2014 to a team of 55 riders and 10 crew members for the upcoming trip.
A total of 45 people have taken part in more than one ride, while a dedicated eight have completed every event since it began.
Only Fools and Donkeys provides support to local charities that help children and adults with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.
Sharon Parr, Chair of the group’s board, said: “One of our most successful collaborations has been the purchase of three adapted bikes for Wheels For You, which was formed to enable those who can’t cycle a traditional two-wheeled bike to experience the joy of cycling.
“The three bikes are adapted differently and enable a range of disabilities to be accommodated.”
She said the number numbers attending the sessions, at Les Beaucamps in the summer and Beau Sejour in the winter, had “grown considerably, and it’s wonderful to see the fun people of all ages have on the bikes”.
The charity credits its sponsors for making the fundraising event possible with Ian Damarell, a member of the board, thanking all those who helped.
Mr Damarell said: “We can’t do any of this without our sponsors and we are incredibly grateful to our Yellow Jersey sponsors for this year’s ride.”
The sponsors included: Derek Birch & Sons, Pallinghurst Group, Stan Brouard and the Steve Morgan Foundation, along with our Sprinter’s Jersey sponsors Babbé, BDO, Creaseys and PwC, and back pocket sponsors Brittany Ferries, Collenette Jones, Ian Brown Cycles, Rock and Small and Van Mossel Jackson.
He continued: “Most of these sponsors have supported us since the beginning, back to the 2014 and 2016 rides, and almost all have members of staff taking part in this year’s ride. We are very proud of the good work the charity does and the community it has created, which we believe is reflected in this support.”
Mule Flandres is scheduled to take place this summer from 6 to 14 June.
Members of the public can view the list of participants or make a donation via the official website.
