Learners on the HITZ Bath programme came up with a novel way of fundraising for a proposed residential trip, cycling hundreds of kilometres on three static Watt bikes.
With the use of 3 Watt bikes they attempted to cycle the 563 kilometres from The Rec in Bath to Kingston Park in Newcastle, taking in all Premiership Rugby clubs on the way.
With the generous help of Fitness First, the HITZ students started the challenge at 9am on 23rd July.
Throughout the day the HITZ participants kept the kilometres ticking over, encouraging each other every step of the way, whilst enticing members of the public to hop on and have a go.
When the clock stuck 4.00pm the students had cycled a total 504 kilometres. Despite missing the 563 kilometre target, this is was a huge achievement with 10 of the 11 Premiership clubs reached.
At the end of the long fundraising day HITZ Officer Steve Barber said: “I’m massively proud of the HITZ participants. They came up with this idea themselves and all of them contributed to the ride which was a long slog on a hot and humid day.
“We also had massive support and help from the Fitness First team who not only helped us to run the event but jumped on the bikes and got some good km under their belts along with other HITZ Bath partners such as Salvoatore Pace from Gracie Barra Bath.
“Four hours in to the ride we were struggling but we received a boost when local cafe Boston Tea Party came along to refresh us with free smoothes and flapjacks, I don’t think we would have got as far without that little sugar hit so I also want to say thanks to them.”
Russell Payne Bath Fitness First General manager said: “Fitness First are hugely passionate about supporting the local community and it was our great pleasure to help HITZ Bath put on a great event. Both members, team members and HITZ members all worked together as a team to cycle an incredible distance over a short period of time.
“Although no doubt a little sore after all the hard work and effort, I am sure the satisfaction of being involved in such an event has taken the pain away!”
The award winning HITZ programme tackles some of the greatest challenges facing young people today – unemployment, crime and disillusionment.
Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and funded by partners Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, HITZ uses rugby to increase young peoples resilience, self-reliance and confidence.
It gives them the skills to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment. HITZ gives those with no hope new hope.