Rainbow Trust Africa

Wow! Huge congratulations to the riders for the Rainbow Africa Cycle challenge which took place earlier this month!
Whether riding 100km, 120km or the full 206km route, everyone contributed to a fantastic day of cycling and fundraising. (Keep riding for full narrative report 🥰)

The Riders
100km: Carl Morris, Greg Montgomery, Rob Stone, Steve Clarke
120km: Andy Sneesby, Joshua Guy, Mark White, Paddy Stone, Tim Eagle
200km: Adam Webb, Mike Smith

Ride Statistics (200k)
• Distance: 206 km
• Moving Time: 9 hours 12 minutes
• Total Elevation Gain: 2,014 m
• Average Speed: 22.4 km/h
• Maximum Temperature: 27°C

What a challenging yet incredible way to raise money for Rainbow Africa! 🚲

Here is the full report from rider Mike Smith:

Rainbow Trust Africa Charity Ride Report
200km Around Leicestershire.

Saturday 23 May

The final weekend of May delivered extraordinary conditions for our fund-raising ride around Leicestershire. It was the hottest weekend of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 27°C under clear blue skies and light winds. In fact, the weekend gave us the hottest May day since records began – stunning weather for a long day in the saddle, although it would later make hydration a major challenge.
At just after 7:00am, eleven riders rolled out from the village of Leire. The group was split across three distances: four riders tackling a 100km route, five riders riding 120km, and two riders taking on the full 200km challenge.
The route headed north towards Burbage Common before entering some of Leicestershire's most scenic countryside. After passing through Thornton, we encountered the first significant climb of the day, ascending through Stanton under Bardon towards Copt Oak, close to Bardon Hill – the highest point in Leicestershire.
Now deep within the hills and forests of Charnwood, the next major challenge was the climb to Beacon Hill, one of the county's best-known high points. Starting from Woodhouse, we steadily climbed to the summit before descending and immediately tackling Deans Lane on the opposite side. Having conquered Beacon Hill once, the question on everyone's mind was: why had we decided to do it twice?
A welcome reward followed shortly afterwards with our first café stop at Olivia's Café in the Outwoods, where riders enjoyed a well-earned break in the shade before continuing.
The route then dropped down into Quorn, where the four 100km riders (Carl, Greg, Rob & Steve) separated from the group and headed back towards the finish. The remaining riders continued east through Six Hills and down into Hoby. Here, the five riders completing the 120km route turned for home (Andy, Josh, Mark, Paddy & Tim), leaving just Mike and Adam to continue on the full-distance challenge.
The route became quieter but no less challenging. From Twyford, we tackled the long drag up to Burrough Hill before stopping at the ever-popular Wymondham Windmill, a favourite destination among local cyclists.
Heading east, we skirted the shores of Rutland Water, one of the largest man-made lakes in Western Europe, before passing through the pretty village of Barrowden. Soon afterwards, we rode under the impressive Harringworth Viaduct. Built using approximately 30 million bricks, it is the longest traditional brick-built viaduct in the UK.
As the afternoon heat intensified, the route entered its final demanding phase. Temperatures climbed to 27°C and staying hydrated became a constant priority. We climbed out of the Welland Valley towards Stoke Dry before circling Eye Brook Reservoir and continuing through some of south-east Leicestershire's rolling countryside.
A welcome stop at Great Easton Café provided much-needed cold drinks and ice creams before the final push home. There was still plenty of climbing left to tackle, however. Nevill Holt delivered the steepest ascent of the entire ride, while the climb at Cranoe provided one last test for increasingly tired legs.
Finally, at around 7:00pm, after nearly twelve hours on the road, we rolled back into Leire having completed a memorable circuit of Leicestershire. The combination of stunning scenery, challenging climbs, quiet lanes, excellent company and exceptional weather made for a truly unforgettable ride.

Spring is in the air… so let’s Spring into Action!

You can earn a bonus donation, simply by doing your shopping with the Give as you Live scheme. Do your shopping online and help raise money for Rainbow Trust Africa 💝

Scan the QR to get yourself started!

Mike Smith and Carl Morris are doing a sponsored bike ride - 205km around Leicestershire - to raise money for Rainbow Trust Africa! 🏍️

Their story:
“On 23rd May 2026, a small group of determined cyclists will take on an epic challenge: a 205km ride around Leicestershire to raise funds for the incredible work of Rainbow Africa.

The “200km Leicester Round Ride for Rainbow Africa” is not just a long day in the saddle. The route includes over 7,000 feet of climbing, taking in some of the county’s toughest hills including Bardon Hill, Beacon Hill, and Burrough Hill. It will be a true test of endurance, determination, and teamwork.

Cycling 205 km in one day with thousands of feet of climbing will push us to our limits. There will be tired legs, steep hills, and many hours on the road.

But compared to the challenges many of the children and families supported by Rainbow Africa face every day, our ride is small. “

To read more about the challenge, and to see further details about the causes the money is being raised for, please view the Just Giving link here:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/200lrrra?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL

Donations can also be made via the link, or by scanning the QR code in the shared photos.

Every donation will help support education, care and food for those who need it most.

Best of luck to Mike and Carl!

200km Leicester Round Ride for Rainbow Africa Help Mike Smith raise money to support Rainbow Trust Africa

Give As You Live…

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From holidays and travel, to clothing and gifts, you can raise hundreds of pounds from your everyday shopping, all at no extra cost to you.

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A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the 30 Years of RTA a successful event!

We were treated to a lovely welcome reception, and a beautifully laid out for room for the dinner.
Informative and inspiring speeches by Dennis Burton and Andrew Eagle,
A live auction with some wonderful prizes,
And music by the Little Lions for everyone to dance to!

We hope you all enjoyed your night and learning more about Rainbow Trust Africa 💖

The live auction lots…
And I’m taking this one personal. Can someone please give the gorgeous hippo a very good home! We love him very much 🧡

Grade 3's ready to go home. Saying 'hi' to our Facebook friends.